Dr. Oetker in Hungary - Tradition since 1924

Considering the past 101 years, it’s anything but ordinary. Think of the Great Depression or World War II, during which the Hungarian national company was nationalized. In the 1970s, Dr. Oetker returned to the Hungarian market via a licensing agreement, and in 1992, the company was reestablished in Budapest. Since then, the economic environment has become more stable and predictable, though significant events, such as the ongoing war in neighboring Ukraine, continue to impact the national company. Despite these challenges, CEO Csaba Kálmán proudly states, “Dr. Oetker Hungary has always been, and continues to be, a successful company in every respect.” We asked what drives this enduring success.

The recipe for success of Dr. Oetker Hungary

» We look back on 100 years of economic growth and are proud of the high regard and trust that our products, services, and brand enjoy. Proactive decision-making, coupled with a commitment to stability and continuity, has always been our hallmark, fostering consumer trust – an invaluable asset in this unpredictable world and a competitive advantage for us. The loyalty and cooperative spirit of our employees have shaped us into a strong community, enabling genuine dedication and ongoing motivation. This resilience is especially crucial in a country with a turbulent history. «

Managing Director Csaba Kálmán with Plant Manager Ferenc Bukovics and Finance Director Attila Csörgó.

» We are a fantastic team that believes in progress and is ready to shape the future. True success, for us, goes beyond merely achieving economic goals. When we can be part of something bigger, rely on one another, bring joy to each other, and put smiles on the faces of our consumers and employees with our products and services, that’s true success. Because that’s how we create a sense of home «, states Csaba Kálmán.

Dr. Oetker delights Hungary

A key to Dr. Oetker Hungary’s 100-year success lies in the variety and quality of its innovative products. Dr. Oetker understands what Hungarians love and what excites them. “We stay close to our consumers with locally developed and produced products,” says Csaba Kálmán. And it pays off: the brand is a market leader in baking ingredients, dessert powders, canning products, frozen pizzas, and porridges-nearly every product category. 

If there’s one product Hungarians associate with Dr. Oetker, it’s pudding, especially the punch-flavored variety. If you’re craving some, you might want to plan a trip to Hungary, as punch pudding is only available there.

Dr. Oetker offers more than just pudding. Younger generations, in particular, often pop a Ristorante or Guseppe pizza into the oven. And when it comes to homemade cakes and jams, Hungarians gladly turn to Dr. Oetker products.

Unique to Hungary are baking mixes for traditional desserts like Somlói sponge cake or walnut dumplings with vanilla sauce. And, of course, no lineup would be complete without the classic Lángos. With Dr. Oetker’s base dough mix, these popular yeast dough flatbreads are ready in no time and taste – whether sweet or savory – just like homemade. A little tip: Dr. Oetker Crème VEGA with a bit of salt, pepper, and chopped chives are the perfect topping for these golden-brown treats.

Crème VEGA has written its own little success story. That’s because sour cream is almost indispensable in many sweet and savory Hungarian dishes. As more people focus on balanced and sustainable diets, Crème VEGA has become a popular alternative.

The drink powders available since 2024 are an innovation “Made in Hungary”. Under the motto “Open, Mix, Refresh!” Dr. Oetker Hungary is refreshing consumers with drink mixes for lemonade starting this year, tapping into new growth opportunities.

Refreshing lemonade powders in lemon, orange, and raspberry flavors have been available since 2024.

International production location Jánossomorja

Dr. Oetker operates in Hungary from two locations: The management and our colleagues from sales, marketing, finance and logistics work in Budapest. The production site in Jánossomorja is home to production, product development and purchasing

The Jánossomorja production plant seen from the air. Numerous products for the international market are manufactured here.

In the 1990s, around 120 products were manufactured in Jánossomorja, exclusively for Hungary. The development into an international production site began in 1998 with additional production for the Croatian-Slovenian market. Switzerland joined the company in early 2000, followed by the Nordic countries, and England in 2008. Over the years, the number of products and export countries have steadily increased. Today, over 75% of the 610 products manufactured here are exported to 22 countries.

Milestones

The history of Dr. Oetker Hungary is over 100 years old and includes many milestones along the way.

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