EDEKA Ueltzhöfer has won the Regional Star 2026 in the Processing category for its whole-animal processing model, which links regional livestock farms with the retailer’s supermarket meat counters and prepared-food production.
The award was presented during the Regional Star forum in Berlin on 7 July, recognising the work of Ueltzhöfer Kuechenwerk, the retailer’s production kitchen in Heilbronn, Baden-Württemberg. The concept was honoured for creating a regional value chain centred on the rare Limpurg pasture-raised ox, from local farms through processing to supermarket shelves.
Ueltzhöfer Kuechenwerk processes the entire animal rather than focusing only on premium beef cuts. Higher-value cuts are sold through fresh meat counters, while the remaining meat and bones are used to produce products including Bolognese sauce, Maultaschen, broths and stews.
The approach allows the retailer to increase the commercial value of each animal while reducing reliance on demand for premium cuts alone. It also creates a regional supply chain connecting livestock farming, food production, product development and supermarket retailing.
According to Lebensmittel Praxis, the operation processed and marketed 70 Limpurg pasture-raised oxen during 2025, producing 34,707 retail units through the programme.
The initiative also supports farmers raising the Limpurg ox, one of Germany’s rarest native cattle breeds and the oldest surviving cattle breed from the historic Württemberg region. Expanding the commercial use of the whole animal helps create a more sustainable market for breeders while supporting the long-term preservation of the breed.
By turning a larger proportion of each animal into retail products, EDEKA Ueltzhöfer can spread value across both fresh meat and convenience categories while keeping more food processing within the Heilbronn region. The approach reflects a broader focus on regional sourcing and value-added production across Germany’s supermarket sector, where retailers continue investing in local supply chains and differentiated product ranges.
The Regional Star awards are organised annually by Lebensmittel Praxis together with Green Week Berlin to recognise projects that strengthen regional value creation in food retail. Categories include product innovation, processing, marketing and retail cooperation, with winners selected through a multi-stage judging process involving retail, agriculture and sustainability specialists.
The 2026 award places Ueltzhöfer Kuechenwerk among a growing number of supermarket operations using in-house production to connect regional sourcing with fresh counters and prepared foods. EDEKA Ueltzhöfer has not announced any expansion plans following the award, but said the existing model continues to support participating farms while strengthening cooperation across the regional value chain.
- EDEKA Südwest’s official announcement, published 27 July 2026.
- Lebensmittel Praxis, including 2025 processing and sales figures.
- Slow Food Foundation for background on the Limpurg cattle breed.
