Hela Gewürzwerk: a name that might not immediately conjure images of Hamburg’s vibrant history. But step closer and you’ll discover a story spiced with ambition. It started in 1905. Hermann Laue took over Carl H. Rose & Co. He was a merchant in Hamburg.
Laue renamed it Hermann Laue. The name was soon shortened to Hela. He declared its purpose was the trade in spices. This marked the birth of Hela Gewürzwerk.
Originally, the company began in Hamburg’s Barmbek district. Carl Heinrich Rose founded the Drogerie- und Kräuterhandel in 1893. It was located at Bachstraße 155. Otto Hermann Laue started as an apprentice. By 1904, he became authorized officer of the company.
After World War I, Hela expanded. In 1919, they gained permission to trade various goods. These included spices, salts, and other items for the meat trade. In 1928, Hermann Laue moved the business. It relocated to Kampstraße 22 near the slaughterhouse.
Following World War II, Hela restarted in 1946. Hermann Laue resumed operations with three employees. His sons, Rudolf and Kurt, joined in 1949. They modernized the business. They introduced spice mixes for meat and sausage production.
Kurt Laue innovated portion packs in 1960. These were for salt, sugar, and spices. International airlines, including Lufthansa, became customers. In 1963, Hela began producing Gewürz-Ketchup. Curry scharf, Schaschlik, and Tomate were the flavors.
Hela expanded internationally. Branches opened in Austria, Switzerland, Singapore, and Canada. In 1981, they installed a coating facility. This prevented spices from clumping. By 1984, Hela developed spice oils. These seasoned and marinated meat in one step.
In 1989, Hela relocated its headquarters. The move was from Hamburg to Ahrensburg. They broadened their range with Italian, Mexican, and Asian spice mixes. They invested in Thissen in the Netherlands. Further expansion led to ventures in China and Chile. A new technical center in Ahrensburg opened in 2008.
Today, Hela Gewürzwerk Hermann Laue GmbH continues to produce ketchup and spice blends. They offer 3,000 spices. The main factory produces about 30,000 tons of ketchup annually. The company employs almost 400 people in Ahrensburg. Worldwide, Hela has 660 employees. Hela has branches in Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, China, Singapore, and Canada. They also have joint ventures in Chile and Australia.
From humble beginnings to a global presence, Hela Gewürzwerk remains a testament to Hamburg’s entrepreneurial spirit. So, as you savor that next curry ketchup, remember the rich history rooted in this very spot. A history of spices and a family’s dedication.