Innovation – Swabians are passionate inventors. Also in chocolate production.
RITTER SPORT is a family run company. It is not only very conscious of tradition but is also known for its constant eye on the future and the innovations it has brought to the chocolate market.
Everything began in 1932, when Clara Ritter invented the unmistakable chocolate square, RITTER SPORT chocolate. The name owes itself to the idea behind the idea: to produce a 100g chocolate bar, “that fits into the pocket of every sports jacket”.
Another invention from the house of Ritter, that is as fresh today as it was then, is RITTER SPORT Yoghurt. Introduced in 1970, this was the first ever chocolate in Germany to be made with yoghurt.
Only four years later, the son of company founder, Alfred O. Ritter, revolutionised the chocolate market again with, “the brightly coloured range”. Encouraged by the achievements of colour television in the 70s, he gave each variety its own characteristic, cheerful colour. Ever since then, these distinctive colours have been helping chocolate lovers to find their personal favourites at a glance – from amongst what, in the meantime, has become a range of over 20 different varieties.
The innovative snap-open pack, which continues to be an unmistakable brand element, first completely distinguished the brand from traditional chocolate bars in 1976. Our company also makes a good impression as trendsetter and forerunner: RITTER SPORT’S introduction of the Mini Chocolate in 1982 began a new industry trend. Today, small bars are a standard feature on every sweet shelf.
In a time when climate change was hardly ever mentioned, our company was already proving its foresight: In 1991, RITTER SPORT compiled its first environmental performance evaluation on its sales packaging. Subsequently, it switched over from using composite materials to fully-recyclable, single-material packaging made from polypropylene (PP). We were the first company in the confectionery industry to successfully take part in the Ecological Audit Regulation. This meant that the company organised environmental protection on a company level, within the framework of a comprehensive management system.
In the middle of the 90s, we created the white summer chocolates, Yoghurt Lemon and Yoghurt Orange (summer varieties). In doing so, we brought chocolate together with the great feeling of summer – in the most delicious way. Their association to a particular season was the beginning of many further successes with limited editions. In 2001, we enthralled chocolate fans everywhere with two unusual creations: Smarties White and Smarties Milk Chocolate. This co-branding opened up a whole new world of possibilities and taste.
In 2004, RITTER SPORT succeeded in recreating its feat of inventing the chocolate square, by inventing the Schokowürfel. Since its creation, this squared chocolate praline has been particularly popular as a sweet gift to say thank you. We have also cooked up something for inventors of the small variety. Since September 2005, children have been able to use only the best ingredients to make their own chocolate in our chocolate workshop.
However, the house of Ritter’s newest invention once again comes from our huge test kitchen: Milk Chocolate 40% Cocoa (2007). This new generation of milk chocolate owes its existence to the tasteful auspices of Alfred T. Ritter. The fact that it has been so successful serves to confirm the existence of dark milk chocolate’s many friends.
