Stefan Fak
Stefan Fak | |
|---|---|
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| Born | Stefan Fak 1972 (age 53–54) |
| Education | Vienna University of Economics and Business (BS) |
| Occupation | Business Consultant |
Stefan Fak is an Austrian businessperson who is the founder of Lotao.[1][2][3] He also hosts the Food Fak(t) podcast.[4]
Biography
Stefan Fak was born in Vienna, Austria, in 1972.[5][6] He studied economics, which led to his initial career in the telecommunications industry.[5] After completing his education, Fak joined an Austrian mobile phone operator, where he worked in the information technology department for a year.[5] His interest in innovation and organizational improvement later led him to a position in organizational development at the Vienna University of Economics and Business, where he worked directly under the rector. Later, he joined the Austrian Tourism Association.[5]
In 2009, Fak left his position as the head of the Austrian Tourism Association in Germany to pursue social projects in Asia.[7][8] He developed an interest in rice during his visit to the Mekong Delta region.[7][9] Subsequently, Fak established a rice farmers' cooperative in Indonesia and imported an organic rice blend, despite facing initial regulatory challenges.[7]
Later, Fak expanded his business, found different rice varieties from India and China. He collaborated with a rice expert from the University of Hawaiʻi to refine a green rice product using organic bamboo leaf tea.[7] In 2010, Fak founded Lotao, a company based in Germany that sells these specialized rice varieties.[7][10][8] He has been described as a risolier, which means a rice expert.[8][11][12]
In 2017, Fak worked with DEG to launch a development aid project focused on jackfruit, which led to the production of plant-based ready meals.[13]
In October 2025, Fak stepped down as managing director of Lotao after 16 years in the role. After leaving the company, he began working as a business consultant [14][15]
References
- ^ Schuh, von Karin (January 16, 2019). "Stefan Fak: Vom Reiskorn geküsst". Die Presse.
- ^ "Risolier Stefan Fak über die Faszination des Reises". Kurier. April 18, 2019.
- ^ Phạm, Khuê (April 9, 2023). "Reis: Reis, Reis, Baby!" – via Die Zeit.
- ^ Mediengruppe, FUNKE (April 18, 2024). "Ernährung neu definiert: Im Podcast Food Fak(t) beleuchtet Stefan Fak mit der parlamentarischen Staatssekretärin für Landwirtschaft und Ernährung, Ophelia Nick, die neue Ernährungsstrategie der Bundesregierung". Braunschweiger Zeitung.
- ^ a b c d "Lotao: about Lotao's Risolier and founder". July 18, 2024.
- ^ Töpper, Verena (June 18, 2020). ""Ich bin Opfer meiner eigenen Neugier"" – via Der Spiegel.
- ^ a b c d e Gerlach, Hans (December 7, 2011). "Der »Risolier« Stefan Fak im Porträt". SZ Magazin.
- ^ a b c Maas, Marie-Charlotte (November 23, 2011). "Von Beruf Risolier: Verbeugung vor dem Reiskorn" – via Der Spiegel.
- ^ "BERLIN, aber oho: Lotao" – via Tagesspiegel.
- ^ "LoTao: Hochwertigster Reis aus deutscher Hauptstadt". Kurier. August 5, 2012.
- ^ "Der Risolier - WELT". Die Welt. April 30, 2011.
- ^ "Waschen muss nicht immer sein". Deutschlandfunk Nova. September 24, 2020.
- ^ "Lotao: "Wir wollten eine umweltfreundliche und sozial verantwortliche Lieferkette für die Produktion von bio-zertifizieren Jackfruits in Indien aufbauen" - vegconomist: Das vegane Wirtschaftsmagazin". November 26, 2020.
- ^ "Food Fak(t) Podcast: Im Gespräch mit Professorin Monika Röntgen zum Thema "kultiviertes Fleisch"". vegconomist (in German). 2024-01-12. Retrieved 2026-02-27.
- ^ Mediengruppe, FUNKE (2024-04-18). "Ernährung neu definiert: Im Podcast Food Fak(t) beleuchtet Stefan Fak mit der parlamentarischen Staatssekretärin für Landwirtschaft und Ernährung, Ophelia Nick, die neue Ernährungsstrategie der Bundesregierung". Braunschweiger Zeitung (in German). Retrieved 2026-02-27.