Schwartauer Werke Jam Factory

Schwartauer Werke, headquartered in Bad Schwartau since 1899, is one of Germany's most recognisable food brands — maker of the Schwartau jams, marmalades, and fruit spreads found in almost every German supermarket and household. The company is not open for regular public tours, but the brand is so embedded in German daily life that for many visitors the town's main curiosity is the chance to buy jam at the source.

The factory complex is visible from the main road through town. The local supermarkets stock the full range at prices no different from anywhere else in Germany — but there is a satisfaction in buying Schwartau jam in Schwartau that is hard to explain. The company also produces Thomy mustard and related condiment brands.

things to do sight
A story
Schwartauer Werke was founded in 1899 and became famous for a product that appeared on virtually every German breakfast table for most of the 20th century — the Schwartau jam jar, with its distinctive wave pattern lid. The factory moved production to Bad Schwartau and the town's name became synonymous with the brand, to the point where "Schwartau" in many German households simply means jam.