History

Company’s foundation

The company was founded on 1 July as Hermann Bahlsen (1859–1919) takes over the “Fabrikgeschäft engl. Cakes und Biscuits” company on Friesenstrasse in Hannover from H. Schmuckler and renames it “Hannoversche Cakesfabrik H. Bahlsen”.

Birth of the LEIBNIZ Cakes

Hermann Bahlsen introduces the LEIBNIZ Cakes onto the market. As it is common practice to name food products after public figures, Hermann Bahlsen names his cakes after Hanover’s well known inhabitant: Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz (1646-1716).

Gold medal at the Chicago World’s Fair.

The company employs 100 staff members. At the world exhibition in Chicago, Bahlsen receives the gold medal for the “LEIBNIZ Cakes”. The official reason stated by the jury: “Several competitors imitate the LEIBNIZ Cakes in one or another way; but only Bahlsen captures the fine taste of butter.”

Lower Saxony-Horse becomes Official Logo

The prancing Lower Saxony-Horse is registered as the company trade mark. A distribution warehouse follows the new office in Berlin in 1898. By 1914 there are innovative sample stores in every major German city.

Luminous Advertising for LEIBNIZ Cakes

Germany’s second neon sign advertisement proclaims LEIBNIZ Cakes above Potsdamer Platz in Berlin.

Next gold medal

Bahlsen is again awarded a gold medal at the Exposition Universelle in Paris for its “specialities”.

Introducing the TET-Packaging

The new dust and moisture-resistant TET packaging is introduced onto the market. The TET sign, featuring an oval with a snake and three dots deriving from an ancient Egypt hieroglyphic meaning ‘everlasting’, is originally pronounced as “dschet”, but simplified to “TET”. The TET-packaging is the first packaging made of paper-board with the ability to keep the biscuit enduringly fresh.

First Assembly Line in Europe

Besides the first punch card, Bahlsen introduces Europe's first assembly line, eight years before Henry Ford adopts it in the automotive industry.

New products

The products „NOCH EINE“ ice waffle and „ABC“ are introduced onto the market, helping the company on its upward surge.

Year of Change

Hermann Bahlsen changes the English word „cakes“ into „Keks“. Some years later, the new term is officially approved and incorporated in the German Duden [dictionary]. The company moves into the new factory building in Lister Straße and the new headquarters in Podbielskistraße. Pictures, sculptures, and ornaments create a pleasant working environment. Several social institutions arise.

From Cakesfabrik to Keksfabrik

The company is renamed “H. BAHLSENs Keksfabrik”. Twelve million “TET packages” are sold. The in-house employee newspaper “LEIBNIZ BUTTERBLÄTTER” is published for the first time.

Model of the TET-City

The model for a large factory including residences in Hannover, the so-called “TET City”, is presented. The further course of the war prohibits the implementation of the plans made by Bernhard Hoetger.

Shortage of Raw Materials by the End of the War

By the end of the war the lack of raw materials almost completely disrupts production. Only one of the 25 ovens is operational.

Sorrow and Emulation

Hermann Bahlsen dies on 6 November 1919. He is succeeded by three of his four sons; 1919 Hans Bahlsen (1901–1959), 1922 Werner Bahlsen (1904–1985) and 1930 Klaus Bahlsen (1908–1991). Together with a young management team, the second Bahlsen generation starts restructuring and modernising the company after the economic decline that had resulted from inflation and the Great Depression.

Bahlsen during the Nazi time

During the Nazi time, Bahlsen did take advantage of the economic opportunities offered by National Socialism. The Bahlsen brothers, all of whom were Nazi party members, did not act as top representatives of the NSDAP, but they were in contact with NSDAP functionaries. At times, they supported the SS finacially.

The Second World War

The Second World War breaks out two months after Bahlsen celebrates its 50th anniversary. Food products are rationed and raw materials are short. Biscuits are only sold against bread stamps. Many employees are conscripted into the German army. The technical office must discontinue its research and development work. The assortment of products is reduced to eleven products while emergency rations for the army and crisp bread are added.

