1876
Company founded
Founding of the company by Robert Berger; beginning of the chocolate tradition
1887
Brand and trademarks
First advent of trademarks in connection with the company's founder, Robert Berger
1888
Appointed purveyor
Appointing of the company as the purveyor of the "Sachsen-Meiningischen Herzoghauses" (House of the Duchy of Saxony and Meiningen)
1902
First version of the "Bergermädel"
Siegmund von Suchodolski created the first draft of the Bergermädel. There you see a young girl with a coat with fur trim and a pointed fur hat. In addition, she holds a steaming cup of chocolate in her hand while crossing the street and dogs sitting at her feet. It should be shown that Berger chocolate is a gift and a blessing on cold winter days.
1906
Duchess Charlotte next to coat of arms and crown
The Duchess of Saxony and Meiningen, in view of their excellent produce, allows the company to display her name Charlotte next to the coat of arms and crown
1911
Death of Robert Berger and handing over the company's management to Julius Neumann
Death of Robert Berger at the age of 60; he had previously transferred the management of the firm to Julius Neumann
1912
Second version of the "Bergermädel"
It was a development of the first motif. The girl kept her shape, background details and dog motifs were removed. The attention should be directed on the berger girl with a black background.
1918
Final version of the "Bergermädel"
The final version was probably painted towards the end of World War 1. It is reduced to the essentials. The bright red of the jacket, the green checkered slippers and the white of cocoa steam are well visible on the black background.
1923
Erwin Rebling as the new owner of the company
Erwin Rebling presents himself at the top of the company. Significant structural and technological enhancements follow
1947
Transfer into national wealth
Expropriation of Rebling and conversion into national wealth, the company is placed under fiduciary management
1949
Resumption of the chocolate bar production
First chocolate bar production in Germany after the war
1955
Renaming to BERGGOLD
Renaming of the firm Robert Berger to "BERGGOLD"
1966
Founding of VEB Thüringer Schokoladenwerke
Merging of the firms Berggold and Rotstern to VEB Thüringer Schokoladenwerke
1984
Discontinuation of the state oil supply
As the oil supplies were discontinued by the state in 1984, a locomotive was used to generate steam to keep the production going.
1986
Major fire on the top floor
On July 18,1986 there was a major fire on the top floor. The material damage amounted to one million marks and despite intensive investigation the case couldn't be solved. The proceedings were terminated on January 18, 1988.
1990
Change of legal form
Division of Thüringer Schokoladenwerke and transformation into a limited company with the trust company as a partner, securing the continued existence of the firm.
1991
Privatization by Heinerle
Privatization of Schokoladenwerk Berggold GmbH (Berggold Ltd chocolate factory) through the Heinerle Spiel- und Süßwaren GmbH Bamberg (Heinerle Toys and Confectionery Ltd Bamberg)
1996
Relocation of production
Relocation of production facilities of the parent company Heinerle from Bamberg to Pößneck
2001
125th anniversary of the company
First major advertising and promotional campaign for Berggold, on the occasion of the company's 125th anniversary.
2003
High quality standard
In order to satisfy the rising quality demands made by customers, the firm subjects itself to a quality audit and works according to the IFS (International Food Standard) and BRC (British Retail Consortium).
2005
Investment opportunities
Investment of about 5.4 million euros in the areas of production, warehousing/logistics and sales, for instance construction of a modern storage, expansion of production capacity and new technologiesien
2006
130th anniversary of the company
Festivities to the 130th anniversary. Opening of an exhibition about the history of the company
2011
135th anniversary of the company
135th anniversary, investment of 2.5 million euros in the areas of production / technology and logistics; first-time presence of the brand Berggold on television and other advertising campaigns on radio
2012
Jens Weißflog as the new brand ambassador
Ski-jumping legend Jens Weißflog acquired as the new brand ambassador for the Berggold brand
2014
Courtyard gala and reopening of the factory outlet
In spring 2014 we opened our new factory outlet and organized a courtyard gala on the company premises for autumn.
2015
Hit of a City
Mareile Höppner, Ross Antony and the team of the MDR were our guests in Pößneck on the occasion of "Hit of a city". Also, a new chocolate with bratwurst, mustard and beer was created together with our technicians.
2016
140th anniversary of the company
During a festival week the company celebrates its founding 140 years ago. The fully new designed company exhibition was inaugurated as a part of the celebrations. The highlight was the family day at the courtyard of the company, where the ski jump Olympic champion Jens Weißflog provided chocolate-coated jellies to our guests from the large chocolate wall.