UNOX, a global leader in the design, manufacturing and marketing of commercial ovens for the foodservice, retail, pastry and bakery sectors, has acquired 100% of the share capital of Roboqbo Srl, the leading Italian designer and manufacturer of integrated food and cosmetics processing systems.
The transaction enables UNOX to further strengthen its product offering by integrating advanced robotic and process-automation technologies into its established portfolio of intelligent multifunctional ovens. As automation continues to grow across the GCC market, these systems expand the scope of what can be automated in a professional kitchen by managing cooking and preparation processes that cannot be performed inside an oven. The deal reinforces the Group’s long-term objective: building a complete ecosystem of technologies for fully automated kitchen operations.
Founded in 1978 in Bentivoglio (Bologna, Italy), Roboqbo has become a recognised player in the engineering and production of automation solutions for the food and cosmetics industries, with a strong focus on R&D. In 2024, the company posted revenues of approximately €17 million and employs around 120 people.
Qbo Universal Processing System, Roboqbo’s flagship solution, is a multifunctional all-in-one processing unit designed to transform production workflows in professional kitchens and pastry labs. A single machine can perform multiple processes traditionally requiring separate equipment—mixers, cutters, meat grinders, pasteurisers and cooking vessels—delivering higher efficiency, improved precision, greater safety and consistent repeatability.
UNOX distributes its products in more than 110 countries and operates with direct offices and subsidiaries in 44 markets. In the GCC, the company supports and supplies customers across the whole region, through its regional state-of-the-art Experience Centre in Dubai, UAE and its soon to open Experience Centre in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Dubai Experience Centre, which spans 4,699 sqft acts as the main hub for the entire GCC supporting distribution, customer engagement and training. With the Riyadh Experience Centre set to open soon, UNOX will further strengthen its reach across the region and create an additional platform to showcase Roboqbo’s technologies while supporting chefs, operators and consultants across the GCC. This expansion complements the wider commercial synergies and cross-selling opportunities that the acquisition is expected to unlock globally.
“This acquisition strengthens our long-term commitment to the Gulf region. The integration of Roboqbo’s technology will allow us to support customers not only with advanced equipment but with deeper operational guidance and training.” said Matt Roberts, Regional Sales Director Unox MEA, China & Korea “Our Experience Centres in Dubai and Riyadh will play an important role in helping chefs, operators and consultants understand how these systems can elevate their production models and unlock new menu possibilities. This is an important step in shaping the future of professional kitchens across the GCC.”
Roboqbo will retain its headquarters and operations in Bentivoglio (Bologna), at the heart of Italy’s Food Valley, continuing to develop and manufacture the solutions that have made the company a benchmark in its field.
The acquisition comes at a time of profound transformation in the foodservice industry within the GCC, especially the UAE & KSA as they are two of the fastest growing hospitality and food service markets. With the rise of automated kitchens in both markets and the need for consistent quality standards, this integration of Roboqbo’s processing systems will significantly enhance efficiency in central kitchens, QSRs, bakery production lines, and large scale catering operations. The combination of intelligent ovens and next-generation multifunctional processing robots provides a technologically advanced response: smart, versatile systems that automate preparation and cooking workflows while ensuring repeatability, productivity and ease of use. With integrated automatic cleaning features, simplified maintenance and pre-set cooking programs, these solutions enhance operational efficiency even when staffing levels are low.
Through this acquisition, UNOX aims to build a new ecosystem of customisable, automated tools that expand cooking capabilities and offer concrete support to foodservice professionals navigating global market trends.
