The aim of the Association is to promote awareness, and support the common interests of the member companies in the economic and technical arena, as well as advise the members on various issues pertaining to the industry.

The purpose of the Federal Association is not directed towards economic business activities. The Association is non-political.

The member companies are all involved in a competitive environment. This reflects the important focus on new innovations in technology, productivity, service and profitability as well as design. R&D and environmental issues.

With the associations and technical committees of the nationwide institutions, the BKR supports the requirements of consumers and establishment of standards in cooperation with controlling bodies e.g. DIN, VDI, VDE, DKE, TÜV, and trade associations.

Topics that the Federal Association are involved in, and attend to, among others are:

• The prevention of trade barriers within the European Union.
  
• Trade show arrangements (advisory council activity e.g. IFFA).
  
• Co-operation with complementary industries (e.g. VDI 2595).
  
• Public works.
  
• Representation of the association with dialogue with or opposing government, ministers, authorities and other institutions regarding basic regulations for equipment involved in smoking and thermal treatment of food.
  
• Environmental issues, e.g. packaging requirements, economic distribution laws.
  
• Gathering a variety of ideas to improve quality.
  
• Information on laws and regulations.
  
• Appointment of orientated working groups.
  
• Representing the interests of the associations on a National, European and International level.
  
• Collating operational information for the members regarding smoking and heat treatment of food.
  

This activity relates to the active participation of the Association in "Precautionary rule for smoke units BGR 138" (previous ZH 1/216) that was elaborated by a committee of experts for the food industry.

The consequence and successfully co-operation of leading manufacturers of equipment for smoking and the cooking treatment of food relates to products, which, for decades have been setting standards of food quality, efficency and safety, worldwide.