Milestones

Three generations, one World Chocolate Master, countless innovations. Delve into the world of Läderach and find out more about the growth and innovations of our family company.

Growth 

Milestones growth Section Image

1962

Chocolatier Rudolf Läderach Jr. founded the company in Glarus.

1981

The first store is opened – still on a B2B basis at that time.

1994

Jürg Läderach takes over the operational management of the company.

2004

Takeover of Merkur branches: Läderach enters the B2C business.

2008

Start of the internationalization process: initially Germany, Austria, and the United Kingdom before also expanding into North America and China.

2012

Opening of the chocolate factory in Bilten (Glarus).

2016

Start of franchise partnerships in countries located in the Middle and Far East.

2018

Johannes Läderach becomes CEO and Elias Läderach CCO.

2020

Opening of the “House of Läderach” in Bilten.

2021

Jürg and Esther Läderach step down from the Board of Directors, completing the transition to the third generation of entrepreneurs and the three sons, Johannes, Elias, and David.

2021

Takeover of 34 Godiva branches in the USA.

2023

Laying of the foundation stone for a third production site in Switzerland.

2024

More than 180 chocolateries in over 20 countries.

Strategy and innovation 

Milestones strategy and innovation Section Image

1970

Rudolf Läderach Jr. invents the thin-walled hollow truffle shell.

2004

Introduction of FrischSchoggi: Fresh chocolate is broken at the counter.

2012

Monitoring of the entire value chain “from bean to bar to you.”

2013

Introduction of Mini Mousses.

2014

Introduction of FrischSchoggi Sticks.

2018

Elias Läderach becomes the first Swiss person to take the title of World Chocolate Master.

2020

Introduction of chocolate-coated popcorn.

2022

Development of the vegan chocolate Creamy Cashew.

From origin to indulgence 

We have been sharing our passion for fresh chocolate for generations. Discover more about our history, our innovations, and the authentic artisanal skills of our chocolatiers.

World Chocolate Master

World Chocolate Master

Elias Läderach is the only Swiss chocolatier to have earned the title “World Chocolate Master.” Experience his award-winning creations and find out more about his latest projects.

Learn More arrow-right
House of Läderach

House of Läderach

A chocolate museum, a chocolate studio, chocolate events – the House of Läderach has it all, including a café, of course!. Discover the delights of freshly made chocolate in all of its facets – 364 days a year.

Learn More arrow-right
Freshness

Freshness

The exquisite taste of our chocolate creations is an affair of the heart for us. That’s why we make them fresh daily and get them to you as quickly as possible – so you can experience the freshness with all your senses.

Learn More arrow-right
About us

About us

The Swiss Alps are our home, and we invite the world to indulge in our culinary heritage. Find out where we come from and why innovation is so important to us. And get to know the people behind Läderach.

Learn More arrow-right