FOSS was founded in 1956 as N. Foss Electric A/S by Nils Foss. The business idea was to automate otherwise time-consuming analytical methods and thereby offer a fast and cost efficient method of analysis – a principle that still holds true today.

The first instruments were developed to test moisture in grain. These were followed by analytical solutions for the dairy industry – a major business area for FOSS alongside a growing range of other application areas, including the analysis of meat, edible oils and wine.

In 1997, FOSS acquired Perstorp Analytical AB, which included TecatorAB and NIRSystems Inc. This added substantial strength in reference analysis methods and in grain, flour, feed, beer and pharmaceutical segments. The merger positioned FOSS as a leader in analytical solutions within the food, agriculture, pharmaceutical and chemical industries.