Katjes, a prominent confectionery company from Germany, has successfully obtained a 50% ownership stake in Schoko Winterscheidt, a domestic counterpart recognized as Jokolade.
Previously, Joko Winterscheidt, a German TV presenter, producer, and actor, exclusively held ownership of Jokolade, a company located in close proximity to Munich.
Katjes has stated that the objective of this deal is to enhance its presence within the chocolate industry, aiming to “guarantee enjoyment on the chocolate aisle” as they pursue further expansion.
Specifics regarding the financial aspects of the agreement have not been revealed.
Tobias Bachmüller, managing shareholder at Katjes, said, “We see it as an exciting task and a great pleasure to be able to shake up the largest and growing segment of confectionery, the chocolate market, with a lot of fun together with Joko Winterscheidt and the Jokolade team.”
“Joko should play the central role,” said Katjes.
Jokolade offers a range of five distinct chocolate bars in its portfolio. The company is committed to utilizing Fairtrade ingredients, aligning with their significant mission of achieving “100% slave-free chocolate.”
“It is a great pleasure to welcome Katjes as a partner at Jokolade,” said Winterscheidt.
“For me, the company stands for fun and responsibility. By now it should be clear to everyone that Jokolade is not a marketing gimmick that bears my name, but that it really wants to and will change something.”
In collaboration with prominent chocolate supplier Barry Callebaut, the company has established a cooperative agreement. This partnership is associated with Tony’s Chocolonely’s ethical chocolate enterprise from the Netherlands and their initiative called Tony’s Chocolonely Open Chain. Jokolade has referred to this initiative as “one of the most transparent and equitable methods for cocoa trade.”
“All cocoa beans from Tony’s Open Chain are traceable to the partner cooperatives in Ghana and Ivory Coast. Jokolade also pays a surcharge on top of the Fairtrade premium to close the gap to the Fairtrade reference price and thus create a living income for cocoa farmers,” said the company’s website.
“In addition, the open chain strengthens cocoa farmers through long-term cooperation, [provides] support in setting up professional cooperatives and programs to increase quality and productivity.”
Jokolade’s products are available for purchase at various German retailers, including Rewe, Müller, Rossmann, Budni, Famila, and Billa Plus, as well as through the company’s official online platform.
In May of this year, Katjesgreenfood, the venture capital division of the Katjes Group, procured an ownership share of approximately 10% in Mymuesli, a German provider of personalized muesli products.
In 2022, the company also acquired Paluani, an Italian firm renowned for crafting panettone and pandoro.
