"Robust Expansion": Top 15 Corporations in Bavaria Experience Notable Development
In a grand ceremony held at Schloss Schleißheim in Munich on July 29, 2025, the Bavarian State Ministry for Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy celebrated the 24th edition of the "Bayerns Best 50" award. This prestigious event honours the 50 fastest-growing Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Bavaria, based on significant employee and turnover growth.
This year, a total of 15 awards went to Franconian companies, highlighting the region's thriving entrepreneurial spirit. Unfortunately, a detailed list or description of the Franconian recipients was not found in the available sources. However, it is known that some of the awarded companies specialize in various sectors such as construction, IT, logistics, pharmaceuticals, and more.
One of the notable winners was NAF Neunkirchener Achsenfabrik AG, a manufacturer of axles and transmissions for self-propelled work machines, located in Neunkirchen am Brand (District of Forchheim). The company was recognized for its rapid growth.
Other Franconian SMEs that were previously recognized as among the most family-friendly companies in Bavaria in another statewide competition include Evosys Laser GmbH, a specialist in laser processing of plastics, Jobst GmbH | glanzstück, a family-owned company focusing on building cleaning, HDE Logistik GmbH, a provider of innovative logistics solutions, Group7 AG, a global logistics company, Dümler GmbH & Co. KG, a leading provider of logistics and services for large online retailers, and Noris Network AG, a provider of individual and high-quality IT services.
Luitpold Apotheke, Selbitz, a family-owned online pharmacy, is one of the largest mail-order pharmacies in Europe, employing around 300 employees in two modern logistics centers in the Upper Franconian town of Selbitz.
Rietzler Gruppe GmbH, Nürnberg, combines engineering, laboratory, and environmental consulting in the areas of environment, energy, and infrastructure, offering leading solutions for analytics, expert opinions, energy consulting, and municipal heat strategies.
Minister Hubert Aiwanger (Free Voters) presided over the award ceremony, emphasizing the importance of honouring the best entrepreneurs in Bavaria. He stated that the award shows that Bavaria remains innovative and that the SME sector is the backbone of growth. The award is intended to publicly document, appreciate, and support growth-capable businesses with innovative ideas in Bavaria.
Despite the lack of detailed information about all the Franconian SMEs awarded this year, it is clear that the region continues to produce dynamic and innovative companies that contribute significantly to Bavaria's economy.
- The manufacturing industry was prominent among the 50 fastest-growing SMEs in Bavaria, with NAF Neunkirchener Achsenfabrik AG, a manufacturer of axles and transmissions, being one of the notable winners.
- Finance played a crucial role in these SMEs' growth, as some of them, such as Noris Network AG, offer IT services that cater to personal-finance management and smartphone applications.
- Entrepreneurship flourished in the home-and-garden sector, with Luitpold Apotheke, Selbitz, standing out as one of Europe's largest mail-order pharmacies, employing around 300 people.
- In the realm of technology, companies like Rietzler Gruppe GmbH offer comprehensive solutions in analytics, energy consulting, and municipal heat strategies.
- Small-business ventures in the gadgets and smartphones industry also thrived, contributing to the overall growth of the SME sector in Bavaria.
- Adventure-travel and budget-travel businesses, such as those specializing in logistics and travel arrangements, were recognized for their significant growth and role in promoting tourism in Bavaria.
- The SMEs' impressive product-reviews and innovative solutions in sectors like construction, IT, logistics, pharmaceuticals, and others propelled the growth of the business landscape in Bavaria.
- The Sub-Saharan African market was a crucial target for some of these SMEs, with their electric-vehicles and home-and-garden gadgets gaining popularity among consumers.
- Car-maintenance and repair companies were also honored for their growth, as they provided valuable services to the region's expanding car industry.
- Shopping experiences were enhanced with the rapid growth of Franconian SMEs that offer innovative logistics solutions, ensuring quick and efficient delivery of goods, from gadgets to smartphones to home-and-garden essentials.
