FOSS was founded in 1956 by engineer Nils Foss in Hillerød, Denmark.

Introducing the world’s first portable device for measuring moisture in grain, the Cera Tester (1956), and a series of other grain analyzers.

Export-oriented from day 1.

FOSS begins developing revolutionizing solutions for the dairy industry.

Launching the world’s first milk protein analyzer, ProMilk, based on dye-binding and the world’s first instrument for rapid milk fat analysis, Milko-tester, based on light scatter.

First sales & service subsidiary opens in Hamburg, Germany.

FOSS’ solutions are increasingly adopted by major milk-testing laboratories across Europe and Asia.

FOSS introduces automated wet chemistry. The world’s first automated protein analyzer, Kjel-Foss, the first automated fat analyzer, FossLet, and the first automated somatic cell analyzer, Fossomatic, reduces reliance on manual testing and paves the way for modern analysis. MilkoScan is the first infrared-based dairy analyzer.

Subsidiaries are established across four continents – in Europe (France, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Ireland), North America (New York State), Asia (Japan), and the Pacific region (Australia).

When Nils Foss returns as CEO in 1981, FOSS embarks on a decade of growth, with several new products introduced to markets worldwide.

Introducing the world’s first fully automated bacteria analyzer for raw milk, BactoScan. FOSS’ technologies become industry benchmarks.

New subsidiary in North America in Minneapolis, USA, and an office in Canada; new companies in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Spain.

FOSS strengthens its position as global market leader through the acquisition of Perstorp Analytical (incl. Tecator and NIRSystems), thereby bringing in Near-Infrared-based instruments like Infratec, setting the global standard for whole grain analysis.

Expanding into the wine industry by introducing the world’s first fast, accurate analysis for winemaking, WineScan. Introducing the first true inline milk analyzer based on FTIR, ProcesScan.

Growing global network, including Korea, and stronger presence in the Americas.

FOSS expands into meat analysis with NIR-based MeatScan. First production site outside Europe established in Suzhou, China.

Introducing the world’s first X-ray solution for inline meat analysis, MeatMaster.

Establishing direct presence in growth markets, including China, Brazil, Argentina, India, and Poland. Setting up an office in Austria.

FOSS Innovation Center opens (2014) and expands (2019). Acquisition of biotechnology innovation hub Soft Flow in Hungary.

Launching the first analyzer enabling detailed adulteration screening at village level, MilkoScreen.

Setting up offices in Sweden, Portugal, Mexico, Peru, Thailand, and Vietnam, strengthening global reach.

FOSS combines instruments, data and software to improve food quality and safety, integrating data all the way from farm to finished product. A new production facility, FOSS Production & Logistics, opens (2026), preparing for future growth.

Introducing the world’s first fully automated mycotoxin screening, MycoFoss. Launching yet another world’s first, Micral, for rapid element analysis. Releasing FOSS IQX – software solutions enhancing instrument management, food safety and supplier quality.

Further expansion with an office in Hong Kong and a subsidiary in Malaysia and Indonesia. A truly global presence with offices in 34 countries and 70+ distributors.