Berggold

Establishment of the Company

The beginning of the chocolate-making tradition with the founding of the “Schokoladen- und Kakaofabrik Robert Berger” by Robert Berger

Trademarks and Protected Marks

Initial emergence of protected trademarks in connection with company founder Robert Berger

Appointment as Purveyor to the Court

The company was appointed official supplier to the Ducal House of Saxe-Meiningen

First Version of the "Bergermädel"

Siegmund von Suchodolski created the first design of the Bergermädel. It depicts a young girl wearing a coat with fur trim and a pointed fur hat. She is holding a steaming cup of chocolate while walking down a street, with dogs sitting obediently by her side. The intention was to convey that Berger chocolate is like a gift and a comfort on cold winter days.

Duchess Charlotte along with coat of arms and crown

Duchess Charlotte of Saxe-Meiningen granted the company permission to use her name, Charlotte, along with her coat of arms and crown, in recognition of its excellent products.

Julius Neumann

Death of Robert Berger and Transfer of Company Leadership to Julius Neumann Robert Berger died in 1911 at the age of 60; prior to his death, he handed over the company leadership to Julius Neumann.

Second Version of the "Bergermädel"

This was a further development of the original design. The girl retained her form, but background details and dog motifs were removed. The focus—the Berger Girl—was intended to be highlighted against a black background.

Final Version of the "Bergermädel"

Probably created toward the end of World War I. It is reduced to the essentials and drawn in profile. The bright red of the coat, the green checkered slippers, and the white cocoa steam stand out vividly against the black background.

Erwin Rebling as the new owner of the company

Erwin Rebling takes the helm of the company, initiating significant structural and technological expansions.

Transfer into public ownership

Expropriation of Rebling, transfer into public ownership, and placement of the company under fiduciary administration

Resumption of Chocolate Bar Production

First chocolate bar production in Germany after the war

Renaming to BERGGOLD

In 1955, the company “Schokoladen- und Kakaofabrik Robert Berger” was renamed “Berggold”.

Founding of the VEB Thuringian Chocolate Works

Merger of the companies Berggold and Rotstern into the VEB Thuringian Chocolate Works

Discontinuation of the State-Run Oil Supply

When the state oil supply was discontinued in 1984, a steam locomotive had to be used to generate steam in order to keep production running.

Major Fire on the Top Floor

On July 18, 1986, a major fire broke out on the top floor. The incident caused property damage amounting to one million Marks, and despite intensive investigations, the case could not be solved. The proceedings were closed on January 18, 1988.

Change of Legal Form

Spin-off from the Thuringian Chocolate Works and transformation into a GmbH (limited liability company) with Treuhand as shareholder, thereby securing the company’s continued existence.

Privatization by Heinerle

Privatization of Schokoladenwerk Berggold GmbH by Heinerle Spiel- und Süßwaren GmbH Bamberg

Relocation of Production

Relocation of the parent company Heinerle’s production facilities from Bamberg to Pößneck

125th Company Anniversary

As part of the 125th company anniversary, the first major advertising and promotional campaign for the Berggold brand. If you’d like, I can help you expand this into a press release, social media post, or marketing copy. Just say the word!

High Quality Standard

To meet the growing quality demands of its customers, the company undergoes a quality audit and will henceforth operate according to the IFS (International Food Standard) and BRC (British Retail Consortium) guidelines.

Investment Opportunities

Investments of approximately €5.4 million in the areas of warehousing/logistics, production, and sales; including the construction of a state-of-the-art warehouse, expansion of production capacities, and implementation of new technologies

130th Company Anniversary

Celebrations for the 130th Company Anniversary; Opening of a Small, Permanent Company Exhibition

135th Company Anniversary

135th Company Anniversary; Capital Investment of Approximately €2.5 Million in Production, Technology, and Logistics; First Television Appearance of the Berggold Brand and Additional Advertising Campaigns on Radio

Jens Weißflog as the New Brand Ambassador

Signing of Ski Jumping Legend Jens Weißflog as Brand Ambassador for the Berggold Brand

Courtyard Festival and Grand Reopening of the Factory Outlet

In spring 2014, we opened our new factory outlet and organized a courtyard festival on the company’s premises for the autumn.

Hit of a City

Mareile Höppner, Ross Antony, and the MDR team visited Pößneck for the “Schlager einer Stadt” event. As part of the occasion, a new praline featuring bratwurst, mustard, and beer was developed at the chocolate factory in collaboration with our technologist.

140th Company Anniversary Celebrated with a Festive Week

Under the motto “Surprisingly delicious. For 140 years.” the company celebrates its 140th anniversary. As part of a festive week, the completely redesigned company exhibition is inaugurated. The highlight was the courtyard festival, where Olympic ski jumping champion Jens Weißflog treated guests to delights from the giant chocolate wall.

150 years of experience. Quality you can taste.