Ever wondered where the milk in your coffee comes from? Right here at Schwarzwaldmilch in Freiburg, a story of dairy farming and tradition unfolds. Schwarzwaldmilch isn’t just a company. It’s a cooperative. It unites hundreds of local farms. These farms dot the Black Forest’s hills and valleys. For generations, they’ve been the backbone of this region.
Let’s journey back to Schwarzwaldmilch’s roots. The year is 1930. Three smaller companies merged. They formed Breisgau Milchzentrale GmbH. Their goal was simple. They wanted to supply Freiburg with fresh milk products. In 1930, the company delivered 9.2 million liters of milk. By 1950, production soared. It reached over 15 million liters of milk and 9 million liters of milk products.
But the history of Schwarzwaldmilch has a dark chapter. From 1933 to 1945, the company was associated with the SS. Ernst Schmidt was the director from 1930 to 1945. He was reportedly an enthusiastic Nazi.
After World War II, Schwarzwaldmilch expanded. It acquired other local cooperatives. In 1961, it rebranded as Breisgau-Milch. A stylized cowbell became its logo in 1969. In 1981, Breisgau-Milch bought most of Schwarzwaldmilch GmbH in Offenburg. They kept both names as separate entities.
In 2010, Breisgau-Milch faced accusations of mislabeling. Their “Schwarzwälder Butter” allegedly came from Allgäu. Despite claims of using Black Forest ingredients, the butter was not local. In December 2010, Breisgau-Milch changed its name to Schwarzwaldmilch. The Bollenhut became its new symbol. Today, the company has two main locations. Freiburg focuses on dairy products. Offenburg produces milk powder and food additives.
Schwarzwaldmilch prioritizes sustainability. Since 2017, their milk production is certified GMO-free. Since July 1, 2020, they have banned glyphosate. This ban applies to all farmland used by their farmers. They also prohibit protein feed from outside Europe. The company encourages pasture grazing. Farmers get a bonus for it.
Schwarzwaldmilch embraces innovation. In 2020, they launched vegan oat drinks. Their subsidiary, Black Forest Nature GmbH, produces them under the brand Velike. Andreas Schneider has been the CEO since 2013. From 2016 to 2022, Schwarzwaldmilch was the main sponsor of SC Freiburg. Now, they are an exclusive partner.
Schwarzwaldmilch operates as a cooperative. The MEV represents the dairy farmers. They participate in the company’s decisions. The company’s equity amounts to over 10 million euros. In 2023, 847 milk producers contributed to a turnover of 248 million euros. The company has around 415 employees. They process 270 million kilograms of milk annually. The cooperative pays its farmers fairly. Their milk prices are above the German average.
Schwarzwaldmilch boasts several brands. These include Schwarzwaldmilch, Schwarzwaldmilch Bio, and Schwarzwaldmilch LAC. They also offer a Heimat-Linie and vegan options under the Velike brand.
But the best way to experience Schwarzwaldmilch? Visit their Milchladen. It is located on Haslacher Straße. You can find their full product range there. You can sample regional specialties. You can explore Schwarzwaldmilch merchandise.
As you enjoy your Schwarzwaldmilch product remember its origins. The company’s success rests on the dedication of local farmers. They preserve the Black Forest landscape. They deliver high-quality dairy to your table. Schwarzwaldmilch is more than just milk. It represents community and tradition.