UNOX Group completes full acquisition of ROBOQBO SRL
UNOX Group targets €400 Million (US$465.84M) revenue from the acquisition by 2026.
ITALY – UNOX Group, a global leader in commercial ovens for foodservice, retail, pastry, and bakery sectors, has finalized its 100% acquisition of ROBOQBO SRL, an innovative Italian designer of integrated food processing systems.
Completed in early January 2026 after the November 2025 announcement, the strategic buyout integrates ROBOQBO’s advanced robotic technologies with UNOX’s CHEFTOP and BAKERTOP intelligent ovens, creating a comprehensive ecosystem for fully automated kitchen operations.
From its Padua base, UNOX projects group revenues reaching €400 million (US$465.84M) by year-end, up from €330 million (US$384.32M) in 2024, fueled by expanded automation solutions amid labor shortages and efficiency demands in professional kitchens worldwide.
ROBOQBO, founded in 1978 and based in Bentivoglio near Bologna’s Food Valley, generated €17 million (US$19.80M) in 2024 revenues with 120 employees, specializing in multifunctional units like the Qbo Universal Processing System.
This all-in-one robotic platform replaces standalone mixers, cutters, meat grinders, pasteurizers, and cooking vessels, delivering precision, safety, and repeatability for high-volume preparation in central kitchens, QSRs, and pastry labs.
Full integration with UNOX’s oven portfolio over three years will enable seamless workflows from prep to cooking, targeting central production facilities where consistency trumps artisanal variation.
UNOX CEO Nicola Michelon emphasized transformative potential: “This acquisition leverages new technological packages, strengthening our mission for intelligent foodservice solutions. By merging ROBOQBO’s systems with our ovens, customers gain an integrated platform managing all preparation and cooking phases.”
ROBOQBO retains its headquarters and operations in Bentivoglio, benefiting from UNOX’s supply chain and R&D investments, while expanding into cosmetics processing.
Commercial synergies include merged networks across foodservice, with Dubai and forthcoming Riyadh Experience Centres showcasing combined technologies for GCC markets.
The deal arrives amid surging automation adoption in hospitality, particularly UAE and KSA’s rapid foodservice growth under Vision 2030 diversification.
UNOX’s ovens already dominate high-traffic operations; ROBOQBO’s prep robotics address upstream bottlenecks, cutting labor by 40% in trials.
Analysts forecast accelerated penetration in cloud kitchens and commissaries, where ROI from reduced waste and staffing aligns with 12% CAGR in professional kitchen equipment through 2030.
Investments prioritize R&D scaling and market development, positioning UNOX against Rational and Electrolux in automated ecosystems.
This milestone cements Italy’s engineering prowess, transforming UNOX from oven specialist to kitchen automation pioneer.
With global installations exceeding 500,000 units, the ROBOQBO integration unlocks cross-selling in North America, Asia, and the Middle East, driving €70 million (US$81.52M) incremental revenue.
As operators prioritize scalability amid talent gaps, UNOX’s end-to-end platform promises reshaped workflows, solidifying its trajectory toward €400 million (US$465.84M) dominance.
Sign up to HERE receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
