E. Wedel Chocolate

E. Wedel is Poland's oldest chocolate brand, with a heritage dating back to 1851 when German confectioner Karol Wedel opened a small shop in Warsaw. The brand's signature logo is derived from the actual handwriting of Emil Wedel, the founder's son, who began signing every chocolate bar in the late 19th century to guarantee authenticity against counterfeits.

Throughout the 20th century, the company became a symbol of Polish confectionery tradition. After decades of family ownership, the company was nationalized after World War II but reclaimed its name post-communism. Following the transition to a market economy, it saw various international owners, including PepsiCo and Cadbury. Since 2010, the brand has been owned by the Lotte Group, a South Korean-Japanese multi-national conglomerate. Despite this global ownership, manufacturing remains centered in Warsaw, Poland, where industrial tradition is maintained at the historic Praga district factory.