Resumption of business after the end of the war

At the end of the war, 60 percent of the factory and almost all the distribution centres had been destroyed. As Bahlsen was considered an indispensable food producer, the company received a production licence already in April 1945.

High Quality Standards

In order to ensure high quality standards, Bahlsen establishes its own physical and chemical laboratories. Furthermore, Bahlsen is one of the first German companies to be issued an export licence. The first foreign shipment goes to Switzerland.

Export to the USA

Under the direction of Werner Bahlsen the company starts exporting products to the USA.

First “stiff thermoplastic package”

Hermann Bahlsen (1927–2014), the son of Hans Bahlsen, joins the company, opening up the era of the third generation. At the same time Bahlsen introduces the first air-tight and waterproof package, the so-called “stiff thermoplastic package” – a welded aluminium foil – onto the market, setting new standards regarding freshness and extended shelf-life. By now Bahlsen is exporting to 74 countries.

Opening of plant in Barsinghausen

The Barsinghausen plant, the Europe’s most modern production site, is inaugurated.

Bahlsen becomes International

Foundation of the first Bahlsen sales companies in France and Italy. Austria and other countries follow.

Opening of plant in Varel

Productions begins at the Varel plant in Friesland.

Beginning of the Snack Business

Bahlsen introduces Peanut Flips onto the German market and expands its snack assortment in a cooperation with the Flessner Company in Neu-Isenburg.

Bahlsen bakes Cakes

Bahlsen enters the cake business by taking over the Brokat Bakery in Oldenburg. By now Bahlsen employs 7,000 staff members in total.

Opening of plant in Berlin

The Berlin production plant goes into operation. Bahlsen of North America is founded as well as the affiliated companies in Luxembourg and the Netherlands.

Foundation of „Bahlsen Belgium“

With four employees, the distribution company in Belgium is founded. Initially, the company focusses on Brussels as the main area of distribution. Later on the distribution expands with country wide delivery.

Further Company Foundations

Bahlsen Spain and Bahlsen UK are founded.

New administration centre

The new administrative centre in Hannover is opened at the site where TET City was originally supposed to be built.

The Third Generation: Werner M. Bahlsen joins the company

Werner M. Bahlsen, Werner Bahlsen’s youngest son, joins the company. His brother Lorenz Bahlsen already joined in 1973.

Production in the USA

Production in the United States begins with the acquisition of Austin Quality Foods in North Carolina. Bahlsen employs approximately 11,200 members of staff.

Outsourcing of the Production

Due to shortage of space, production in the headquarters in Hannover, the oldest factory of the company, is outsourced to plant in Barsinghausen.

100 years of Bahlsen

Bahlsen celebrates its 100th Birthday.

New Distribution Warehouse

The new distribution warehouse in Langenhagen, near Hanover, comes into service. More than 100 employees ensue smooth-running logistics. Furthermore, Bahlsen acquires the Polish company “Unimarex”. At a later date, the company is renamed to “Poznan”.

Bahlsen expands to Poland

Bahlsen acquires the Skawina food company in Poland with its approximately 1,100 employees.

Acquisition of a Traditional Company

Acquisition of St. Michel (France) - a biscuit producing family enterprise with more than 90 years standing. St. Michel continues to be the national brand for Breton biscuits and cakes.

New Name and Acquisition

The “H. Bahlsens Keksfabrik KG” changes its name to “Bahlsen KG”. Acquisition of shares from the Brandt Company as well as from the Gottena subsidiary.

Redirection of the Company

Hermann Bahlsen leaves the company and takes over all shares of the former subsidiary “Austin Quality Foods“, Cary /North Carolina.

Introducing PiCK UP!

Bahlsen launches PiCK UP! in Germany, Austria and France, successfully entering the snack bar market.

The Origin of Three New Incorporations

The company is split off into the “sweet” (Bahlsen) and “snack” (Lorenz) segments and the Von Nordeck Group.

Bahlsen faces up to its moral responsibility

Bahlsen joins the “Foundation Initiative for the Compensation of Former Enforced Labourers during the Second World War”.

Old Head-Office as New Headquarters

The original headquarters in Podbielskistraße 11 once again becomes the new headquarters. Extensive reconstruction turns the traditional building - that is under a preservation order - into a modern office building.

