Our gift baskets and samplers contain products from Germany's top brands, products that are known and loved in Germany, but may be hard to find in the United States and Canada, such as:
Asbach: The city of Rüdesheim on the romantic Rhine river, just south of the famous Lorelei, is located in one of the top wine-making regions of Germany. It is also the home of Asbach, Germany’s premium brandy distiller. After a long process of multiple distillation processes, Asbach Uralt white wine brandy matures over many years in small casks of Limousin oak. The mellow taste and harmonious bouquet makes Asbach Uralt the embodiment of quality and fine enjoyment. Asbach smooth and full-bodied chocoloate pralines are made and marketed under an exclusive licence by the RC-Confiserie in Rüdesheim am Rhein.
Alb Gold/Bechtle. An authentic organic pasta, egg noodles and spätzle producer located in the Swabian Alps, the cradle of the Spätzle noodle. Spätzle means little sparrow in the Swabian dialect and refers to soft textured egg noodles. Traditionally, Spätzle dough is scraped off a wooden chopping board (Spätzlebrett) and dumped into boiling salt water where the dough pieces cook until they rise to the surface. They are then skimmed and put aside. Spaetzle are a frequent accompaniement to lentils with frankfurter sausages or pork roast with sauerkraut.
Appel and Rügenfisch: Both are leading high quality producers of canned herrings, kippers and sardines. Appel Feinkost (Deli Products) is located in Cuxhaven on the North Sea; the Rügen Fisch AG is based on the pristine island of Rügen at the very east end of Germany, along the Baltic Sea. These companies have produced canned fish for many decades. Herrings, kipper and sardines contain some of the highest amount of omega 3 fatty acids of all fish. Their products are perfect substitutes for canned tuna and are available in many varieties. Most Germans eat them for lunch or dinner on toasted bread (frequently whole grain breads, like Mestemacher) or after a wild night to alleviate a hangover.
Bahlsen. Since 1889 one of the leading cookie producers in Germany, located in Hannover. Bahlsen’s most famous and widely distributed product, 'Leibniz Cakes,' are named after the famous mathematician and philosopher Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz (1646 – 1716), a co-inventor of calculus and computing machines. The fine, buttery taste of this cookie was one of the reasons a jury at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair awarded Bahlsen the gold medal. It is said that Bahlsen sold one of his chocolate making machines from the Chicago World Fair to a young entrepreneur named Seymour Hershey, who established a famous eponymous company in Pennsylvania.
Brandt: In Germany, the brand name “Brandt,” and a picture of a smiling baby face on white and orange packaging are synonymous with Zwieback (Englisch: rusk), the twice baked toast that is so popular with teething babies and health conscious older folks. This iconic brand, owned by the family-run Brandt Zwieback-Schokoladen GmbH + Co. KG located in Hagen (North Rhine Westphalia), brings back childhood memories to almost every German, young and old. In fact, Brandt Zwieback is considered a cult brand, celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2012. Besides baked goods, the company also produces high end chocolate novelites.
Breitsamer. A Bavarian family-owned honeymaking company from Munich. Offering an immense variety of specialty honey products, Breitsamer is the third largest honey bottler in Europe. Germans eat in excess of 1.1 kg of honey per year – primarily for breakfast – more than any other nation in Europe. Breitsamer has won many gold medals for the quality of their specialty honeys, sourced from German beehives and from around the world.
Coppenrath. The Coppenrath Feinbäckerei, located north of the Ruhr area and close to the Dutch border, is known in Germany for making fine biscuits (Spritzgebäck) and pastries, as well as Spekulatius, a winter holiday specialty. Their 'Vienna rings' are a perfect addition to any breakfast menu, as these cookies lend themselves well to being dunked in coffee and savored on the tongue.
