End of an era: Löwensenf leaves Düsseldorf after almost 300 years!

End of an era: Löwensenf leaves Düsseldorf after almost 300 years!

In its most recent meeting on February 26, 2025, the city administration of Düsseldorf decided to preserve the traditional brands "Löwensenf" and "ABB" in the city. This is an important decision in view of the upcoming attitude of mustard production in Düsseldorf, which is relocated to a more modern work of the Developer Group to Thuringia. According to the city administration, this change of location is an “entrepreneurial decision” by Developer, which does not remain without consequences for the city and that employees.

The "Löwensenf" brand, which has been in existence since 1903, which moved to Düsseldorf in 1918, has a long tradition in the city. Previously, Düsseldorf was the location of the first Senffabrik in Germany in 1726, the ABB Bergrath company. With the closure of the Löwensenf production, almost 300 years of mustard tradition in the state capital is now ended. According to Antenneduesseldorf.de , however, the headquarters of the "löwensenf GmbH" remains in Düsseldorf, which in Düsseldorf, which is what a certain will be retained in the city guaranteed.

production shift to Thuringia

The production of "Löwensenf" will take place, especially in Erfurt in Thuringia, where the work is already equipped for the production of various products from the Developer Group. This decision was announced in a press release from the parent company Develey Senf & Feinkost. Managing Director Stefan Durach said that the decision to relocate cleverly because a strong tradition was associated with Düsseldorf. Nevertheless, decisive factors, such as a lack of long-term development perspectives and the increasing demand for modern and sustainable production methods, were decisive for the change of location ( WDR.de ).

The relocation is also facilitated by the economic advantages of the Thuringian location, which offers cheaper production conditions, including lower wage costs. Since the rental agreement for the mustard factory on Kieshecker Weg runs by the end of 2026, it remains unclear when the production in Düsseldorf will be set. Develey plans to negotiate with the employee representative of the 54 employees as part of a compensation for interests in order to clarify their future prospects.

The future of Löwensenf and ABB in Düsseldorf

Despite the relocation of production, the city of Düsseldorf would like to continue to keep the brands "Löwensenf" and "ABB" visible. The city administration is actively looking for space for a show factory to preserve the heir to the mustard brand. Talks on this topic should take place this week to find out how to promote the loyalty to the location and strengthen the connection to tradition.

The decision to end mustard production in Düsseldorf is an important step that not only influences the local economy, but also causes emotional reactions among citizens and employees. Many in Düsseldorf hope that the tradition of mustard production, which plays an important role in the history of the city, can live in any form through alternative measures.