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](https://laderach.com/media/wysiwyg/About_us_Milestones_02_header_d_1920x880px.jpg)
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](https://laderach.com/media/wysiwyg/About_us_Milestones_03_header_d_1920x880px.jpg)
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](/media/wysiwyg/The_world_of_La_derach_World_Chocolate_Master_rectangle_m_720x620px.jpg)
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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