New Leadership in Austria's Food and Beverage Industry Association

On June 12, 2025, a significant leadership change took place within the Austrian Food and Beverage Industry Association during its inaugural committee meeting. Mag. Stephan Büttner has been elected as the new chairman, succeeding KR DI Johann Marihart, who has led the association for nearly two decades. Büttner, the CEO of AGRANA and an accomplished food industry manager, will serve a five-year term.

In addition to Büttner's appointment, KR Mag. Walter Scherb from S. Spitz GmbH and Mag. Jürgen Rauch from Rauch Fruchtsäfte GmbH & Co OG were re-elected as vice-chairpersons. The committee also welcomed two new members to its executive board: Mag. Michaela Hysek-Unterweger from Unterweger Früchteküche GmbH and Mag. Gerald Hackl from VIVATIS Holding AG.

Büttner expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with his colleagues in the executive committee, emphasizing the need to strengthen the industry, particularly in light of current economic challenges. He highlighted the importance of collective efforts to enhance competitiveness for domestic food manufacturers and exporters, as approximately two-thirds of Austrian-produced food is sold abroad. Büttner underscored the necessity for reduced regulation and affordable energy and labor costs to ensure that the food and beverage sector can continue to contribute to national prosperity and job creation.

The food industry is one of Austria's largest sectors, ensuring the daily provision of safe, high-quality, and affordable food products for consumers. The approximately 200 companies in this sector employ around 27,400 individuals and generated a production volume of EUR12 billion in 2024, with exports accounting for about EUR10 billion to over 180 countries.

The association plays a vital role in supporting its members through information dissemination, advisory services, and international networking opportunities.

For further inquiries, contact:

Mag. Katharina Koßdorff
Managing Director, Food Industry Association
Tel: +43 1 712 21 21 - 14
Email: k.kossdorff@dielebensmittel.at

DI Oskar Wawschinek MAS MBA
Food Business Consult
Press Spokesperson for the Food Industry Association
Mobile: +43 664 545 63 50
Email: office@foodbusiness.at