Zotter: Austria’s Rule-Breaking Chocolate Maker

Zotter chocolate rarely behaves like ordinary chocolate. The flavors can be playful, the packages look like miniature works of art, and each bar carries the fingerprints of an Austrian family business that has made curiosity part of its identity.

From a small confectionery in Graz to a bean-to-bar workshop in Styria, Zotter’s story is about rebuilding, experimenting and refusing to make chocolate the predictable way.

A confectionery begins in Graz

Josef and Ulrike Zotter founded their family business in 1987, opening a confectionery shop in Graz. Josef had trained as a chef, waiter and confectioner, and the shop quickly became known for combinations that did not sound like standard pastry-counter fare.

In 1992, he began making layered chocolates behind the shop. These became the hand-scooped bars that still define the brand: filled chocolate made in multiple layers, then cut and coated like an oversized praline.

Why Zotter packaging looks like art

In 1994, Zotter began working with artist Andreas h. Gratze. The illustrated sleeves gave every flavor its own visual personality and made the wrapper part of the experience.

That approach fits the chocolate inside. Familiar ideas such as salted caramel, praline and fruit sit beside surprising ingredients and limited creations. The aim is not novelty for its own sake, but a sense that chocolate can still surprise you.

Starting again on the family farm

After a difficult business period, the Zotters narrowed their focus. In 1999, they opened a chocolate manufactory in a former stable on the family farm in Riegersburg and committed fully to chocolate.

The company later developed its own bean-to-bar production, controlling the process from roasting cacao beans through grinding, conching, filling and finishing. Zotter states that this work is carried out with organic and fair-traded cacao.

How to taste a hand-scooped Zotter bar

Let the bar come to room temperature, cut or break off a small piece, and notice the layers before tasting. The filling and coating are designed to unfold at different speeds. Pair caramel or nut varieties with coffee; fruit-forward bars work well after dinner; spirit-filled flavors make an easy gift for an adventurous chocolate lover.

Try Zotter Salted Caramel at European Deli or explore our current European chocolate selection.

A new generation of the family business

In 2026, Julia Zotter became managing director, carrying the family company into its next chapter. The hand-scooped format, imaginative flavors and illustrated sleeves still express the original idea: chocolate can be careful, ethical and serious without losing its sense of fun.

Explore the company timeline on Zotter’s official biography page.