Stollwerck Chocolate

Stollwerck is one of the most storied names in German chocolate making, with a history dating back to 1839. Founded by Franz Stollwerck in Cologne, the brand initially gained fame for its cough drops and later diversified into high-quality marzipan, chocolate, and cocoa. By the turn of the 20th century, Stollwerck was an international powerhouse, operating several factories across Europe and the United States, and was a pioneer in the use of chocolate vending machines.

The company's leadership transitioned through several hands in the modern era. After being rescued by Deutsche Bank in the 1930s and later led by Hans Imhoff, who revitalized the brand in the 1970s, it eventually became part of the Barry Callebaut group in 2002. Since 2011, Stollwerck has been owned by the Belgian confectionery specialist Baronie Group. Today, while management operations have moved from its ancestral home in Cologne to Norderstedt, the brand remains a symbol of German confectionery tradition under the ownership of its Belgian parent company.