Our History

High investment at the three German production plants ensures Storck’s technological edge. State-of-the-art production lines are being developed internally securing continual product range expansion and enabling the development of new market segments.

Currently, the company has 21 locations and more than 7,000 employees.

In 1993  ̶  shortly after the German reunification  ̶  a new factory in Ohrdruf, Thuringia was established. In this state-of-the-art production facility, chocolate specialties and caramel are produced. In 1998, the factory was expanded to include a modern logistics centre.

The sales network was further expanded. Important investments to further increase international business took place in Halle (Westphalia). Thanks to the modern logistics centres in Halle and Ohrdruf, Storck has been able to offer 24-hour delivery service within Europe since 1994.  

1996: Wine gums become Lachgummi.

Storck introduced the first fruit gums containing vitamins: nimm2 Lachgummi.

The brands are becoming international: Wether’s Echte turns to Werther’s Original.

In 1998, the Management board moved its base to the German capital, Berlin. 

Klaus Oberwelland took over the company in 1971.

A new generation, a new logo and new brands led the way for continued success.

Storck set international standards and sales companies were established in Belgium, the Netherlands and the United States.

In 1973, another innovative chocolate specialty was introduced into the shops: Toffifee, a hazelnut coated in caramel, nougat cream and chocolate. 

In 1975, Klaus Oberwelland acted in wise foresight and implemented the Storck pension plan.

In 1978, for the 75th anniversary, the employee profit sharing program was established, allowing Storck employees to directly share the economic success of the company.

In 1975, Storck was awarded the “Gold Seal for Industry in the Countryside” for its location in Halle (Westphalia). At that time, terms such as “environmental protection” and “ecology” were still unheard of in the public debate.

Storck took its first cautious steps beyond Germany’s borders.

In 1953, the second Storck brand Mamba was introduced. 

In 1954, chocolate production began in one of the most modern facilities in Germany. 

In 1950, Hugo Oberwelland introduced the perfomance-based bonus as a special payment for all employees. In this way, he praised employee performance and identification with the company.

Already in 1958, Storck employees were working 40 hours per week with full wage compensation – 20 years earlier than the entire industry sector.

In 1934, Hugo Oberwelland invented Germany’s first brand of candies: the “Storck 1 Pfennig RIESEN”, each individually wrapped. Sold previously according to weight, these nameless candies gave way to the Storck 1 Pfennig RIESEN.

The growth of the first hard candy brand led to company growth. Three years later, 71 employees worked for Storck and products were shipped to most parts of Germany.

In 1903, August Storck, also known as Oberwelland, founded the Werther’s confectionery factory.

He started with only three employees and a panning kettle. However in 1909, there were already a dozen employees working for Storck and he was also supplying other towns in Westphalia.

Then, the First World War halted any further development from 1914-1918.