History
of the family-owned company Kühne
How it all began
10 generations committed to fine taste
How did it actually all begin? And how long has Kühne red cabbage, the best-selling red cabbage in Germany actually been around? We invite you on a journey through our almost 300 years of history. Enjoy!
1722
THE FOUNDING GENERATION
It all began in 1722 in Berlin. Frederick William I was king of Prussia and Berlin an aspiring residence. Johannn Daniel Epinius founds a small vinegar distillery and thus lays the foundation for one of the largest companies in gourmet food and vinegar in Europe. In 1762, the vinegar distillery comes into the hands of Friedrich Wilhelm Kühne, the next in line.
1832
The fourth generation
Carl Ernst Wilhelm Kühne takes over the vinegar distillery as successor and gives it his name. From this point on, Kühne brand history. He creates a trademark with his signature – today the family name is still part of the company logo. In the same year, he becomes the first vinegar brewer in Germany to introduce the Schützenbachian quick vinegar production process. In doing so, he succeeds in making the crucial step from a craftman's business to a manufacturing company.
1876
Royal purveyor
In 1867, Carl Kühne, the son of Carl Ernst Wilhelm, is declared royal purvey to the court by "His Majesty the King". Even as early as this period, the commitment to quality receives deserved recognition.
1896 to 1905
Years of expansion
The range is expanded and numerous production facilities are built throughout Germany. Mustard (1896), Mayonnaise (1902), Sauerkraut (1903) and Gherkins (1905) are added. With acumen and a pioneering spirit, Carl Kühne’s son Wilhelm leads the company into the new century and lays the foundation for a prosperous enterprise with his work.
1906
SUROL – A brand is born
In August 1906, the herbal vinegar SUROL is registered with the Imperial Patent Office as a trademark. SUROL is thus the first brand of vinegar in Germany and probably one of the first German brand products ever. Coming up with the name back then was very simple: They took the word "sauerkraut", crossed out every other letter and presto, the brand name SUROL was left.
1943
The seventh generation
The main plant in Berlin is largely destroyed during the war in 1943.
1945
Reconstruction in Hamburg
After the war, many production plants are badly damaged or even destroyed. Many facilities are also lost as a consequence of the division of Germany. The central administration is relocated from Berlin to Hamburg in Altona. Today, the company headquarters is still the Kühnehöfe. Production is set in motion again.
1948 to 1956
Years of expansion follow
New production facilities, new manufacturing processes and modern products promote growth. Kühne invests in research and product development. Over the years, new manufacturing processes, innovative recipes and thus regular new products that customers don’t want to do without thanks to the expertise of special refining processes, .
1951
Kühne squeezes the tube
Kühne performs pioneering work and introduces gourmet food in tubes.
1973
Salad can now give everyone their fix
The first ready-to-eat salad dressing "SALATFIX" is introduced in Germany under the Kühne brand. Even today, almost half a century later, Kühne is the undisputed market leader in salad dressings.
2000
A new millennium
Innovation from tradition: yesterday, today, tomorrow. Today, Kühne employs its own innovation team that drives the development of market innovations. The key factors for successful developments are mainly meeting current consumer needs and creating added value in addition to speed and assertiveness. Successful examples are Kühne Ready-To-Serve Red Cabbage, ready to serve in 2 minutes or Balsamissimo, a creamy mild balsamic cream.
