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Guide to German Chocolate and Confectionary
Chocolates and Candy originating in Germany, Switzerland and Belgium are renowned globally for their premium quality and exquisite flavors. Even today, Germany is the world’s largest exporter of sweets. Prominent examples are the gummi bear, hollow Choco Santa, chocolate-covered marzipan and caramel candies. Here are the facts and history of some of Germany’s most popular and well-known chocolate and confectionery products:
The Gummi Bear was invented in 1922 near Bonn by confectioner Hans Riegel. These fruit-flavored gelatin bears gained popularity over the years and are now exported globally, including to the United States, where they first appeared in 1982. Gummi bears come in six different colors: white, green, yellow, orange, light red, and dark red. The corresponding flavors are pineapple, apple, lemon, orange, strawberry, and raspberry.
Marzipan, made from ground almonds and sugar, is another cherished confection in Germany. Its history dates back to the sixteenth century, making its way from the Middle East, via Venice, to the tables of German nobility. Initially used for medicinal purposes until the eighteenth century, marzipan became a delicacy for the wealthy by the early nineteenth century. Presently, marzipan is enjoyed both on special occasions such as Easter and Christmas, as well as throughout the year. It is available in various forms, including plain, culinary use, animal shapes like the “Good Luck Pig” (Glücksschwein), or covered in chocolate as loaves, balls, and bars.
A Mozartkugel, or Mozart Ball, is a ball-shaped, chocolate-coated confection featuring a pistachio- and almond-marzipan center surrounded by an outer layer of nougat. Invented in 1890 in Salzburg by confectioner Paul Fürst, it was named after Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Originally called Mozartbonbon, the name was later changed to Mozartkugel. Unfortunately, Fürst did not protect the name, allowing other companies to legally produce similar products using the same name. Following several legal proceedings, courts ruled that only Fürst’s company may use the name Original Salzburger Mozartkugeln. Other producers may use names such as Echte Salzburger Mozartkugeln (Genuine Salzburg Mozartkugel) and Echte Reber-Mozartkugeln (Genuine Reber Mozartkugeln). The latter has been produced by the German company Reber in Bad Reichenhall since 1938, exporting to 40 different countries and producing over 500,000 per day. Reber’s Mozart Balls are dome-shaped while Mirabell’s are perfectly round.
The Marsmallow Kiss, or Chocolate Kiss, consists of a waffle base, a foam center made from egg whites, and a chocolate covering. It is said to be of Danish origin, perfected in France and popularized in Germany. Variations include white chocolate coverings, milk chocolate, coconut, or nuts. Known by several names such as Schokoladenkuss, Schaumzapfen, Süßpropfen, or Naschkuss, Germans consume over one billion Schaumküsse annually, with the average child consuming around 100. German children also enjoy eating them squashed between two halves of a bread roll, referred to as Matschbrötchen, Klatschbrötchen, Datsch, or Schokokussbrötchen.
The Belgian confectioner Jean Neuhaus is said to have invented the technique back in 1912 to fill chocolate pralines with nuts, marzipan or liquid brandy. Swiss and German confectioners followed suit. The most famous German brandy-filled chocolate brands include Asbach, Schladerer, and Verpoorten (made by Reber), Boehme, Laroshell and Madame Pompadour (made by Halloren) and Trumpf (made by Ludwig Schokolade).
Established in 1804, Halloren is Germany’s oldest chocolate factory. Located in the historic town of Halle, this venerable institution boasts a rich tradition of confectionery mastery. The factory’s most famous product is the Halloren-Kugeln, a delightful treat inspired by the traditional uniform buttons of the “Halloren”, the city’s salt mine workers. These spherical chocolates feature a creamy filling encased in a smooth chocolate shell and come in a variety of flavors, including classic dark chocolate, cappuccino, and strawberry cream. The Halloren Chocolate Factory also houses a museum where visitors can explore the history of chocolate-making, witness the production process firsthand, and even try their hand at creating their own chocolate masterpieces.
Some of the most widely known and distributed chocolate bar brands originated in Germany and Switzerland, including Ritter Square-Shaped Chocolate (Germany), Kinder Schokolade and Kinder Surprise Eggs (invented by Ferrero but initially manufactured and launched in Germany), Milka and Lindt (both of Swiss origin)
Werther’s Original, also known as Werther’s Echte, is a classic caramel candy from Germany. Created in 1909 in the small town of Werther by Gustav Nebel, these iconic candies are made using the finest ingredients, including cream, butter, and sugar, resulting in a creamy, rich texture. Riesen Caramel date back to the 1930s in Germany. Originally introduced by Storck, these chewy caramels are coated in a thick layer of dark chocolate, creating a delightful contrast between the soft caramel center and the rich chocolate exterior.
Nestled along the picturesque Rhine River, the Cologne Chocolate Museum, known in German as the “Schokoladenmuseum Köln,” is a paradise for chocolate enthusiasts. Since its opening in October 1993, the museum has captivated visitors from around the world with its immersive exhibits, hands-on experiences, and tantalizing tastes. Located in the heart of Cologne, Germany, the museum stands as a testament to the rich history and cultural significance of chocolate in the city. The museum’s founder Hans Imhoff operated the Stollwerck and Ludwig chocolayte factories
Not surprisingly, the world’s largest chocolate, candy and snacks industry trade fair is also taking place in Cologne. It’s an annual must-visit event for professionals and sweets enthusiasts alike. Held annually at the Koeln Messe exhibition center, with it’s unique 1929 “Rheinhallen” brownstone architecture, The “Internationale Süsswaren Messe” (ISM) showcases the latest trends, innovations, and products in the world of confectionery and snacks. Close to 40,000 visitors from all over the globe gather to network with over 1,400 exhibitors, exchange ideas, and discover new flavors and technologies that drive the sweets industry forward.
Gummi Bears (Gummibären)
Liquor Pralines: (Gefüllte Pralinen)
