40 Years of DIL: The German Institute of Food Technology Celebrates Its Anniversary in Quakenbrück

Quakenbrück. On Friday, May 22, 2026, the DIL (German Institute for Food Technology) celebrated its 40th anniversary with a program featuring opening remarks, technical presentations, project showcases, and a trade exhibition. The event, held on the institute’s campus in Quakenbrück, focused on four decades of applied research, technology transfer, and initiatives to foster a sustainable food industry. In their speeches, various DIL pioneers from the worlds of politics, business, science, and society highlighted the institution’s role in the region and for the entire food industry.

A particular highlight was the speech by Lower Saxony’s Minister President Olaf Lies: “For 40 years, the DIL has been a key driver of innovation for the food industry in Lower Saxony. It combines scientific excellence with practical application and demonstrates how transformation can be achieved in concrete terms. Especially with an eye toward the future, it is a great asset for Lower Saxony to be able to rely on such a strong, innovative, and dependable institute that works on practical solutions for safe, sustainable, and economically viable food production.”

Following the various speeches, which were moderated by WDR host Jessica Bloem, the approximately 300 visitors were also able to get their own overview of the DIL’s work. At booths set up throughout the venue, institute staff and partners presented a wide variety of current research projects, once again demonstrating the broad scope of the scientific work being conducted here.

Dr. Volker Heinz, director of the DIL, expressed his delight at the large number of guests and the high level of interest. This is not something to be taken for granted, nor is the DIL’s 40th anniversary: “An institute like this in a rural area, in a small town like Quakenbrück—many people had their doubts in the early years about whether it could succeed,” Heinz acknowledges. In the meantime, however, the German Institute for Food Technology has developed into an internationally recognized partner for research, development, and technology transfer that is in high demand for key topics in food science.

“We owe this development to many dedicated employees, members, partners, and political supporters—as well as to some who ask tough but constructive questions,” emphasized the institute’s director. He also expressly thanked Olaf Lies not only for attending the anniversary celebration but also for his tremendous support over the past years as Minister-President and, prior to that, as a minister. However, while the 40th anniversary is certainly a reason to celebrate, it is no reason to rest on our laurels, Heinz noted. “The challenges facing the food industry are becoming more complex and dynamic. This makes it all the more important to make food systems more resilient and to develop new technological solutions that can ensure food supply even in times of crisis. Our institute will continue to work on solutions for this.”