Cakes from Varel

Bahlsen relocates cake production from its factory in Oldenburg to the nearby production plant in Varel. The newly integrated production facility for cakes enables innovation in technology.

Plant in Barsinghausen wins “Factory of the Year” prize

After wide-ranging modernisation work, the Barsinghausen plant is awarded the “Factory of the Year” prize. The “Factory of the Year” is an annual benchmarking event known as the toughest benchmarking test for manufacturing companies throughout Europe.

Robbery of the Golden Biscuit

Unknown thieves steal the Golden Biscuit from the Pretzel Men sculpture on the façade of the company's headquarters in Hannover, attracting the attention of newspapers and television stations around the world.

Celebrating of the company’s 125th birthday

On 1 July 2014 Bahlsen becomes 125 years old. In October 2014, the anniversary is celebrated officially. For the first time in the history of the company, all 2,500 employees from around the world are invited to Hannover.

125 years of LEIBNIZ butter biscuits

LEIBNIZ butter biscuits celebrates its 125th anniversary – one of the world’s oldest branded products.

Investment in Rawbite

The international Bahlsen Group has acquired a majority of Rawbite ApS, the Danish organic food brand and producer of organic fruit and nut bars.

Werner M. Bahlsen withdraws from the Management Board to join the Governance Board

Werner M. Bahlsen withdraws from the Manage­ment Board to head the newly founded Governance Board of the Bahlsen Group. The members of the Manage­ment Board lead jointly future company oper­a­tions. For the first time in recent Bahlsen history, no member of the Bahlsen family is on the Manage­ment Board. The Governance Board is respon­sible for the long-term strategic alignment of the Bahlsen Group.

Bahlsen Group enters into a partnership with food start-up incubator KITCHENTOWN

Bahlsen cooperates with the food start-up incubator KITCHENTOWN from Silicon Valley. KITCHENTOWN provides start-ups with production areas with various technical facilities for the development of products. In cooperation with Bahlsen, the business model is now to be established in Berlin. www.kitchentown.de

Bahlsen works on the role of the company at the time of National Socialism　

In 2019 Bahlsen assigns historian Professor Dr. Manfred Grieger to examine an independent review of the company's history. The investigation is to be completed by mid 2023 and a final report will be available.　

Generational Change

Werner M. Bahlsen hands over the company to the next generation. Johannes and Andreas Bahlsen become members of the Governance Board, Verena Bahlsen represents the fourth generation in the company as active shareholder. She leaves the company at the end of 2022 to pursue her own projects.

Bahlsen brand with new logo and design

The Bahlsen brand is changing the design of its packaging as part of a global relaunch. The new look puts the brand at the center of attention and anchors it more firmly in design again: modern, classic and unmistakable. Design elements that have made Bahlsen famous are used: the blue lettering and the TET logo.

LEIBNIZ is shining with brand relaunch

The traditional brand proudly presents itself in a new design. Along with this, LEIBNIZ is integrating Nutri Scores in many countries for the first time. It can be seen on all LEIBNIZ products. At the same time, LEIBNIZ is launching "Fruits", a product with Nutri Score A, on the market.

PiCK UP! with a new logo and design

Our favorite bar gets a global relaunch to shine in it's a new design and packaging. PiCK UP! now shines in different colors. The packaging is a folding box that is 100 percent recyclable. This saves on plastic.

30 years of Bahlsen Polska

The Polish subsidiary celebrates its 30th anniversary. In 1993, Bahlsen took over a food combine in Skawina near Krakow. In the years that followed, the company, which also has its own production site, was continuously expanded.

The book "The History of the House of Bahlsen" is published

In 2019, following public criticism, Bahlsen commissioned the historian Prof. Dr Manfred Grieger to conduct an independent academic study on the company's role during the Nazi time. The academic research by the team of authors, which was expanded to include Prof. Dr Hartmut Berghoff, took more than four years. The result is a company history that covers the time period from before the First World War and extends to the early Federal Republic of Germany. The book is presented to the public in August 2024.

Here is a brief summary of the authors' findings and a personal statement from the family.