our story

Our Story

Over Berkel Snijmachines

For over a century, Berkel has stood for perfection, reliability, innovation and sustainability. Values that are proudly passed on and to which no concessions are made. Because Berkel is not just a trademark, it is a lifestyle, a story, a passion! We are committed to elegance and quality. Berkel is love for everything that is beautiful and unique. Our pursuit of perfection translates into the greatest possible attention to detail, which is only possible thanks to our completely artisanal production process.

1898 – The genius intuition

The history of the Berkel brand began in 1898 when Dutchman Wilhelmus Van Berkel invented a revolutionary slicing machine that could mechanically reproduce "the perfect slice". His genius insight led to the creation of the world's first slicing machine and the birth of an icon.

1898 – Birth of a myth

On October 12, 1898, Van Berkel established his first factory in Rotterdam. A year later, Van Berkel's Patent Company Ltd had produced 84 cutting machines. The success spread worldwide.

1924 – Berkel in Italy

The story of Berkel in Italy begins in 1924 in Milan. In a few years the company grew enormously and rose again after the war as a strong brand during the 'miracolo economico'.