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Adalbert Raps: A Pioneer In The Spice Industry During Turbulent Times /
A Time Of Change: New Beginnings And Rebuilding In Kulmbach (1946-1956)

A Time Of Change: New Beginnings And Rebuilding In Kulmbach (1946-1956)

On 27 July 1943, the RAPS factory premises in Hamburg were destroyed during a heavy air raid. Adalbert Raps was initially assigned a disused chocolate coating factory where production activities continued. From November 1943, RAPS also operated in temporary quarters in Kulmbach, in a former malthouse on “Grünwehr” road.

"I was looking for a larger external temporary production site. I received plenty of offers, but it was my wish to establish this company in Bavaria, which is, incidentally, my home." – Adalbert Raps

After the Americans marched into Kulmbach, the premises of RAPS were pillaged by the residents. But even the challenges of the postwar period were quickly overcome and RAPS partially took up production again back in 1946.

RAPS was already presenting its products at domestic trade fairs in 1950 and soon celebrated a ground-breaking success with the introduction of Glutalin in 1951. With this product, the company added the fifth basic taste of “umami”, which was discovered in Japan, to its range and thereby set the company off on a growth course.

A new home for RAPS: The company established its own RAPS factory on “Am Goldenen Feld” road in 1953, equipped with modern grinding mills and mixing systems as well as a decontamination system for spices based on the American model. The entire production was soon transferred to Kulmbach. A purchasing office remained in Hamburg until 1972 due to the strategic connection to the port.

1924-1945

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1957-1975

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