Food & Drink

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – May 8, 2024 – For over a century, Alfred Ritter GmbH & Co. KG has been a beacon of excellence in the chocolate industry. Founded in 1912 by Alfred Eugen and Clara Ritter, the family-owned company has remained true to its core values of quality, sustainability, and innovation, becoming a beloved brand not only in Germany but around the world.

A Commitment to Sustainable Cocoa

Ritter Sport, the company's flagship brand, is renowned for its iconic square chocolate bars, available in over 40 varieties. But what truly sets Ritter Sport apart is its unwavering commitment to sustainable cocoa production. As the first major chocolate manufacturer to exclusively use certified sustainable cocoa for its entire range, Ritter has set an industry standard for ethical and environmentally responsible sourcing.

Partnerships for Progress

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – May 8, 2024 – Alfred Ritter GmbH & Co. KG reports a slight increase in both volume and sales for 2023. Sales rose by five percent to 565 million euros (2022: 538 million euros). This means that the family-owned company continues its positive development of recent years in a challenging market environment.

While Ritter had to accept a slight decline in sales in its domestic market of Germany due to temporary delivery stops, numerous foreign markets such as Austria, Italy, Denmark, and Great Britain continued to develop well. The company's export quota from Waldenbuch in Swabia thus rose to around 60 percent in 2023.

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – May 8, 2024 – Cologne, Germany – In a world increasingly conscious of animal welfare and sustainability, Katjes has emerged as a beacon of delicious change. This German candy company has defied expectations, proving that plant-based sweets can be just as exciting and flavorful as their traditional counterparts.

A Sweet Legacy, A Modern Twist

Katjes's roots stretch back to 1950, a time when confectionery was a far cry from its current incarnation. Yet, even then, the company displayed a knack for innovation. Fast forward to 2010, and a pivotal shift occurred – Katjes made the groundbreaking decision to transition to 100% vegetarian production, becoming a pioneer in the field. And they haven't looked back since.

Veganism Reimagined

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – May 8, 2024 – LOGNE, GERMANY – In the heart of Germany, nestled among the historic streets of Aachen, lies a company whose name is synonymous with exquisite confections and centuries of tradition: Lambertz. Since its founding in 1688, Lambertz has woven a rich tapestry of taste, artistry, and a deep respect for its heritage, cementing its place as a beloved culinary institution.

A Family Affair

The Lambertz story is inseparable from the family whose name it bears. For generations, the Lambertz family has expertly guided the company, ensuring that the time-honored recipes and techniques used by their ancestors remain not just preserved, but celebrated. This unwavering dedication to their craft has earned Lambertz an international reputation for uncompromising quality.

Holiday Cheer, Lambertz Style

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – April 23, 2024 – Cologne, Germamy – Discover Château Pas du Cerf, a family-owned winery nestled in the heart of Provence where tradition meets innovation. With a rich history dating back to 1848, this estate embodies eight generations of passion, sustainable practices, and a groundbreaking vision led by three dynamic sisters.

Legacy with a Feminine Touch

Château Pas du Cerf's unique story is fueled by the unwavering dedication of the Gualtieri family. For over 150 years, the women in the family have played a pivotal role in shaping the estate. Today, sisters Aurore, Diane, and Marion bring their own expertise and passion, creating elegant wines that reflect their commitment to quality and respect for terroir.

Organic Excellence – From Soil to Glass

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – April 21, 2024 – Cologne, Germany – 04.21.2024 – Immerse yourself in the rich tradition of Italian winemaking with Jorche Winery, a family-owned gem nestled amidst the picturesque Italian countryside. For generations, the Jorche family has dedicated themselves to producing exceptional wines that embody the unique terroir and spirit of their homeland.

Crafted with Passion, Rooted in Tradition

Jorche Winery's portfolio showcases meticulously crafted wines from hand-selected, indigenous Italian grape varieties. From vibrant whites to full-bodied reds, each sip tells a story of passion and an unwavering respect for time-honored winemaking techniques. The winery's commitment to excellence shines through in every bottle, offering a true taste of Italy's rich viticultural heritage.

A Commitment to Sustainability

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – April 21, 2024 – Cologne, Germany – 04.21.2024 – VDP.The Prädikatsweingüter (Association of German Prädikat Wine Estates) is thrilled to announce the launch of its VDP.Magnum-Unikat³, a limited-edition collection of 200 magnum bottles commemorating the 50th anniversary of VDP.Weinbörse, the association's annual wine auction.

This special collection showcases the exceptional craftsmanship and diversity of German winemaking, with 99% of the wines hailing from the coveted VDP.GROSSE LAGE® classification, the pinnacle of German wine quality. Each magnum bottle contains a unique blend of wines, carefully curated by VDP's esteemed members.

Beyond the exquisite contents, the VDP.Magnum-Unikat³ represents an opportunity to support the next generation of winemakers in Germany. With each purchase, a portion of the proceeds will be directed towards VDP's youth development initiatives, fostering the future of German winemaking excellence.

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – March 11, 2024 – Cologne, Germany – March 13, 2024 – Spain's celebrated wine regions, Ribera del Duero and Rioja, turned heads at ProWein 2024, the world's leading wine and spirits trade fair. Their diverse and high-quality wines demonstrated why these regions continue to hold significant appeal for international wine enthusiasts.

Ribera del Duero producers showcased the elegance and complexity of their Tempranillo-based wines. The region's emphasis on highlighting distinct vineyard expressions and unique terroir characteristics was a major draw for visitors.

Meanwhile, Rioja charmed critics with its ability to masterfully blend tradition and innovation. Classic, age-worthy Gran Reservas were admired alongside vibrant, modern styles emphasizing fresh fruit character.

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – March 10, 2024 – Düsseldorf's sprawling Messe convention center once again played host to Prowein, the world's leading trade fair for wine and spirits. Among the thousands of exhibitors and tens of thousands of visitors, South Africa made a particularly strong showing this year, highlighting the diversity, quality, and innovation coming from this dynamic winemaking nation.

Old Vines, New Expressions

South Africa boasts an extraordinary heritage of old vine plantings, particularly Chenin Blanc and Pinotage. At Prowein 2024, these varieties were front and center. Old vine Chenin Blanc captivated tasters with its complexity and depth, showcasing layers of stone fruit, honey, and a distinctive mineral edge. Pinotage, South Africa's signature red grape, also displayed impressive evolution, with producers moving towards more elegant styles that emphasize the variety's inherent spice and red fruit character.

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – March 10, 2024 – Greek Wines Make a Splash at Prowein 2024

Düsseldorf's Prowein, the world's leading wine and spirits trade fair, saw a vibrant showcase of Greek wines at its 2024 edition. From the sun-drenched slopes of Santorini to the mountainous vineyards of Macedonia, Greek winemakers brought a diverse and exciting collection to the forefront, captivating international buyers and sommeliers.

Ancient Grapes, Modern Expression

Greece boasts a winemaking heritage spanning millennia. Its unique terroir and indigenous grape varieties, such as Assyrtiko, Xinomavro, and Agiorgitiko, have seen a renaissance in recent years. Prowein 2024 highlighted how Greek winemakers are masterfully blending tradition with innovation. Visitors discovered crisp, mineral-driven whites, aromatic rosés, and complex, age-worthy reds that rival the best of the Old World.

Spotlight on Sustainability