Our Story

Company foundation

The company was founded on 1st July by Hermann Bahlsen (1859-1919) Hermann took the “Fabrikgeschäft engl. Cakes und Biscuits” company on Friesenstrasse in Hannover from H. Schmuckler and renamed it “Hannoversche Cakesfabrik H. Bahlsen”.

Birth of the LEIBNIZ Cakes

Hermann Bahlsen launched LEIBNIZ Cakes. As it was common practice to name food products after public figures, Hermann Bahlsen named his cakes after Hanover’s well known inhabitant: Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz (1646-1716).

Gold medal at the Chicago Worlds Fair

The company employed 100 people. At the world exhibition in Chicago, Bahlsen received a gold medal for the “LEIBNIZ Cakes”. The official reason stated by the jury: “Several competitors imitate the LEIBNIZ Cakes in one way or another; but only Bahlsen captures the fine taste of butter.”

Lower Saxony Horse becomes Official Logo

The prancing Lower Saxony-Horse is registered as the company trade mark. A distribution warehouse opened following the new office in Berlin in 1898. By 1914 there were innovative sample stores in every major German city.

Luminous Advertising for LEIBNIZ Cakes

Germany’s second neon sign advertisement proclaimed LEIBNIZ Cakes above Potsdamer Platz in Berlin.

Next gold medal

Bahlsen was awarded a gold medal again at the Exposition Universelle in Paris for its “specialities”.

Introducing the TET Packaging

New dust and moisture-resistant TET packaging is introduced. The TET sign, featuring an oval with a snake and three dots deriving from an ancient Egypt hieroglyphic meaning ‘everlasting’, was originally pronounced as “dschet”, but simplified to “TET”. The TET-packaging was the first packaging made of paper-board with the ability to keep the biscuit enduringly fresh.

First Assembly Line in Europe

Besides the first punch card, Bahlsen introduced Europe's first assembly line, eight years before Henry Ford adopted it in the automotive industry.

New products

The products "NOCH EINE" ice cream waffers and "ABC" were launched, helping the company on its upward surge.

Year of Change

Hermann Bahlsen changed the English word "cakes" into "Keks". Some years later, the new term was officially approved and incorporated in the German dictionary. The company moved into the new factory building in Lister Straße and the new headquarters in Podbielskistraße. Pictures, sculptures, and ornaments created a pleasant working environment. Several social institutions arose.

From Cakesfabrik to Keksfabrik

The company was renamed “H. BAHLSENs Keksfabrik”. Twelve million “TET packages” were sold. The in-house employee newspaper “LEIBNIZ BUTTERBLÄTTER” was published for the first time.

Model of the TET-City

A model of a large factory including homes in Hannover, the so-called “TET City”, is presented. The further course of the war prohibited the implementation of the plans made by Bernhard Hoetger.

Shortage of Raw Materials by the End of the War

By the end of the war the lack of raw materials almost completely disrupted production. Only one of the 25 ovens was operational.

Sorrow and Emulation

Hermann Bahlsen died on 6 November 1919. He was succeeded by three of his four sons; 1919 Hans Bahlsen (1901–1959), 1922 Werner Bahlsen (1904–1985) and 1930 Klaus Bahlsen (1908–1991). Together with a young management team, the second Bahlsen generation started restructuring and modernising the company after the economic decline that had resulted from inflation and the Great Depression.

Introduction of the "Express-Tin"

The “Express-Tin” was a bestseller for more than a quarter-century. Four million units of the tin (one pound of biscuits for one Reich Mark) were sold within a year. Bahlsen employed 1,400 people; 450 office staff and 950 industrial workers.

Outbreak of World War II

The Second World War broke out two months after Bahlsen celebrated its 50th anniversary. Food products were rationed, and raw materials were short. Biscuits were only sold against bread stamps. Many employees were conscripted into the German army. The technical department had to discontinue its research and development work. The assortment of products was reduced to eleven products while emergency rations for the army and crisp bread was added.

