Rapunzel is one of the leading organic food producers in Europe. It all started very small: In 1974, Joseph Wilhelm and Jennifer Vermeulen started a self-sufficiency commune on a farm with a small natural health food store in the city of Augsburg in Bavaria.
From these humble beginnings an international company with more than 500 employees developed during the last 45 years. The idea behind it all remained the same since 1974: to manufacture certified organic, natural and untreated, vegetarian foods.
Where does the company name 'Rapunzel' come from? In Southern Germany, lamb's lettuce is also called 'Rapunzel' - a strong, deep green plant that grows even when the ground is covered with snow. This symbol and the Rapunzel founders' strong desire for healthy food - similar to the pregnant woman's lust for lamb's lettuce in the beginning of the Rapunzel fairytale - were the reasons why Jennifer Vermeulen named the company Rapunzel.
Where does the company name 'Rapunzel' come from? In Southern Germany, lamb's lettuce is also called 'Rapunzel' - a strong, deep green plant that grows even when the ground is covered with snow. This symbol and the Rapunzel founders' strong desire for healthy food - similar to the pregnant woman's lust for lamb's lettuce in the beginning of the Rapunzel fairytale - were the reasons why Jennifer Vermeulen named the company Rapunzel.

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1974Joseph Wilhelm and Jennifer Vermeulen rent a farm in Pestenacker (Upper Bavaria) with the purpose of growing healthy food.
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1975The natural "Rapunzel Naturspeisen" food shop opens in Augsburg. In the assortment: Wood-fired oven bread and home-grown vegetables.
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1976
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1979
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1983
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1985
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1987
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1989
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1990
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1992
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1997
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1998
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2004Quality at the highest level: Rapunzel is recognised as a demeter producer
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2007From Lübeck to Lindau: Joseph Wilhelm sets an example for a GMO-free world with the campaign "Genfrei Gehen” (going GMO-free).
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2008The One World Award is created as an international prize to encourage people to continue on their way. For people and projects that make this world a better and fairer place.
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2009Same, same but green: bionella is offered as a sustainable alternative for chocolate hazelnut spreads.
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2016Rapunzel works in an environmentally-friendly and sustainable manner. This is also certified by the European environmental management system, EMAS.
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2017A match made in heaven: Rapunzel and Zwergenwiese will be joining forces in the future. And: Amin Babayev is distinguished with the One World Award. This ultimately results in the partnership for the best Rapunzel hazelnuts.
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2022The RAPUNZEL One World Organic Foundation is founded and the visitor centre, with its own coffee roastery, Rapunzel World, opens its doors.
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01.02.2024Rapunzel can look back on 50 years of organics with love. Joseph Wilhelm uses the opportunity offered by his 70th birthday to hand over the management of the company to the "next generation". In addition to Leonhard Wilhelm, Seraphine Wilhelm and Rosalie Dorn are now also entrusted with the management of the company.
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21./22.09.24The 14th One World Festival will taking place on September 21 and 22, 2024 on the occasion of Rapunzel's 50th anniversary.