History

Hans Hinrich Kölln takes over a small, horse-driven grain mill in Elmshorn. With his pioneering spirit and entrepreneurial drive, he supplies seafarers with ship's biscuits – the first step on the way to a success story.

After the death of Hans Hinrich Kölln, his wife Metta continues to run the business – until their son Peter Kölln takes over. He turns the family business into a true company and lays the foundation for a centuries-old oat tradition.

Technological progress takes hold: The old horse mill is replaced by a powerful steam engine. Kölln focuses on innovation and evolves from a grain trader to a major oat processor.

Kölln launches the first oat flakes in a household packaging – a revolutionary step in the food industry. For the first time, oat flakes are available with a brand name and collectible stickers, quickly achieving cult status. In 1938, the official trademark registration of "Blütenzarten Köllnflocken" (Delicate Kölln Oat Flakes) follows.

A major fire destroys large parts of the production facility. But the Kölln family looks ahead: Just one year later, the business is up and running again.

With creative TV commercials, Kölln brings its oat flakes to millions of households – shaping the breakfast ritual of an entire generation. At the same time, the company grows: A new office building is constructed, along with the iconic light and dark blue oat silos that still characterize Elmshorn's cityscape today.

Kölln recognises the trend and brings the first ready-to-eat mueslis to supermarket shelves – a real innovation! With the chocolate muesli, we invent one of the most popular muesli mixes on German breakfast tables. Kölln thus expands its range beyond classic oat flakes and sets a new standard for breakfast lovers.

Kölln takes the next step towards sustainability by having its oat flakes factory officially certified organic. In doing so, the company sets an early example for environmentally conscious agriculture and the highest quality - and establishes itself as a pioneer in the organic segment.

Livio, Biskin, Palmin and other traditional brands join the Kölln family. The expertise as a branded goods company grows - and Kölln expands its range to include high-quality edible oils and fats that perfectly complement its oat tradition.

Good news for all those who love high-quality vegetable oil: Starting in 2014, Mazola will be part of the Kölln family! With this move, Kölln combines even more quality and tradition under one roof – for the best ingredients in the kitchen, whether for frying, baking or refining.

For two centuries, Kölln has been synonymous with oat expertise, innovation and the highest quality. The company is celebrating its major anniversary and setting the course for a successful third century full of oat innovations.

On 1st May 2024, Dr. Friederike Driftmann-Egelhof takes over the strategic management of Kölln as Chairwoman of the Management Board, continuing to lead the family business in the 7th generation. In doing so, she follows in the footsteps of her father and grandfather. Together with Björn Schulz, the new CFO and Co-Managing Director, she will set the course for the future.