Food, beverages and shipping
Holding company for Oetker Group, which has interests in food, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, hotels, shipping and banking/insurance. Founded in Germany in 1891. Now in its 4th generation of family ownership.
Company Assessment
(Last updated Jan 2026)
Praise
Criticism
Information
Dr. August Oetker KG
Praise
Criticism
Information
3.1% in Nature Benchmark
The 2026 Nature Benchmark assessed 750 companies from high-impact industries on their efforts to advance a nature-positive future by cutting damaging practices across their operations and supply chains, and by actively restoring and improving ecosystems. Companies are assessed across four measurement areas: Governance, Planet, People and Core social indicators. This company received a score of 3.1/100. The average score was 17.3 and the highest score was 56.4.
4.8/100 in Food and Agriculture Benchmark
The 2026 Food and Agriculture Benchmark assessed 350 companies from the food and agriculture value chain on their contributions to healthy, sustainable, and inclusive food systems. Companies are assessed across four measurement areas: Healthy food systems, Sustainable food systems, Inclusive food systems and Governance. This company received a score of 4.8/100. The average score was 15.5 and the highest score was 61.2.
23.6% in Forest 500 Rankings
Forest 500 identifies and annually assesses the 500 companies and 150 financial institutions most exposed to deforestation risk in their supply chains and investments on the strength and implementation of their commitments on deforestation and human rights. This company received a score of 23.6%.
Source: Forest 500
(2024)
13% in Gender Benchmark
In 2023 and 2024, the World Benchmarking Alliance assessed 2,000 companies on their efforts to drive gender equality and women's empowerment across their entire value chain. Companies are assessed on governance and strategy, representation, compensation and benefits, health and well-being, and violence and harassment. This company scored 13 out of 100. The average score was 15.3 and the highest score was 51.
15.3% in Social Benchmark
The 2026 Social Benchmark assessed the world's 2,000 most influential companies on their responsibility in meeting society's fundamental expectations towards three measurement areas: respecting human rights, providing decent work, and acting ethically. This company received a score of 15.3/100. The average score was 20 and the highest score was 75.
Price fixing in Germany
In 2014 Germany's antitrust authority fined a group of brewers 231.2 million euros for allegedly fixing the price of beer. Germany's largest brewing consortium, Dr Oetker subsidiary Radeberger received the largest fine, 160 million euros.
Source: news article
(2014)
Fined for worker injury
In 2017 this company was fined £333,000 after a forklift truck collided with a visiting driver. The company failed to adequately identify risks and implement adequate controls at the site, or to communicate such to visiting drivers.
Source: news article
(2017)
Fined for 'anti-competitive' behaviour
In March 2011 Kraft Foods, Unilever and Dr. Oetker were fined US$53.2m for illegally sharing 'competition-relevant information' by German competition authorities. [Listed under Information due to age of court finding]
Source: Australian Food News
(2011)
Good Egg Award 2009 (UK)
Compassion in World Farming is a UK-based organisation which works with the European food industry to encourage and reward commitment, transparency, performance and innovation in the field of animal welfare. The company was awarded their Good Egg Award in 2009 for having switched to eggs from barn systems only.
Palm oil scorecard - WWF
The 2024 WWF Palm Oil Buyers Scorecard evaluates the progress and performance of 285 major retailers and manufacturer companies, focusing on actions companies have taken to ensure their own palm oil supply chain is sustainable and free of deforestation, natural ecosystem conversion, and human rights abuse. This company is rated 'middle of the pack' with a score of 14.51 out of a possible total of 24.
Source: WWF Palm Oil Scorecard
(2024)
Palm oil rating - WAZA
The PalmOil Scan app, produced by the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), rates companies on their commitment to sourcing sustainable palm oil. Companies are scored on their use of certified sustainable palm oil (CSPO), commitment to sourcing CSPO, on-the-ground conservation action, and membership to the RSPO. Companies can earn a rating of Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor or No Commitment. This company is rated "Fair" (retrieved 4 Feb 2025).
Source: WAZA
(2025)
Alcohol - direct involvement
Directly involved in the manufacture, distribution or sale of alcohol as a core business.
Source: company website
(2020)
Company Details
Type:
Family-owned private company
Revenue:
12 billion EUR
(2015)
Employees:
30,800
(2015)
Subsidiaries:
Dr.Oetker Queen Australia Pty Ltd
Frozen pizza & home baking
Acquired Simplot's Australian and New Zealand frozen pizza business in Jan 2011, including the Papa Giuseppi's brand. Acquired Queen Fine Foods in 2015.
Queen Fine Foods Pty Ltd
Vanilla essence and food colours makers
Founded in Brisbane QLD in 1897 and acquired by family owned German company Dr Oetker in 2015.
Contact Details
Products / Brands
Dr Oetker Queen Australia
Dr. Oetker
Cake Decorating
Dr. Oetker
Yeast & Baking Agents
Papa Giuseppi's
Frozen Meals/Pizza
Ristorante
Frozen Meals/Pizza