Katjes confectionery

Katjes is a prominent German confectionery brand that traces its roots back to 1910 when Xaver Fassin brought a traditional licorice recipe from Sicily to Germany. The brand was officially established in 1950 by his son, Klaus Fassin, in Emmerich am Rhein, where the company's headquarters remain today. The name 'Katjes' is the Dutch word for 'little kittens,' reflecting the shape of its original licorice products.

Historically, Katjes has positioned itself as a pioneer in the industry by focusing on natural ingredients and sustainability. In 1988, they began using only natural colors and flavors, and by 2016, the entire Katjes brand portfolio became 100% vegetarian, eliminating animal gelatin. All Katjes-branded products are manufactured locally in Germany across three specialized climate-neutral sites: Emmerich (fruit gums and licorice), Remshalden (sherbet products), and Potsdam-Babelsberg (hard-boiled candies).

The brand is the flagship of the Katjes Group, which remains a privately held family business. As of 2026, the company continues to be led by Bastian Fassin (the founder's son) and Tobias Bachmüller. Through its investment arm, Katjes International, the group has expanded significantly, acquiring various European brands such as Sperlari in Italy and Candy Kittens in the UK, while maintaining its core Katjes brand as a leader in plant-based confectionery.