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Billionaire Profile
Josef Boquoi & family
Global Rank
#2607

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Josef Boquoi & family

CEO, bofrost
DE
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.4B
As of December 2025
Age
91
Source
Frozen foods
Industry
food-beverage
Citizenship
DE

Biography

Josef Boquoi is a German entrepreneur and the founder of bofrost, a leading direct seller of frozen food in Europe. Born in 1934, Boquoi transformed his family's coffee and grain-roasting business into a frozen food empire, introducing innovative products and a direct-to-consumer delivery model. With an estimated net worth of $1.4 billion, Boquoi's career has been marked by his entrepreneurial spirit and ability to adapt to market trends. His company, bofrost, has over 11,000 employees and generates approximately $1.4 billion in revenue, offering a wide array of products tailored to regional tastes. Boquoi's story is one of consistent growth and an unwavering commitment to quality and direct customer service.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Josef Boquoi was born in 1934. He completed a commercial apprenticeship and attended a business school in Hamburg. In 1957, he took over his father's small coffee and grain-roasting business in Issum.

Rise to Success

In 1966, Boquoi founded bofrost, a direct-sales company specializing in frozen foods. The company started with ice cream and expanded into a wide variety of frozen products. In 1969, bofrost's refrigerated vans began delivering directly to households. Boquoi utilized franchising to accelerate the company's growth in the 1970s. Bofrost expanded into 13 European countries, growing to over 6,000 employees in Germany, and generating a revenue of €1.3 billion.

Key Business Strategies

Bofrost's success is attributed to its direct-to-consumer model and focus on high-quality, additive-free products. The company offers a wide range of frozen meals, fish, vegetables, and other items tailored to local tastes. Bofrost is known for its extensive product offerings, direct delivery, and commitment to customer satisfaction. The company also tailors its delivery methods to suit regional needs, such as boat deliveries in Venice.

Philanthropy

Josef Boquoi established the bofrost*Familienstiftung in 2013, focusing on charitable activities. The family's philanthropic efforts are centered around supporting social causes.

Career Milestones

1957

Took over family business

Josef Boquoi took over his father's small coffee and grain-roasting business.

1966

Founded bofrost

Boquoi founded bofrost, a direct sales company specializing in frozen foods.

1969

Introduced Refrigerated Vans

Bofrost's refrigerated vans began direct delivery to customers.

2013

Retired from bofrost Familienstiftung

Josef Boquoi gave up the management of the bofrost*Familienstiftung.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Social Causes

bofrost*Familienstiftung

Undisclosed

Focusing on charitable activities

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"Extremely private and never grants interviews."

Controversies & Challenges

2011

Dispute with Manager Magazine

Boquoi sued Manager Magazine for including him on its list of richest Germans, but the court dismissed the claim.