The iconic Mozartkugel, a beloved Austrian confection, has seen the closure of its historic factory on the outskirts of Salzburg after 127 years of production.
The confectionery company Mondelez officially ceased operations at the site, Austrian newspaper Kurier reports.
Originally produced by Salzburg Schokolade, the factory faced bankruptcy in 2021. While production resumed under new ownership in February 2022, it struggled to sustain operations amid soaring costs of raw materials, packaging, transportation, and energy. The final Mozartkugel from the factory was crafted on 5 December.
Despite the closure, the brand’s recipe rights remain with Mondelez, which is reportedly considering relocating production to Poland or the Czech Republic
The recipe for the iconic chocolate-marzipan treat was first created in 1890 by confectioner Paul Furst. His descendants continue to make the dessert by hand in their pastry shop in central Salzburg, maintaining the tradition associated with the Austrian composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
Notably, Paul Furst never trademarked the name “Mozartkugel,” allowing multiple Austrian and international companies to produce the famous treat under various brands.