Dallmayr: The Dallmayr gourmet food shop in the heart of Munich is known as 'the Harrods of Germany.' The shop attracts over 1 million visitors a year and many hail from the North America. The family-owned business was once a designated supplier to the Royal Bavarian Court. In the 1930s, the owners decided to roast and produce their own coffee brand. They hired a master coffee maker from Bremen who set out to locate the best coffee beans available. His journeys ended in Ethiopia where he soon purchased the entire coffee bean harvest of that country. Even today, Dallmayr purchases over 80% of the Arabica bean harvest from Ethiopia, ensuring the consistent quality of the Dallmayr coffee. Their signature item is called 'Prodomo' ('for the house') which is a full-flavored coffee with a mild finish and a stomach friendly acidic content. Dallmayr is today Germany’s leading premium coffee brand.
Develey. This Bavarian mustard and delikatessen company was founded in 1845 in the heart of Munich, Bavaria. Founder Johann Develey is credited with the invention of the sweet Bavarian mustard, which is still a staple of Bavarian cuisine today, especially as the companion to the famous Weisswurst and Weissbier. Develey soon became an official supplier to the Bavarian Royal Court, and over the next century the company developed into one of the leaders in the German condiment market. In 1992, the company acquired a mustard company based in Bautzen near Dresden in Saxony. This city prides itself on a 1,000 year history of producing the distinct Bautzener mustard.
Dr. Quendt. A Dresden based producer of the famous 'Russian bread' alphabet cookies. These have very light waffle-like consistency and a light caramel taste. Going back to its roots in 1876, this company also makes one of the best Dresdner Stollen for the winter holiday season, the original Domino Steine (gingerbread, jam and marzipan) and whole grain spelt snacks.
Feodora. A chocolate named after Princess Feodora zu Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Augustenburg, a sister of the last German empress and related to the British crown. She grew up in the middle of the 19th century and became a regionally acclaimed poet and painter. When she died suddenly in 1910 at age 35, chocolatier Friedrich Theodor Meyer from Tangermünde, located along the Elbe river in Northern Saxony Anhalt, set out to create sweet chocolate and praline masterpieces to memorialize the popular princess. These culinary delights are still made according to the original recipes, from the top 3% of the highest quality cacao beans, by the FEODORA Chocolade GmbH & Co. KG.
Friedel. This chocolate novelty brand, famous for their chocolate Santas and Advent calenders, is owned by Rübezahl, a German confectionary producer based in Dettingen near Stuttgart.
Hachez. One of the few premium chocolate manufacturers in Germany which controls all steps of the chocolate making process – from cleaning and roasting the cacao beans to forming the final products – under one roof. Hachez signature items include 'Brown Chocolate Leafs,' first made in 1923, and inspired by the shapes and colors of autumn leaves which the owner picked up at a public park in his native Bremen. The Bremer Hachez Chocolade GmbH & Co. KG still operates a specialty store at the historic Deutsche Haus in the center of Brementown (Adress: Am Markt 1, 28195 Bremen, Germany).
Halloren: This is the oldest chocolate brand in Germany, dating back to the founding of the Halloren Schokoladenfabrik in 1804 in Halle (Saale), Sachsen-Anhalt where the company is headquartered today. Their maître chocolatier selects the finest ingredients and turns them into delicate works of art which are then produced in modern chocolate factories in Germany and throughout Europe churn. Among the brand's most famous products are the liqour-filled pralines and the "Original Halloren Kugeln" which are named after salt workers in the 1800s, whose buttons resemble the shape of the chocolate.
Haribo: In 1922, 29 year old German candy maker Hans Riegel introduced a revolutionary new product to candy fans in his native Bonn: the gummi bear. Influenced by Margarete Steiff’s homage to US President Teddy Roosevelt, the famous Steiff teddy bear, Hans’ Gummibären became synonymous with smiles on children's faces all over the world. His company Hans Riegel Bonn is still headquartered on the Rhine River close to Bonn, former capital of West Germany from 1949 – 1990, and run by his heirs. Besides the gummi bears, Haribo has also introduced well known sweet treats such as licorice snails (Lakritzschnecken) and marshmallow candies.
