Birkenstock makes its footwear mainly in its own German factories, with production elsewhere in the EU; the publicly listed company has L Catterton-affiliated controlling ownership. [1][2][3]

Who makes Birkenstock?

Owner
Birkenstock Holding plc is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Its FY2025 report identifies L Catterton and affiliates as its principal shareholder; an investment connection to Bernard Arnault is not the same as direct LVMH ownership. [1]
Made by
Birkenstock uses a vertically integrated operation. Its September 2025 investor presentation distinguishes German factories from its Portuguese operation and says footbed production remains in Germany. [3]
Made in
Pasewalk, Germany began operating in September 2023. The 2025 presentation identifies six German factories and one in Portugal; these are production sites, not just design offices. [2][3]

Last checked · 3 sources · English source review

Birkenstock supply chain map

Select a node to inspect its role and evidence. Arrows show ownership or manufacturing relationships, not shipment volumes.

Brand

→ Owner

→ Manufacturer

→ Factory

Birkenstock

Birkenstock makes its footwear mainly in its own German factories, with production elsewhere in the EU; the publicly listed company has L Catterton-affiliated controlling ownership.

Evidence: [1][2][3]

Text version of the map

  • Birkenstock (Brand): Birkenstock makes its footwear mainly in its own German factories, with production elsewhere in the EU; the publicly listed company has L Catterton-affiliated controlling ownership. [1][2][3]
  • Birkenstock → L Catterton (Owner): Birkenstock Holding plc is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Its FY2025 report identifies L Catterton and affiliates as its principal shareholder; an investment connection to Bernard Arnault is not the same as direct LVMH ownership. [1]
  • L Catterton → Manufacturing and sourcing (Manufacturer): Birkenstock uses a vertically integrated operation. Its September 2025 investor presentation distinguishes German factories from its Portuguese operation and says footbed production remains in Germany. [3]
  • Manufacturing and sourcing → Pasewalk, Germany (Factory): Factory opened in September 2023. [2]

Who owns Birkenstock?

Birkenstock Holding plc is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Its FY2025 report identifies L Catterton and affiliates as its principal shareholder; an investment connection to Bernard Arnault is not the same as direct LVMH ownership. [1]

Who actually makes Birkenstock products?

Birkenstock uses a vertically integrated operation. Its September 2025 investor presentation distinguishes German factories from its Portuguese operation and says footbed production remains in Germany. [3]

Where are Birkenstock products made?

Pasewalk, Germany began operating in September 2023. The 2025 presentation identifies six German factories and one in Portugal; these are production sites, not just design offices. [2][3]

Is Birkenstock made in China or the USA?

The reviewed 2025 disclosure places footwear production in the EU, rather than China or the USA. A German footbed claim and an EU final-assembly claim describe different stages. [3]

Same factory, different label

The report describes Birkenstock’s own brand and integrated manufacturing. L Catterton’s investment does not establish a shared shoe factory with Louis Vuitton or another portfolio brand. [1][3]

Compare the sourced ownership and manufacturing guides: Louis VuittonNikeUGG bootsBrooks shoes

Ownership timeline

  1. 2021: L Catterton acquired a majority stake through affiliates. [1]
  2. 2023-09-05: The Pasewalk factory began operations. [2]
  3. 2023-10-11: Birkenstock shares began trading on the NYSE. [1]

Frequently asked questions

4 questions about this supply chain, answered from the records above.

Where are birkenstock made?

Pasewalk, Germany began operating in September 2023. The 2025 presentation identifies six German factories and one in Portugal; these are production sites, not just design offices.[2][3]

Who makes birkenstock?

Birkenstock uses a vertically integrated operation. Its September 2025 investor presentation distinguishes German factories from its Portuguese operation and says footbed production remains in Germany.[3]

Who owns birkenstock?

Birkenstock Holding plc is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Its FY2025 report identifies L Catterton and affiliates as its principal shareholder; an investment connection to Bernard Arnault is not the same as direct LVMH ownership.[1]

Are they made in China or Germany?

The reviewed 2025 disclosure places footwear production in the EU, rather than China or the USA. A German footbed claim and an EU final-assembly claim describe different stages.[3]

Sources and scope

Year-only source dates denote the report’s coverage year. Dated disclosures establish the facts described at that time. Plant output, contracts and ownership can change; this is a selected map, not a complete supplier census.

  1. [1] Birkenstock FY2025 Form 20-F — 2025 · Primary source · Reviewed 2026-10-21.

    Identifies principal shareholder, corporate structure, IPO and integrated production.

  2. [2] Birkenstock: Pasewalk factory starts operations — 2023-09-05 · Primary source · Reviewed 2026-10-21.

    Dates opening of Pasewalk and distinguishes German footbeds from final assembly.

  3. [3] Birkenstock Investor Day presentation — 2025-09-25 · Primary source · Reviewed 2026-10-21.

    Shows German and Portuguese production footprint and EU footwear manufacturing.

Unconfirmed

  • Unconfirmed: the factory making an individual pair or SKU; no shared-factory claim with LVMH brands.