Reconstruction after the War

By the end of the war nearly 60% of the factory and almost all distribution warehouses were destroyed. On April 24th, the allies granted a permit to restart work.

High Quality Standards

In order to ensure high quality standards, Bahlsen established its own physical and chemical laboratories. Bahlsen was one of the first German companies to be issued an export licence. The first foreign shipment went to Switzerland.

Export to the USA

Under the direction of Werner Bahlsen the company started exporting products to the USA.

First stiff thermoplastic package

Hermann Bahlsen (1927–2014), the son of Hans Bahlsen, joined the company, opening up the era of the third generation. At the same time Bahlsen launched the first air-tight and waterproof package, the so-called “stiff thermoplastic package”, a welded aluminium foil, setting new standards regarding freshness and extended shelf-life. Bahlsen is now exporting to 74 countries.

Opening of plant in Barsinghausen

The Barsinghausen plant, Europe’s most modern production site, is inaugurated.

Bahlsen becomes International

The first Bahlsen sales companies in France and Italy were founded. Austria and other countries followed.

Opening of plant in Varel

Production begins at the Varel plant in Friesland.

Beginning of the Snack Business

Bahlsen introduces Peanut Flips onto the German market and expands its snack assortment in a cooperation with the Flessner Company in NeuIsenburg.

Bahlsen bakes Cakes

Bahlsen enters the cake business by taking over the Brokat Bakery in Oldenburg. By now Bahlsen employs 7,000 staff members in total.

Opening of plant in Berlin

The Berlin production plant goes into operation. Bahlsen of North America is founded as well as the affiliated companies in Luxembourg and the Netherlands.

Foundation of Bahlsen Belgium

With four employees, the distribution company in Belgium is founded. Initially, the company focusses on Brussels as the main area of distribution. Later on the distribution expands with country wide delivery.

Further Company Foundations

Bahlsen Spain and Bahlsen UK are founded.

New administration centre

The new administrative centre in Hannover is opened at the site where TET City was originally supposed to be built.

The Third Generation: Werner M. Bahlsen joins the company

Werner M. Bahlsen, Werner Bahlsen’s youngest son, joins the company. His brother Lorenz Bahlsen already joined in 1973.

Production in the USA

Production in the United States begins with the acquisition of Austin Quality Foods in North Carolina. Bahlsen employs approximately 11,200 members of staff.

Outsourcing of the Production

Due to shortage of space, production in the headquarters in Hannover, the oldest factory of the company, is outsourced to plant in Barsinghausen.

100 years of Bahlsen

Bahlsen celebrates its 100th Birthday.

New Distribution Warehouse

The new distribution warehouse in Langenhagen, near Hanover, comes into service. More than 100 employees ensure smooth running logistics. Furthermore, Bahlsen acquires the Polish company “Unimarex”. At a later date, the company is renamed to “Poznan”.

Bahlsen expands to Poland

Bahlsen acquired the Skawina food company in Poland with 1,100 employees.

Acquisition of a Traditional Company

Acquisition of St. Michel (France) - a biscuit producing family enterprise with more than 90 years standing. St. Michel continues to be the national brand for Breton biscuits and cakes.

New Name and Acquisition

The “H. Bahlsens Keksfabrik KG” changes its name to “Bahlsen KG”. Acquisition of shares from the Brandt Company as well as from the Gottena subsidiary.

Redirection of the Company

Hermann Bahlsen left the company and took over all shares of the former subsidiary “Austin Quality Foods“, Cary in North Carolina.

Introducing PiCK UP!

Bahlsen launches PiCK UP! in Germany, Austria and France, successfully entering the snack bar market.

The Origin of Three New Incorporations

The company was split off into the “sweet” (Bahlsen) and “snack” (Lorenz) segments and the Von Nordeck Group.

Bahlsen faces up to its moral responsibility

Bahlsen joined the “Foundation Initiative for the Compensation of Former Enforced Labourers during the Second World War”.

