ImperialOel – Expertise in Natural Lipids & Ingredients from Hamburg, Germany

What Defines Us

Founded in Hamburg in 1920, ImperialOel is an international B2B supplier of natural lipids and specialty ingredients, with a strong focus on lanolin, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

Our roots in the Hanseatic trading city of Hamburg have shaped the way we do business. Trust, reliability, respect and honorable commerce – values traditionally symbolized by the Hanseatic handshake – remain at the heart of ImperialOel today.

Our Business Principles

Trust, integrity and long-term partnerships
Reliable products backed by specialized expertise
Responsible and transparent supply chains
Personal service from an experienced team

Facts & Figures

Company Profile

Founded: 1920 in Hamburg, Germany
Headquarters: Hamburg, Germany
Ownership: Part of IOI Oleo GmbH, operating independently
Managing Director: Juliane Sassmannshausen
Employees: Approx. 20

Business & Markets

Product Range & Brands: Lanolin and lanolin derivatives (LanisLanolin), omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (MarisOmega), natural lipids and oleochemical specialties (Specialties)
Core Competencies: Specialized ingredient sourcing and supply, technical and regulatory expertise, and contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) for liquid omega-3 oils
Industries & Applications: Infant nutrition, dietary supplements, cosmetics and personal care, pharmaceuticals, and selected industrial applications
Main Markets: EU, Eastern Europe, Middle East, Asia
Warehousing: Hamburg, Cuxhaven, Neuss (Germany), Rotterdam (Netherlands)
Industry Memberships: DGF, Food Federation Germany, GOED, NEM e.V., VDC

Company Details

Legal Name: Imperial-Oel-Import Handelsgesellschaft mbH
Office Address: Bergstrasse 11, 20095 Hamburg, Germany
Commercial Register: Amtsgericht Hamburg, HRB 34469
VAT ID: DE118572971

History

| 1920

Imperial-Oel-Import was founded in Hamburg in 1920 by brothers Joachim and Hans Kuers. The company initially focused on importing and supplying mineral oil-based ingredients and natural oleochemicals to the chemical industry.

| 1975

Former sales manager Wolfgang Kromer took over ImperialOel, continuing the company’s development as an international trading business.

| 1980s–1990s

ImperialOel expanded its international trading activities and diversified its portfolio to include natural oils, fats, waxes, resins, and animal-derived specialties. Lanolin became a major business area, supported by long-standing supplier partnerships and growing demand from international cosmetics manufacturers.

| 2000s–2010s

Oliver Kromer became Managing Director in 2003, joined by Juliane Sassmannshausen in 2015. Together, they expanded the omega-3 business, initially supplying sardine and anchovy oils for dietary supplements and later specializing in DHA and other fatty acids for infant nutrition. A dedicated team developed extensive expertise in sourcing, supply chains, formulation, quality, and omega-3 science.

| 2020s

ImperialOel further expanded its contract manufacturing activities for liquid omega-3 oils, establishing MarisOmega as a specialized partner for ingredient supply and tailored manufacturing solutions. Collaborations with established industry partners also opened up new opportunities in plant-based fatty acids, including Ahiflower® oil.

| 2026

In July 2026, ImperialOel became part of IOI Oleo GmbH as part of a long-term succession and growth solution. Juliane Sassmannshausen continues as Managing Director, while Oliver Kromer remains involved in development projects in an advisory capacity. ImperialOel continues to operate independently with its established identity, team, and business areas, including LanisLanolin, MarisOmega, and Specialties.