Ludwig Schokolade defies crisis

The Krüger group, Bergisch Gladbach, has acquired a 25.1% stake in Fuchs & Hoffmann GmbH, Bexbach, with effect from January 1st 2009.WAWI Schokolade AG remains majority shareholder, owning 74.9%.This move secures supplies of cocoa mass for the Krüger group, and is in step with the company strategy aimed at guaranteeing supplies of essential ingredients, either by direct means or through strategic partnerships.


The purchase of Fuchs & Hoffmann shares clearly underscores the position of confectionery within the group – which, according to Krüger, performed excellently in 2008. Krüger group sales grew 1.6% to total €1.59 bn. Exports grew unusually fast, up from 41.9% of overall revenue in 2007 to 49.7%. In all Krüger group employs 4,640 people in 18 factories.


Chocolate products of subsidiary Ludwig Schokolade generate 34.86% of overall sales, followed by coffee (31.05%),instant beverages (25.98%),diabetic products (5.46%) and “others” (2.2%). Key driver in the chocolate segment 2008 was the brand Schogetten. Thanks to attractive limited editions and various promotions, sales were strong. But double digit growth was also the result of price increases, which were “urgently needed,” says Willibert Krüger.
Sales of Edlen Tropfen liqueur chocolates rose 23% in 2008. Cherry Dreams, launched in September 2008, got off to a very promising start. Ludwig Schokolade is well pleased with the latest figures: “In all we have made good progress as regards uptrading the Trumpf brand.”


At the ISM 2009 Ludwig Schokolade will present several interesting new products, including Cappuccino PUR chocolate, made without any additional flavouring and containing no hardened fats, stabilisers, artificial colourings or preservatives.
After a delivery shortfall due to relocation of production in 2007,sales of FRITT chews are stable again. Krüger is expecting great things of the FRITT relaunch, to be presented at the ISM. As from spring 2009 FRITT chews will be free of artificial colouring and flavouring.