Food security helps fuel grains and food performance growth at Bühler
Aerial view of Bühler headquarters, in Uzwil, Switzerland.
A global drive to enhance food security has lead to growth in milling solutions and grain at Bühler.
In a challenging business environment, the grains and food performed solidly. Turnover fell by 3.1% to CHF 2,204 million, while order intake was down 0.7% to CHF 2,357 million. In local currencies, turnover increased by 2.2% and order intake grew by 4.8%.
While the economic situation in China worked as a dampener in most areas, especially in the value nutrition business, grain quality & supply secured several larger orders for ship unloaders as a result of governmental efforts to improve food security.
Milling solutions, the largest business area of Bühler, benefitted from a global catch-up demand for large milling projects for grain processing, including numerous greenfield installations.
Projects were awarded to Bühler from all over the world – United States, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia, among others. Turnover growth was “remarkable” in the chocolate & coffee business area, and the consumer foods business area continued to recover both in volumes and profitability.
Bühler increased its profitability in 2023 as the company benefited from many opportunities and gained market share from transitions in its key markets. In local currencies, turnover grew strongly, and orders improved slightly.
With a high order book of CHF 2.0 billion, Bühler says it is well positioned for 2024.
“We are satisfied with the outcome of 2023 and have proved again that we are a reliable partner in this dynamic world,” says Bühler CEO Stefan Scheiber.
Services continued to be a key strategic pillar in 2023, as they are the fastest lever to improve the productivity and consequently also the sustainability of Bühler customers’ operations, by minimising energy, waste, and water. Bühler’s customer service business grew by 1.2% amounting to CHF 966 million, representing a 32% share of group turnover.
While the economic environment differed strongly across key markets, Bühler says its “balanced geographical footprint” allowed the company to benefit from market expansions and offset lower business volumes in other markets.
Expenses for R&D remained at a high level at CHF 140 million (4.7% of turnover) and around 50 new customer solutions were launched.
“We see profitable growth as a prerequisite for creating positive impact for a better world. This conviction guides our investments in the future development of our company, into innovative products and services, as well as in the development, education, and training of people,” says Stefan Scheiber.
Bühler has committed to having customer solutions ready to multiply by 2025 that reduce energy, waste, and water by 50% in the value chains of customers.
