Bühler Group reinforced its standing as a dependable partner to customers and stakeholders in 2025, leveraging its diversified portfolio, global presence, and robust supply network to expand into new markets and increase share in key segments. Despite a demanding investment environment, order intake remained stable in local currencies. Revenue declined, reflecting lower bookings in the previous year. Through disciplined cost management and efficiency improvements, the company lifted its EBIT margin to 8.0% from 7.6% a year earlier, maintaining capacity to invest in advanced customer solutions.
Amid ongoing market volatility, Bühler capitalized on regional growth opportunities and strengthened its position across core industries. “We demonstrated resilience and the ability to continuously innovate while investing in long-term growth,” said Stefan Scheiber, CEO through the end of 2025 and now Chairman of the Board. He emphasized the company’s strong global structure, dependable supply chain, and close customer relationships as key factors in navigating headwinds. He also acknowledged employees’ contributions and highlighted continued investment in talent development and lifelong learning.
At Group level, order intake in local currencies edged down 0.5%. In Swiss francs, orders declined 3.9% to CHF 2.7 billion. Turnover decreased 4.4% in local currencies, or 7.8% in Swiss francs to CHF 2.8 billion, reflecting lower prior-year bookings, project timing shifts, and delayed material deliveries in selected markets.
Targeted measures across manufacturing, logistics, and administrative functions improved productivity and utilization of the global supply chain network. As a result, EBIT margin rose to 8.0% despite lower revenue. Net liquidity increased further, supported by operational efficiency, tighter project execution, and reduced net working capital. CFO Mark Macus noted that the company’s strong balance sheet enables continued innovation, global market expansion, and enhanced lifecycle services for customers.
The Grains & Food division reported stable demand overall, gaining share in several segments. Orders declined slightly by 1.1% to CHF 2,147 million. Within the segment, Chocolate & Coffee delivered strong growth of 31.0% to CHF 325 million, while Value Nutrition rose 12.7%. Grain Quality & Supply and Consumer Foods posted declines of 7.4% and 8.8%, respectively. Milling Solutions saw a 14.3% drop from a record-high base in 2024.
Advanced Materials recorded a 15.2% decline in orders to CHF 551 million, affected by muted automotive investment, European uncertainty, and competitive pressure in China. Die Casting was most impacted, down 37.9% amid slower megacasting project rollouts. In contrast, Grinding & Dispersing grew 51.0%, driven by battery-related projects and renewed demand in inks, coatings, and food. Leybold Optics declined 8.3%.
Customer Service expanded its contribution for the third consecutive year, accounting for 38.3% of Group turnover, up from 35.4%. Long-term service agreements increased from 2,500 to over 3,000 globally, reinforcing long-term partnerships and operational performance improvements.
Regional dynamics shifted during the year. US orders fell 31% due to tariff-related uncertainty and deferred investments. Africa emerged as the largest region for Bühler’s food and feed operations for the first time, while growth in the Middle East, Africa & India partly offset slower momentum in the Americas and Asia.
In 2025, Bühler hosted its fourth Networking Days, gathering 1,000 leaders from industry, science, and policy to explore collaborative solutions in food, feed, and mobility. Assessments across 15 value chains showed that in 11 cases, existing technologies can reduce energy, waste, water use, and CO₂e emissions by at least 50%. The company also reduced its own emissions to 30% below the 2019 baseline. R&D spending reached CHF 131 million, or 4.8% of turnover, with around 60 new products introduced.
Bühler completed planned leadership transitions, ensuring continuity as an independent family-owned enterprise under its fifth generation. Stefan Scheiber was elected Chairman, succeeding Calvin Grieder. Samuel Schär assumed the role of CEO on January 1, 2026. In Grains & Food, Mike Häfeli succeeded Johannes Wick as CEO of the division.
Looking ahead, Bühler anticipates continued market volatility in 2026 but remains confident that its strategic focus, financial strength, and innovation capabilities will support sustained growth and long-term value creation.
