World Chocolate Master
Elias Läderach is the only Swiss chocolatier to have earned the title "World Chocolate Master." Experience his award-winning creations and find out more about his latest projects.
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Milestones
Three generations, one World Chocolate Master, countless innovations. Once a small chocolate factory in Glarus, today we are represented in more than 30 countries around the world, and we are still expanding. Take a look back with us at the most important steps in our company's history.
Three generations, one World Chocolate Master, countless innovations. Delve into the world of Läderach and find out more about the growth and innovations of our family company.
Growth
1962
Chocolatier Rudolf Läderach Jr. founded the company in Glarus.
1981
The first store is opened, still on a B2B basis at that time.
1994
Jürg Läderach takes over the operational management of the company.
2004
Takeover of Merkur branches: Läderach enters the B2C business.
2008
Start of the internationalization process: initially Germany, Austria, and the United Kingdom before also expanding into North America and China.
2012
Opening of the chocolate factory in Bilten (Glarus).
2016
Start of franchise partnerships in countries located in the Middle and Far East.
2018
Johannes Läderach becomes CEO and Elias Läderach CCO.
2020
Opening of the "House of Läderach" in Bilten.
2021
Jürg and Esther Läderach step down from the Board of Directors, completing the transition to the third generation of entrepreneurs and the three sons, Johannes, Elias, and David.
2021
Takeover of 34 Godiva branches in the USA.
2023
Laying of the foundation stone for a third production site in Switzerland.
2026
More than 250 chocolateries in over 30 countries.
Strategy and innovation
1970
Maria and Rudolf Läderach invent the thin-walled hollow truffle shell.
2004
Introduction of FrischSchoggi: Fresh chocolate is broken at the counter.
2012
Monitoring of the entire value chain "from bean to bar to you."
2013
Introduction of Mini Mousses.
2014
Introduction of FrischSchoggi Sticks.
2018
Elias Läderach becomes the first Swiss person to take the title of World Chocolate Master.
2020
Introduction of chocolate-coated popcorn.
2025
Launch of FrischSchoggi Minis.
Facts and figures
250+
Chocolateries
30+
Countries
2,500+
Employees
80+
Nationalities
3
Production sites
380+
Chocolate creations
Charter
Every person is a unique and valuable individual. Regardless of their skin color, gender, origin, age, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, lifestyle, capabilities, or disabilities. This is also reflected in the makeup of our approximately 3,000 employees, who represent around 80 different nationalities as well as a wide range of religious affiliations and lifestyles. We are united by tolerance, respect, and freedom of opinion. These values are at the heart of everything we do, alongside our passion for fresh Swiss chocolate.
Would You Like to Work With Us?
Working at Läderach is not only about being part of a team; it is about being part of a culture that brings quality, craftsmanship and attention to detail to life together every day.
We believe in growing alongside colleagues who approach their work with passion, who value human relationships and who seek excellence in the smallest details. If you too want the effort you put in every day to make a difference, we would be glad to get to know you.
You can send your résumé to info@felicitascikolata.com. We review every application with care and get in touch with you when an opportunity arises that matches your experience and skills.
From origin to indulgence
We have been sharing our passion for fresh chocolate for generations. Discover more about our history, our innovations, and the authentic artisanal skills of our chocolatiers.
Freshness
The exquisite taste of our chocolate creations is an affair of the heart for us. That's why we make them fresh daily and get them to you as quickly as possible, so you can experience the freshness with all your senses.
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Origin
Our top priority is to craft chocolate of the highest quality. That's why we oversee the entire procurement process ourselves, be it in the intertropical cocoa belt or the Swiss Alpine region.
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