Hela: Ask any German about Germany’s favorite fast food and he or she will say Curry Wurst. This sausage was invented in 1948 by food kiosk owner Hertha Heuwer in Berlin. The secret ingredient to this fine meal: curry ketchup, sometimes referred to as curry sauce, which has a sweet, tangy and hot flavor and thick mouthfeel. Hela, located near Hamburg, is the undisputed leader in this niche category. Their curry sausages can be found in any German supermarket and are now available in the United States. More information...
Hengstenberg. What would German cuisine be without their famous pickled cucumbers, pickled onions sauerkraut, or red cabbage? No company is more synonymous with these staples than Hengstenberg, located in Esslingen near Stuttgart. The company was founded in 1867 by Richard Alfried Hengstenberg who was known for his knack quality and became a co-author ofthe 'vinegar purity law' which is still part of today’s official food standards law. In the 1930, the Hengstenberg company developed the world’s first pasteurized sauerkraut which preserved the mineral and vitamin rich cabbage while extending the product's shelf life. Today, the company offers a wide variety of pickled products and condiments, all known for the highest quality in the market. Sauerkraut, in particular, has resurfaced a leading health food, as it contains an abundant supply of potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, vitamin C , vitamin B6 and folic acids.
Kathi: The Kathi cake mixes are a testimony to the high quality, artisan German baking crafts and bridge the gap between German and North American baking traditions. The finished cakes and pastries are just like the goodies that your grandmother used to bake on Sundays, with just the right quality, taste, moisture and texture, but without the fuss. Kathi Rainer Thiele GmbH, based in Halle in the State of Saxony-Anhalt, is an award-winning innovator and market leader in the cake mix segment in Germany. Founded in 1951, this third-generation, family owned company is known for enabling home cooks to produce great tasting and impressive looking baked goods. Their baking mixes are lightly sweetened, and the flour is made from certified quality grains grown on fields in Thuringia, Saxony, Bavaria and Baden-Wuerttemberg.
Katjes. Most Germans of recent generations have nibbled at some point or another on the famous licorice cats, fruit gummies or candies from the the Katjes Fassin GmbH & Co. KG. The company is based in Emmerich, near the Dutch border, and Katjes is Dutch for 'little cat.' The product assortment includes licorice and gelatin-free yogurt fruit gummies with famous characters like 'Fred Ferkel.' Katjes is also famous for recent advertising featured Heidi Klum.
Kartoffelland. Among the most famous German side dishes are Knödel (dumplings) and Reibekuchen (potato pancakes). These accompany many German main dishes, from sauerbraten and red cabbage to beef goulash. In the area of Cologne, Reibekuchen are sold from street trucks as snacks, accompanied by apple sauce.Kartoffelland, a producer from Mecklenburg Vorpommern along the Baltic Sea, is one of the leading producers of dry potato based side dishes. Simply prepare as indicated on the packaging to enjoy a true German potato dish.
Knorr. A world famous brand with global distribution founded in Germany in Heilbronn, near Stuttgart. In 1838, Carl Heinrich Knorr's new company developed the first dry pea soup, a revolution in convenience which preserved the nutritious values of vegetables. Today, the company offers a large range of dehydrated soups, sauces, bouillons, salad aids and convenience products available at most supermarkets around the globe. The Knorr Salatkrönung is one of Germany’s most favorite salad dressings. Simply add vinegar and oil and enjoy a fresh, healthy and delicious salad.
Kuchenmeister. Kuchenmeister means “cake master” in German, and that is indeed a wonderful description for one of Germany's most technically advanced cake manufacturers, based in Soest (North Rhine Westphalia). The company produces very delicious cake specialties. From liqueur and foil cakes to holiday treats like Sacher Torte and Stollen, Kuchenmeister products are satisfying for the whole family. The Kuchenmeister cakes and Stollen also come in beautiful gift boxes, making them ideal for the holiday season.
