RITTER SPORT chocolate is one of the best chocolates in the world. On the one hand, this is, without a doubt, because of the love with which the Ritter family has successfully pursued its craft for three generations. On the other hand, it is because of the Swabian diligence with which all raw ingredients are constantly checked. Firstly, by the supplier and then, of course, by RITTER SPORT. This ensures that you taste nothing but the best ingredients in each and every RITTER SPORT square.

For a company as a large as RITTER SPORT to be able to guarantee non-stop high quality products, services, and manufacturing methods, it needs guidelines and constant checks. These must be integrated into a quality management system that is externally audited once a year. This audit reviews the planning, guidance, safety, and supervision of quality. It does this by checking, for example, suppliers’ deliveries of raw ingredients and packaging materials. It also checks strict production quality criteria.

This system functions excellently. Alfred Ritter GmbH & Co. KG has been awarded the highest classification levels by both the IFS and BRC every year since 2003. The IFS (International Food standard) is an internationally recognised standard for the food industry. It places the utmost importance on food safety and consumer health. The BRC (British Retail Consortium) is a pioneering consortium in areas such as product safety and food laws within the EU. On top of that, RITTER SPORT’S plant in Waldenbuch is regularly controlled by Böblingen's district food supervising authority.

Excellent quality begins, however, outside the factory, with our suppliers and their products. Therefore, before we begin working with any potential suppliers of raw materials, ingredients, or packaging materials, we put them under a magnifying glass.

The departments of purchasing, analytics & raw material safety, and research & development, are responsible for selecting and searching for suppliers. They vet all candidates and analyse, for example, company structure, environmental policies, and the company’s existing certifications. On top of that, an on site audit and meetings follow. For a successful partnership, it is particularly important to establish and maintain a relationship of trust with our trade partners. This is done by means of regular visits, fair negotiations, and by offering long-term prospects that are fair to both sides.

Careful selection

Anyone searching for the best ingredients cannot buy them by sitting at a desk. Therefore, ours colleagues in research & development, and analytics & raw materials safety, regularly travel the world visiting places of production. They go to Central America and West Africa for cocoa. To Turkey, for hazelnuts. To California, for sultanas and almonds. This affords them the opportunity to exchange the latest news and insights with producers (farmers and suppliers). They discuss everything, from seeds to flowers to fruit, as well as processing methods and the best storage and transportation facilities. This process of constant exchange means that new insights are constantly being found and implemented.

It is only in close partnerships of trust that raw materials can be produced to the highest quality and at competitive and fair prices. It is also in this way that we can produce outstanding chocolate with the best ingredients. When raw materials finally arrive at Waldenbuch, samples are regularly taken and analysed. This is done according to precisely specified quality control plans for each respective raw material. After quality inspection and the subsequent release of the goods, they flow back into production. The traceability of each raw material in production is ensured at all times.

Watchful eyes accompany...

Regular inspections take place during the entire production process. Samples of the final product (the chocolate) are taken at specified intervals to our laboratories. These are a chemico-physical, and a microbiological laboratory (PCR laboratory). Here they are submitted to sensory tests and microbiological checks. Only bars that completely fulfil all quality criteria may be delivered.

... every step of production

That which is applicable to suppliers, raw materials, trade partners, and the entire production process, is, of course, also applicable to our employees. Hygiene guidelines, regular instructions, training courses, personnel controls during the production process, and hygiene inspections of production machinery are all part of everyday life at RITTER SPORT.

Even the storage conditions of raw materials and finished products are subject to routine inspections. Finished chocolate is not, however, stored at RITTER SPORT for long. Because it should reach consumers’ hands as quickly and as freshly as possible, RITTER SPORT makes each of its varieties several times a week.

Now it’s your turn: Take the test and experience the outstanding quality of our chocolate for yourself. Bon appétit.