TRADITION

The Ritter family buys land in Nicaragua and thus gets into the sustainable cultivation of cocoa itself. One of the largest contiguous cocoa growing areas in the world is emerging. The first harvest was in 2017.

2012

Since 2002 we have been operating a combined heat and power unit. The power plant was replaced by a new system in 2016 and as a result, CO2 emissions were reduced by 2,900 tons in the same year. By using the waste heat from the CHP, we generate around 70% of the heat requirement and 37% of the electricity by ourselves.

2002

We are the first company in the German confectionery industry to participate in the eco-audit regulation successfully. We have therefore organized operational environmental protection as part of a comprehensive management system.

1996

We have prepared the first life cycle assessment for sales packaging and switched from composite material to fully recyclable single-material packaging made of polypropylene.

1991

We founded the economic project CACAONICA in Nicaragua. It supports local smallholders in the sustainable cultivation of cocoa. This project improves the living conditions of families living on agriculture and, at the same time, curbs the logging of the rainforest.

1990

The company, which was initially continued by his wife Marta after Alfred Otto Ritter's death, passes into the hands of the third generation of the family: Alfred Theodor Ritter and his sister Marli Hoppe-Ritter are active in our advisory board.

1978

The invention of tubular bag packaging with the revolutionary Snap-Open-Mechanic ultimately differentiates our chocolate bars from traditional chocolate bars and quickly develops into a distinctive brand component.

1976

A revolution on the chocolate market: the entrepreneur Alfred Otto Ritter introduces the “Bunte Palette” (colourful variety). On the advertising posters, one reads: “Everything is getting more colourful, happier, more modern, more active - including the chocolate that goes with it.” Another brand component is born.

1974

1952

For the first time after the war, cocoa is available again without restrictions. The company resumes production.

1950

In the course of the denazification by the Allies, Alfred Eugen Ritter was appointed by the American occupation as acting mayor in Waldenbuch since it can be proven that he was not a member of the NSDAP. He will hold this office for a year.

1945

From 1940 onwards, production had to be stopped entirely. Other companies temporarily occupy the factory. Immediately after the war, the Ries & Hetzel company produced toothpaste in the chocolate factory.

1940

During National Socialism, there were problems with cocoa and other raw materials. Since Alfred Eugen Ritter is not ready to join the NSDAP, the company no longer receives an allocation for cocoa and switches to non-cocoa-based items: jelly items, fondant, and refreshment sticks. The outbreak of war in 1939 did not result in the immediate shutdown of production yet only minimal volumes can be produced.

1935

Clara Ritter's proposal: "Let's make a chocolate that fits in every sports jacket pocket without breaking and has the same weight as a normal long bar." It is launched under the name "Ritter's Sport Schokolade". Also in the range: long bars, chocolates, Easter, and Christmas items.

1932

The spatial conditions in Bad Cannstatt quickly become too tight. A new company headquarters are found in the idyllic Waldenbuch. A bus brings the skilled and trained employees from Bad Cannstatt to Waldenbuch and back every day.

1930

The founding of the chocolate and sugar confectionery factory by Alfred Eugen Ritter and Clara Ritter, the foundation stone for the Ritter Sport chocolate story, was laid in Stuttgart-Bad Cannstatt in 1912. The first "Ritter" chocolates were made and sold directly on site.

1912