In 1901, Otto Rüger, chairman of the “Verband Deutscher Chocoladefabrikanten” (Association of German Chocolate Manufacturers), decided that it was necessary to train the next generation of the confectionery industry in a targeted manner and in line with industrial requirements. Rüger envisioned a central “training factory” that would be available to the entire sugar and confectionery industry. Training apprentices centrally would have the advantage of providing all future specialists with the same level of knowledge in theory and practice. So much for his vision.

