40 years Rapunzel - 40 years organic movement

Carefree, almost starry-eyed without health or social insurance, without a fixed, monthly income we jumped into the organic adventure. Life rewarded us! Therefore, this existential confidence in life and the full devotion for the work associated with it has been another guarantee for success although I was able to recognize this only later.   

Least of all were clear economic goals and so-called "business plans" responsible for our success - we had none. Rather the work and energy of hundres - no, thousands - employees and you as Rapunzel customers made us to what we are today: 350 salaried staff at headquarters in Legau and Bad Grönenbach and several thousands farmers and employees from supplier companies in many countries of this earth. All these people build their existence on this great "energy flow" that all of us make possible. 

From our beginnings until today it has been our concern to form our world and our work life according to ethical and ecological aspects and to contribute to keeping our earth liveable for future generations - all in accordance with our continuously improved company philosophy that is more valid today than ever before. 

Of the entire food market turnover via all the different distribution channels, organic food products hold only four percent of market shares. In Germany, roughly six percent of the areable land are cultivated according to organic principles, worldwide, the organic share amounts to only one percent. Both in the organic and social areas, the organic industry has been responsible for numerous innovations. 

In my opinion, the role of the organic movement as an idea and innovation generator for the conventional agricultural and food industry is therefore more important than current turnover figures. To the same extent that the "headwind" from the agrochemical lobby and the biotech companies increases, the numbers of people who think that the concepts and values of the organic movement are necessary for a sensible and sustainable future grow bigger and bigger. Instead of fighting against the challenges either as the organic industry on the whole or as an individual organic company (which is a waste of energy in my opinion) it is better to concentrate on our own work and to try to do this to the best of our ability.  

The expectations of our customers and our trade partners grow bigger and present us daily with new challenges. Moreover, the interests and requirements of other stakeholders must be considered and complied with: starting with the organic farmers all the way to institutions and organizations such as the food control agency or organic certification bodies.  

​We see our job in securing raw materials from reliable and authentic organic cultivation also in the future for example through different organic farming projects. This also includes all-encompassing quality work that ensures the organic quality in addition to the basic raw material quality. This results in a continuous development of the "internal" and the "subtle" quality of our products. In doing so we want to ensure that our food products will increasingly serve "life". Our products should not only support the wellbeing of our customers but their production should also protect and support the enviroment in a sustainable manner.  

Our year-round company tours offer you the possibility to get a first hand glimpse of the manufacturing of our products. We are looking forward to seeing you!  

Sincerely
Joseph Wilhelm
Company founder and co-managing director