LIZ: This is a natural, artesian mineral water that best complements fine food, quality wines and a gourmet palate. Sourced in Rosbach in the state of Hessia (north of Frankfurt in the Taunus mountains), the water's unique, balanced mineralization and low sodium content ehnaces the subltle flavors of refined culinary experiences. Chef Juan Amador, propoietor of 3-star Michelin Star Restaurant Amador in Frankfurt, Germany, agreed and he collaborated to develop the elegant, award winning glass bottle with a spout. LIZ mineral water fits perfectly into the interplay of unusual decor and haute cuisine.
Löwensenf: A true specialty from the city of Düsseldorf at the Rhine River. This hot to very hot mustard resembles Dijon mustard but has a distinctly German taste profile. In fact, Otto and Frieda Frenzel concocted the Löwensenf mustard in the 1920s based on recipes from their native Alsatian region but as a compliment to Rhineland cuisine. This is why Löwensenf can be found on the tables of most Düsseldorf pubs where they serve Bockwurst, Bratwurst, Frikadellen (hamburgers served chilled) and of course the famous Duesseldorf Alt Bier. (if you don't have Alt Bier at home, try any Export lager beer.) This mustard company even follows a purity law which prescribes the kind of mustard seeds and vinegar used to make its medium and very hot mustards.
Lorenz. A premium German snack brand whose owner hails from the Bahlsen family. Some of the company’s innvoations are 'Lorenz Curly Peanut Flips' – crunchy roasted corn snacks with freshly ground peanuts - and Saltlets pretzel sticks. Both are among the favorite snacks of German soccer fans during TV Bundesliga games.
Maintal. A 125 year old manufacturer of organic jams and breakfast spreads, including the well loved Hagebutten (rosehip jam). Rosehips are very healthy fruits from indigenous rose bushes which are very rich in Vitamin C , but also Vitamins A, B1 und B2.All of the Maintal jams are gluten free, vegan, lactose free, free of soy and yeast, and made without additives or preservatives.These jams make a perfect addition to any German-American breakfast
Meica. In Germany, Frankfurter sausages or the famous Bockwurst can be purchased in glass jars. These shelf stable products are convenient to store and prepare, and made from the best cuts of pork, but contain fewer preservatives than North American refrigerated sausages. The secret: these sausages are slowly cooked in brine in a vacuum sealed glass which preserves the unique taste and shelf life and provides maximum safety of the products. Meica is the market leader of shelf stable sausages. The family owned company, located near Bremen, has been in business for nearly 90 years and prides itself on having won numerous quality and safety awards. Their signature item Deutschländer features an extra crunchy casing. With hot mustard from Düsseldorf, Meica sausages will be the delight of any sausage aficionado.
Mestemacher (Feldkamp): The leading whole grain bread company in Germany. These breads are healthy and hearty, full of fiber, seeds, minerals and vitamins. Mestemacher breads (also known under the Feldkamp brand) contribute to digestion and provide full energy without many calories. Unlike pumpernickel, Mestemacher breads are very light and moist, due to a special bread baking technology that preserves the original taste and texture. Some aficionados even toast these dark breads and offset the slightly bitter taste with honey or jam. A true Westfalian delicacy.
Milka. By way of advertising a purple cow on its packaging and TV advertising, this originally Swiss chocolate brand is ingrained in every German’s chocolate memory. Most products in the range, developed by Swiss entrepreneur Phillipe Suchard in 1825, are made from 'alpine' milk chocolate. The present brand owner is Kraft Food.
Niederegger. Marzipan, a fine mix of almonds and a bit of sugar, has been an oriental delicacy for more than 1,000 years. Served at the tables of ancient caliphs and noblemen, marzipan was introduced to Europe during the Crusades and traded over the following centuries in Venice, Spain, Portugal and the Hansa League city of Luebeck. Niederegger marzipan, a treat for any German confectionary connoisseur since 1806, hails from the city of Luebeck. The secret of the traditional Niederegger recipe for marzipan has to do with the exact ratio of ground up almonds to sugar and with an ingredient that is similar to rosewater. Niederegger marzipan is of the finest quality standard, made from 100% almond paste. Most other widely distributed manufacturers offset the costs of high quality and healthy almonds by using a greater amount of sugar or even almond extract.
