About us

We are a family-run business in the field of dried raw materials for the food industry. Since 1975, from our site in Waibstadt, near Heidelberg, we have been supplying many renowned and leading food producers with dried vegetables, herbs, spices, and much more. Small businesses such as market traders or spice manufacturers are also among our customers.

Our core competence lies in our high-quality onion and garlic products from California, which we have been bringing to market since the early 1980s. Our Californian onion and garlic products are now also available in organic quality. Decades of expertise and our own research centre make our onions and garlic the safest and highest-quality products available in the industry.

At the heart of California's San Joaquin Valley sits our partner, Sensient Agricultural Ingredients. This is where „from farm to fork“ is truly lived! Traceability right back to the field, sustainability in cultivation and production, and a trusted collaboration between our two companies spanning over 40 years.

Furthermore, we are pleased to be able to supply you with our sustainably and fairly produced and traded Bourbon vanilla products from Madagascar. The vanilla originates from the Sava region in northeastern Madagascar and is carefully cultivated and processed by our partners.

Various chilli products can also be produced for you – dried or smoked and with the widest range of heat levels, tailored to your needs. Tell us your wishes!

From production to processing, we have direct partnerships in the respective countries of origin, giving us immediate access to the manufacturing and quality of our products.

The team

Personal. Knowledgeable. Reliable.

Managing Director

Simon Petter

Management & Business Development
  • petter@arona.de
  • +49 (0) 72 63 – 91 42 0

Natalie Krosch née Awe

Management & Quality Management
  • natalie.krosch@arona.de
  • +49 (0) 72 63 – 91 42 0

Shareholder

Norbert W. Awe

Shareholder & President
  • info@arona.de
  • +49 (0) 72 63 – 91 42 0

Our story – 50 years of Arona

From its foundation in Epfenbach to the modern logistics centre in Waibstadt – a company grows.

2026
Currently

Management change: Sven Awe is retiring, Simon Petter becomes Managing Director. Exclusive partnership with Elchais (FR) – Introduction of the Vacu'Puff Product segments. Growth & Investment: 20 % Staffing increase and targeted expansion of international business activities

2025
milestone

Further expansion of the product portfolio and partnerships at origin. Recertification according to ISO 22000.

2010 to 2020
Portfolio

Significant expansion of the product portfolio

2007
Certification

Certification according to ISO 9001 and HACCP.

2005
Infrastructure

Vertical extension of the office building and installation of an in-house laboratory. Total: 400 m² of office and laboratory space as well as 5,000 m² of warehouse and production space

2004
Quality

Development of the ARONA quality management system through the joining of Natalie Krosch (née Awe) as a state-certified graduate food chemist.

1996 to 1999
expansion

Construction of the second and third warehouse in Waibstadt – expansion into a logistics centre.

1994
3. Generation

Entry of the third generation into the company with Sven N. Awe.

1987
Location

Relocation to Waibstadt – occupation of office and first warehouse.

Early 1980s
Partnership
Start of cooperation with Sensient Natural Ingredients (San Joaquin Valley, California) – then "Rogers Foods". Entry into dried onion and garlic products from California.
1975
Foundation
Foundation of ARONA GmbH by Willy F. M. Awe and son Norbert W. Awe – both committed to the Hanseatic merchant tradition. Initial location: Epfenbach.