PETERS has epitomised traditional confectionery craftsmanship for more than 80 years. Grandad Franz Peters started out running an ice-cream parlour, which soon became the best-known cafe in town. It was here that the industrious and charming Norbert completed an apprenticeship as a confectioner. At this time, he fell in love with his manager’s beautiful daughter, Bärbel Peters. His aptitude and charismatic character won her over. It wasn’t long before he took over the management of the cafe. Meanwhile, Norbert Frochte-Peters pursued his passion: chocolate making.
1966
Love, engagement and marriage!
She kept walking through the bakery... The boss’s beautiful daughter, Bärbel. What we see, we yearn for – and that’s what ended up happening. Franz Peters saw Norbert as a worthy successor, so he gave him his full backing. It took a while, but he managed to win Bärbel’s heart and he married her. Just as Henny had done, she always helped Norbert out in the shop and the cafe.
1936
Business established
In 1936, master confectioner Franz Peters set up his first ice-cream parlour in Lippstadt, Germany. In the winter months, it was repurposed as a cafe. His wife, Henny Peters, put all her energy into supporting him. When Franz was taken prisoner during the war, Henny ran the cafe on her own for 7 years. Thanks to Henny’s fantastic cakes, it became the top cafe in town.
1967
Succession planning
Christian entered the world. He showed enthusiasm for the family trade at an early age. His sister Dorothée arrived just 11 months later.
1975
Norbert was completely infatuated by chocolate and by the highest art of confectionery: filled chocolates. This passion led him to begin making his own filled chocolates. To start with, he supplied small confectioners with fresh chocolates. Norbert was ambitious in this area too, so he worked hard to attract larger clients. The first of these was the confectioner ‘Most’. Other large clients followed, including Lufthansa.
1977
Business handover
Word spread about the high quality of PETERS products. Franz’s son-in-law, Norbert assumed the management of the PETERS cafe. He renovated and expanded it. Before long, the cafe had been awarded the golden coffee cup – an accolade similar to a Michelin star.
1993
A new face
Together with Christian Frochte-Peters, Matthias Meier completed an apprenticeship at the chamber of craft trades in Münster to become a master chocolatier. In 1994, Matthias Meier became the head of production at Peters GmbH.
1996
Reinforcement arrives
After completing a degree in international business management and studying abroad, Dorothée began to run the business alongside her father and started expanding the export business.
Left to right: Bärbel Frochte-Peters, Norbert Frochte-Peters, Dorothée Frochte-Peters
2003
Growth
In partnership with Bärbel, Christian had successfully managed the main store as the master confectioner for several years. In 2003, as the next-in-line to Norbert’s company, he assumed the management of Peters GmbH.
2008
Patent application
Pecarée ®e ® was developed by Norbert Frochte-Peters. Its razor-thin chocolate shell contains an exquisite truffle filling. The manufacturing process was patented and extensive protection was put in place for the wordmark and the design. PETERS products are currently sold in 31 countries all over the world. The innovative range has enabled PETERS to continue growing, even during difficult times.
2011
New flagship store
In 2011, a new 200m² flagship store was opened. It houses the whole PETERS range in all its glory. In addition to PETERS chocolates and biscuits, visitors can also enjoy exclusive delicacies from the bakery.
It isn’t just any old factory shop – it is a stylish, state-of-the-art specialist chocolate shop, offering advice and attractive deals.
2017
Chocolate World opened
In 2017, Chocolate World is added to the business. This chocolate experience invites you to explore the history of chocolate making. Visitors are whisked into the world of chocolate and filled chocolates. This 1,200m² world of chocolate is brimming with seminars, events, lectures, and ‘meet & taste’ experiences – visitors are thoroughly seduced by indulgence.
The well-guarded recipes that have been kept behind the walls of the PETERS chocolaterie since 1936 enable our chocolatiers to create the finest exclusive varieties. It all began with an ice-cream parlour in 1936. Over the decades, it became ‘Peters Pralinen’. PETERS – our long heritage of chocolate making is something you can taste.