Milka Alpenmilch chocolate bar

Milka is one of the world's most recognizable chocolate brands, famous for its lilac-colored packaging and the 'Lila' Simmental cow. Originally founded in Switzerland by Philippe Suchard in 1901, the brand's name is a combination of its two primary ingredients: Milch (milk) and Kakao (cocoa).

Today, Milka is a global brand with a complex manufacturing footprint. While it maintains a strong identity as Alpine milk chocolate, it is produced in several locations across Europe, including Lörrach in Germany, Bludenz in Austria, and plants in Poland and Bulgaria. This decentralized production allows the brand to serve various European markets efficiently.

Ownership of the brand has transitioned from its original Swiss roots through various mergers. It was part of Jacobs Suchard and later Kraft Foods. Since 2012, Milka has been owned by Mondelez International, an American multi-national confectionery giant. Despite its American ownership, Milka remains deeply rooted in European chocolate traditions.