Dr. Oetker

Dr. Oetker is a German company that produces baking powder, cake mixes, yogurts, frozen pizza, pudding, cake decoration, cornflakes and various other products.

Portfolio

Also included in the portfolio are a maritime freight business (Hamburg Süd), a bank, a publishing company, an insurance outfit, breweries and a number of high-class hotels all over Europe.

History

Formation

The company was founded by Doctor August Oetker in 1891; the first product developed was "Backin", a pre-measured amount of baking powder that, when mixed with 500 grams (18 oz) of flour and other ingredients, produced a cake.

First World War

Dr. Oetker's son, Rudolf, died in the First World War. However Rudolf, and his wife, Ida, had two children, Rudolf-August and Ursula. Ida Oetker remarried Dr. Richard Kaselowsky, and they subsequently had four more children. Dr. Kaselowsky raised Rudolf-August and Ursula as his own.

International expansion

Rudolf August Oetker, the grandson of Dr. August Oetker, led the company between 1944 and 1981, and during this period it achieved its highest growth. The company expanded its presence internationally, acquiring many companies around the world. When Rudolf Oetker stepped down from his leadership position, the 4th generation of the Oetker family took over from him. The family ownership established the management principle that "The interests of the company have priority over those of the family" (Annual Report Dr. August Oetker KG, 2005).