The Mirabell-Werk factory in Grodig, near Salzburg, which had been producing the famous “Echte Salzburger Mozartkugel“ for over a century, is ceasing operations.
The last ball, weighing 17.1 grams and made of chocolate with a core mixture of marzipan, pistachios, and nougat, was produced on December 5th, marking the end of an era, Austrian media reported.
The corporation Mondelez International, which owns all rights to this symbol of Austrian tradition, has decided to halt production in Austria. Plans are underway to move production to Poland or the Czech Republic, though details remain unclear. The decision has sparked dissatisfaction among employees and the local community.
“This was a gradual end,“ said Katharina Lindner, quality manager, who worked at the factory for nearly ten years. The workforce was reduced from 160 to just 40 employees, with the remaining staff set to leave by the end of the year.
Salzburg Schokolade, the company that had been producing Mozartkugel for Mondelez, never recovered after declaring bankruptcy in 2021. Rising costs of raw materials, energy, and transportation were cited as the main reasons.
The factory building, due to resistance against repurposing it into residential space, is likely to remain vacant for a long time. The equipment will either be sold or dismantled. With this, a 127-year tradition comes to an end, and Salzburg loses one of its most renowned gastronomic symbols.