Old Head-Office as New Headquarters

The original headquarters in Podbielskistraße 11 once again becomes the new headquarters. Extensive reconstruction turned the traditional building that was under a preservation order, into a modern office building.

New Brand Strategy

Bahlsen intro­duces its new brand strategy: Two umbrella brands – BAHLSEN and LEIBNIZ – now represent the company throughout the world.

Cakes from Varel

Bahlsen relocates cake production from its factory in Oldenburg to the nearby production plant in Varel. The newly integrated production facility for cakes enables innovation in technology.

Plant in Barsinghausen wins “Factory of the Year” prize

After much modernisation work, the Barsinghausen plant was awarded the “Factory of the Year” prize. The “Factory of the Year” is an annual benchmarking event known as the toughest benchmarking test for manufacturing companies throughout Europe.

Office Opening in Dubai and Shanghai

Bahlsen increases its commitment abroad, opening up new sales markets in the Middle and Far East. Offices are opened in Dubai and a year later in Shanghai.

Robbery of the Golden Biscuit

Unknown thieves steal the Golden Biscuit from the Pretzel Men sculpture on the façade of the company's headquarters in Hannover, attracting the attention of newspapers and television stations around the world.

Celebrating of the company’s 125th birthday

On 1 July 2014 Bahlsen becomes 125 years old. In October 2014, the anniversary is celebrated officially. For the first time in the history of the company, all 2,500 employees from around the world are invited to Hannover.

125 years of LEIBNIZ butter biscuits

LEIBNIZ butter biscuits cele­brates its 125th anniver­sary – one of the world’s oldest branded products.

Investment in Rawbite

The international Bahlsen Group has acquired a majority of Rawbite ApS, the Danish organic food brand and producer of organic fruit and nut bars.

Launch of HERMANN'S

HERMANN'S is an international network for food innovation that brings together consumers, pioneers and industry to tackle the major challenges of the food system. As a subsidiary of the Bahlsen Group, the founders Verena Bahlsen, Laura Jaspers and Stefan Telegdy want to discover new potentials all over the world that will help to establish a healthier and more sustainable food system. HERMANN'S offers everyone the opportunity to use the online platform hermanns.com and to develop and present new ideas, wishes or products in the restaurant and event space HERMANN'S Berlin to find suitable partners for new projects or just to eat comfortably.

Werner M. Bahlsen withdraws from the Management Board to join the Governence Board

Werner M. Bahlsen (69) withdraws from the Management Board to join the Governence Board of the Bahlsen Group. The current members of the Management Board, Daniela Mündler, Michael Hähnel, Scott Brankin, as well as (starting in the 3rd quarter of the year) Jörg Hönemann, will jointly head future company operations. For the first time in recent Bahlsen history, no member of the Bahlsen family will be on the Management Board. The Governence Board is responsible for the long-term strategic alignment of the Bahlsen Group.

Werner M. Bahlsen will head the newly founded Governence Board. Further members of the Board, which will meet about five times annually, are:

•Peter Barrenstein PhD, former Director at McKinsey & Company,
•Matthias Becker PhD, Managing Director of the Hülsta Corporate Group,
•Jörg Rheinboldt, CEO Axel Springer Plug & Play Accelerator,
•and Johannes Bahlsen.

New corporate design "The Bahlsen Family"

In May 2018, the Bahlsen Group introduced its new corporate design as a visible expression of its corporate identity. At the heart of the new design is the "The Bahlsen Family" logo: The new logo features the traditional TET character that has been retrieved and a specially developed font.

Bahlsen Group enters into a partnership with food start-up incubator KITCHENTOWN

Bahlsen cooperates with the food start-up incubator KITCHENTOWN from Silicon Valley. KITCHENTOWN provides start-ups with production areas with various technical facilities for the development of products. In cooperation with Bahlsen, the business model is now to be established in Berlin.