Lindt

The History of Lindt Chocolate

It all began way back in Zurich, Switzerland in the 1800's when David Sprungli opened a modest confectionery store, little did he know that this would become one of the world’s most eaten chocolate. Sprungli quickly became a master chocolatier in Zurich and became quite well known.

By 1845 he brought his son on board. With his son, Rudolphe now involved they created and sold the first solid bar of chocolate in the German speaking district of Switzerland. Two years later they had opened a factory and another premises, called 'Confiserie Sprungli' which was a favourite with locals to get together and socialise whilst enjoying delicious chocolate treats and drinks.

Elsewhere in the nearby town of Berne, Rodolphe Lindt was also running a small confectionery shop. The chocolate of the time was somewhat bitter to taste, and Lindt was always experimenting with blending techniques to improve his recipe. One night he inadvertently left the chocolate conching machine operating all night.

When he arrived back in the morning, he could not believe the texture of the chocolate. It was so smooth and creamy, and it tasted delicious. This new method of mixing the chocolate was a complete game changer and quickly established Rodolphe Lindt as the top tier of chocolate makers. It was also the beginning of the world-famous Lindt Chocolate Fondant.

See also: Godiva brand profile.

Lindt's success interested Sprungli greatly and he was very keen to learn the secret of Lindt's innovative techniques that made his chocolate stand apart from his competitors. As Sprungli had his chocolate factory all set up and Lindt was operating a smaller operation and was finding it difficult to meet the ever-growing demand for his velvety chocolates.

Sprungli offered to buy Lindt's company and most importantly his secret recipe. Lindt agreed on the proviso that he stayed involved and that the name was now Lindt & Sprungli. It was a perfect match as Sprungli had the factory and Lindt had the secret conching method. The rest as they say is history.

The company went from strength to strength and at the end of World War 2 was celebrating its 100th anniversary. As the war had ended chocolate demand went up again. In 1947 they developed the Chocolate Gold LINDOR bar. It was brought out to lift the spirits of the people after the war. It was so smooth it was compared to melted gold.

The name comes from combining the French word for gold, OR, and prefixing it with LIND, LINDOR! It was originally made and sold as a bar and the round truffles did not make an appearance until 20 years later!

What is LINDOR?

In 1969, Lindt made the delicious LINDOR Truffles into round red baubles to celebrate Christmas. At first, they were seasonal only but due to customers wanting more they sold them year-round. Today Lindt produces as much as 1 billion truffles in almost 100 different countries.

In the mid-'80s new flavours were added to the LINDOR truffle range, including LINDOR Dark and White, with the addition of Hazelnut ten years later. Different countries have different tastes, and you may find flavours you have not seen before when travelling overseas. In the US they have a peanut butter truffle, which I would love to try! Flavours are fun but over 50% of all LINDOR Truffles sales are for the classic Milk chocolate variety and it has aptly been named ‘The Queen of Chocolate’.

Lindt Celebrates 175th Anniversary

In 2020 Lindt & Sprungli celebrated their 175th anniversary and they opened the Lindt Home of Chocolate in Kilchberg, Switzerland. The Lindt Museum houses the world's largest chocolate shop, one of the biggest chocolate fountains, interactive exhibits, a café, and chocolateria. There is so much fun to be had and eaten. Sampling the delicious treats and you can book lessons teaching you how to mix chocolate like the professionals.

LINDOR Pick & Mix is a great gift.

If you want to give a gift of delicious LINDOR Truffles why not opt for the Pick & Mix? You can select which scrumptious flavours you want, and they are packaged up beautifully. This would be a great gift for a teacher, neighbour or even to serve to guests, as each truffle is individually wrapped to stay fresh.

Festive Treats

You can always rely on Lindt to make festive occasions fun. When you spot the Gold Bunny or Teddy in the shops it is a symbol of Easter or Christmas being just around the corner. They also make a wonderful Lindt Chocolate Advent Calendar.

What is Chocolate Conching?

Conching is the process of the ingredients, that make chocolate, being mixed to become smooth and creamy. The Conching machine grinds, blends, and heats cocoa, cocoa butter, milk, and sugar. This process is vital to combine all the elements together and make the smooth, melt in your mouth taste and texture we all love so much!