Sustainable development

Emil Ebneter laid the foundation for today’s Appenzeller Alpenbitter AG when he opened a spirits store in 1902. In 1908, together with his brother-in-law, Beat Kölbener, he established the general partnership Emil Ebneter & Co. AG, which was renamed Appenzeller Alpenbitter AG in 2006. The family-owned company has remained true to its tradition and continues to be an independent SME.

Appenzeller Alpenbitter’s ongoing commitment towards its customers, the environment, its employees and the public has been recognised through the award of FSSC 22000 (food safety) certificates. These certificates guarantee impeccable quality, not only in development and manufacture, but also in sales and distribution.

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Emil Ebneter opens his spirits store

Relocation to the former concert hall

Registration of the Appenzeller Alpenbitter trademark

Brother-in-law Beat Kölbener joins the company

Gold medal at the Swiss National Exhibition

Joint-stock company formed; introduction of Appenzeller Alpenbitter type on the label

Start of brand advertising for the Appenzeller Alpenbitter

Significant changes to the label design

Addition of the brand logo with the Eugster head

100-year anniversary

New building to extend the plant; incorporation as Appenzeller Alpenbitter AG

Launch of Appenzeller sticks

111-year anniversary

Launch of Appenzeller truffles

Launch of regional herb cultivation project

Launch of the Appenzeller cream liqueur with original Appenzeller Alpenbitter

Pascal Loepfe-Brügger takes over as CEO as a member of the shareholder family.

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Bearing witness

These historic posters reflect the history of Appenzeller Alpenbitter and how advertising has evolved since 1921.

Retroplakat 01 Appenzeller Alpenbitter

1920

The bear on the poster and on the label is in front of the Wildkirchli. On the label, the image continues to the right, showing the distinctive mountain restaurant that adorns the bottles of Appenzeller Alpenbitter to this day.

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Retroplakat 02 Appenzeller Alpenbitter

1938

“Enjoy any time – neat or with water”: poster by artist Emil Steiger.

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Retroplakat 03 Appenzeller Alpenbitter

1939

Back then, above the herbs and spices the label read: “Their healing powers stimulate the appetite and aid digestion, and revive and strengthen the body. Further ingredients of exceptional quality come together to make this product the people’s preferred liqueur, aperitif and stimulant.”

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Retroplakat 04 Appenzeller Alpenbitter

1956

The Alpstein massif remains on the label, the consumer, wearing a suit, is reflected in the glass: poster by Ilse Rotter.

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Retroplakat 05 Appenzeller Alpenbitter

1965

Bon vivant in his Sunday best with a Lindauerli (pipe from the region of Appenzell) and sabre – these were once used to vote during meetings of the Appenzell Cantonal Assembly.

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