In 1979, Ernsthermann Kölln sen. († 96) succeeded A masterpiece: He had the idea of mixing the oat muesli, which was just becoming fashionable, with chocolate chips instead of the dried fruit that was common at the time. And his plan worked: What was considered a daring sweet combination at the time quickly became a real bestseller – to this day, chocolate muesli remains one of the most popular varieties on German breakfast tables.
On Friday, March 24, 2023, Ernsthermann Kölln would have turned 100. He passed away just three years ago at the age of 96 in his home in Elmshorn. For over 70 years, he served his company, continually driving it forward with innovative approaches and unusual ideas. As a young man, he took over management of the family business from his father, Peter Kölln, in 1956, becoming the fifth generation to succeed him. He served as Managing Director for more than 40 years, subsequently as Chairman of the Supervisory Board, and finally, until his death, as Honorary Chairman of the Supervisory Board.
He remained closely connected to the family business and its employees throughout his life: His almost daily visits to the Elmshorn-based food manufacturer's office were part of his routine until his death in January 2020. Ernsthermann Kölln Sr. knew how to rethink oats: And the success of the chocolate muesli story still proves him right today: it's worth doing things differently than everyone else.
