Toblerone celebrates its 100th anniversary

Toblerone celebrates its centenary this year. The famous chocolate bar, one of the most well-known Swiss brands in the world, was first produced in the Länggasse district of Bern in 1908. An exhibition dedicated to Toblerone is running from Friday until February 23 in the federal city.

The history of Toblerone and its connection with Suchard

The origins of Toblerone

Toblerone, the iconic triangular chocolate reminiscent of Alpine peaks, was created in 1908 in Bern. Its creator, Theodor Tobler, along with his cousin Emil Baumann, came up with an innovative recipe: a blend of milk chocolate, nougat, honey, and almonds. Its name is a contraction of "Tobler" and "torrone," the Italian nougat.

From the outset, the tablet stood out not only for its unique taste, but also for its pyramid-shaped packaging and its instantly recognizable geometric shape.

The role of Suchard in history

A few decades later, the history of Toblerone intersected with that of Suchard, another great name in Swiss chocolate founded in Neuchâtel in 1826 by Philippe Suchard. A specialist in the mechanical production of chocolate, Suchard experienced rapid growth and became a major player in the sector.

In 1970, Tobler merged with Suchard to form Interfood, strengthening international distribution and consolidating the reputation of Swiss chocolate. This alliance marked a turning point: Toblerone became a prestigious export product, present in airports, delicatessens, and supermarket shelves around the world.

From Switzerland to the whole world

Historically produced in Bern, the Toblerone has long been a symbol of Swiss chocolate expertise. The capital's factory produced millions of bars, exported to over 100 countries. Even today, despite industrial developments and changes in ownership (from Jacobs Suchard to Kraft, then to Mondelez International), the identity of the Toblerone remains deeply tied to its Swiss origins.

A Swiss chocolate heritage

Over time, Toblerone has become more than just a chocolate: it has become a cultural icon. Along with Suchard, it embodies an important part of Switzerland's gourmet heritage, combining tradition, innovation, and global export.

Now in the American hands of Kraft Foods, Toblerone is manufactured exclusively in a modern factory located in the suburbs of Bern. The chocolate bar contains, in addition to the basic ingredients of cocoa and milk, almond nougat and honey.