press release

Between tradition and innovation:
the Chocolate Museum, Stollwerck, and Lindt

The Chocolate Museum in Cologne is not only a place of indulgence—it is also a living testimony to the history of chocolate, which is closely linked to two of the most important names in the industry: Stollwerck and Lindt & Sprüngli.

Its roots date back to 1839, when Franz Stollwerck laid the foundation stone in Cologne for a company that would later gain worldwide significance. His five sons developed the company into an international stock corporation. And with the invention of the 5-roller mill by Heinrich Stollwerck in 1873, not only the quality but also the efficiency of chocolate production was revolutionized.

The great awakening: Hans Imhoff and the rescue of Stollwerck
In 1972, Cologne entrepreneur Hans Imhoff took over the traditional but economically stricken Stollwerck factory. He restructured the company and, with great foresight, led it to new heights through numerous acquisitions (including Eszet, Sprengel, and Sarotti). In 2002, Imhoff finally sold the majority of shares to the Swiss global market leader Barry Callebaut AG. The Chocolate Museum, which Imhoff had built up in parallel, remained privately owned by the family – and thus became an independent cultural project with heart.

Since 2006: Partnership with Lindt & Sprüngli
When the end of chocolate production in Cologne-Porz became foreseeable in 2006, the museum began a close cooperation with Lindt & Sprüngli – one of the most renowned chocolate manufacturers in the world. Since then, only fresh Lindt chocolate has been processed in the in-house factory. Every day, fine pralines, bars, and chocolate creations are lovingly handcrafted here – live and right before the eyes of visitors.

The partnership is also a win for Lindt & Sprüngli, as the traditional Swiss company can also look back on significant milestones: in 1879, Rodolphe Lindt developed the legendary "conche," which remains the secret to melt-in-the-mouth chocolate to this day. The museum thus brings together two groundbreaking innovations in the world of chocolate – and builds a bridge between the past and the present.

A museum like no other
The Chocolate Museum is one of the few large museums in Germany that is entirely privately funded – without any state subsidies. It is truly unique in the German museum landscape. Supported by the Imhoff family, maintained with passion, and loved by hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world every year.

Press contact:
Klaus H. Schopen
Marketing & Communication
schopen@schokoladenmuseum.de
0221 / 931 888-13