Pernigotti Nerogianduia. Nutella is a well-known German hazelnut-chocolate spread used by countless German children as a sweet topping on Brötchen (rolls) or rye bread. But is it German? Actually, no. Nutella was invented by Italian Pietro Ferrero in the 1940s and exported to Germany where it became truly popular. While Nutella is produced and distributed around the world today – for example, North American Nutella is largely made in Canada – there are a few Italian artisanal hazelnut spread makers left whose products are simply outstanding. One of them is Pernigotti, a 150 year old chocolate manufacturer, whose Gianduiotto hazelnut-chocolate spread is made from the finest Piedmont hazelnuts and a perfect complement to the true German palate.
Reber. A Bavarian based confectionary brand from the 140 year old family-owned Paul Reber GmbH & Co. KG. This company is famous for manufacturing high quality sweet treats, most of all the 'Genuine Reber Mozart-Kugeln®', exquisitely filled with pistachio marzipan made from fresh green pistachios, almonds and hazelnut praline and covered with milk chocolate and bitter sweet chocolate. You can also visit the Café Reber at the alpine mountain resort of Bad Reichenhall.
Riegelein. A European market leader for chocolate novelties, especially seasonal figures like chocolate santas, Easter bunnies or Halloween monsters. The company is based in Cadolzburg near Nürnberg and known for creative and high quality milk chocolate inventions.
Ritter. The uniquely square chocolate bars under the Ritter Sport brand can be found in over 90 countries. This family-run company, based in Waldenbuch near Stuttgart, churns out some of the greatest variety of flavors, altogether 31 flavors of the 100 gram bars, including yogurt and cornflakes. The company was founded in 1912, and the signature square bar first was introduced in 1932. The compnay is a strong financial supporter of young artists, especially painters. Ritter was one of the first companies to introduce fully recyclable packaging in 1991, and has a shop in Berlin at Französische Straße 24, 10117.
Schlünder. A bread and cake maker hailing from the heart of Westfalia. Over 30 generations of the Schlünder family (450 years) have owned and worked on the land that now houses the production facilities and is still used for farming. Schlünder cakes are vacuum packed to preserve the original moisture and rich flavors of their liqueur cakes, stollen, foil cakes or waffles. These cakes complete a great breakfast meal or care perfect for an afternoon Kaffeeklatsch or after dinner.
Seitenbacher. The ultimate organic, natural or gluten-free muesli company, based in the Odenwald between Heidelberg and Frankfurt. The family-run company is the market leader for organic cereals in Germany. They source their grains from the most pristine local areas in the Swabia and Black Forest and mix or gently fill the finished products on specially designed and crafted machines. Seitenbacher muesli products contain whole dried berries and nuts which give the muesli a rich and satisfying flavor. A true breakfast treat.
Teekanne. A leading tea brand in Germany offering a large variety of de-caffeinated and caffeinated herbal teas. Teekanne is headquartered in Düsseldorf. Some of their typical German teas include rosehip, chamolmile and East Frisian tea mix.
Verpoorten: The exact recipe of this delicious egg liqueur was invented by Eugen Verpoorten in the year 1876 and has been with the family-owned distiller based in Bonn am Rhein (former capital of West Germany) for five generations. This is not your average eggnog. Egg liqueur is derived from a popular 17th century alcoholic avocado drink enjoyed by Dutch settlers in Asia. Egg yolks later substituted avocados and were mixed with brandy, sugar, and other fine ingredients. Today, Verpoorten is the world’s most famous egg liqueur brand, and a true gourmet composition with a pleasant taste, characteristic flavor and appearance.