The Legendary Gerbeaud: A Sweet Journey Through Time
One of life’s most beautiful and exciting tasks is to preserve and even enhance a valuable treasure. Gerbeaud is certainly one of Budapest’s sweetest and most well-known culinary treasures. Operating such a business is not only a beautiful gift but also a serious responsibility and a great challenge – to uphold traditions while constantly innovating. The legend of Gerbeaud began with Kugler Henrik in 1858.
The Early Years
In 1858, Kugler Henrik opened his confectionery on October 14th in the present-day József Nádor Square. He later moved his headquarters to today’s Vörösmarty Square, where his frothy, chocolatey coffee, special liqueurs, and sugar bonbons attracted customers. Kugler’s cakes and mignons were highly sought after, with the innovation of packaging them on paper trays. He also offered the finest ice cream in Pest. In 1890, lacking an heir, Kugler asked the renowned Geneva confectioner Finaz for a recommendation for a young, talented professional. Finaz suggested Gerbeaud Emil.
Innovation and Growth
Gerbeaud Emil’s talent and entrepreneurial spirit, combined with the successful history of the business, drove him to expand significantly. He increased the number of assistants from ten to sixty, along with eighteen to twenty saleswomen, twenty packers, and five deliverymen. Gerbeaud introduced numerous innovations, expanding the confectionery’s range with new and unique products. He created buttery, Parisian-style creams, over a hundred varieties of tea cookies, and gourmet candies. His ice creams and creams were completely novel at the time. By the end of the century, even foreign countries were interested in his products.
Continuation and Renewal
In 1995, German businessman Erwin Müller acquired Gerbeaud’s four-story building. In 2004, Gerbeaud Gastronomy Ltd took over the confectionery’s management in line with tradition and innovation. Their goal was to introduce gourmands to new flavors, textures, and help discover quality products. In 2010, Gerbeaud unveiled its new youthful and refined look along with new pastries like Royal chocolate or Sósmogyoró-barack.
Embracing Tradition Online
Building on Kugler Henrik’s and Gerbeaud Emil’s innovative spirits that made their businesses popular among Hungarian guests—Gerbeaud launched a webshop embracing more than 160 years of history and dedication from its predecessors. The webshop features their full range from pastries to handcrafted bonbons made with top-quality ingredients without additives or preservatives.
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Experience Festive Delights at Gerbeaud
Throughout Christmas time at Gerbeaud Café counter or online at their webshop—indulge in classic holiday treats like vanilla crescent cookies or Christmas cake pops while immersing yourself in an enchanting Advent atmosphere surrounded by luxurious decor.
As the holiday season approaches, Gerbeaud transforms into a festive wonderland, adorned with twinkling lights and seasonal decorations. Indulge in our Christmas classics, such as vanilla crescent cookies and mulled wine, or treat yourself to a dessert tasting selection featuring Hungarian favourites.
Looking for the perfect gift for a loved one or yourself? Explore our Sweet Gifts section online or visit our Café counter to discover a selection of handcrafted chocolates, cookies, and pastries that are sure to impress. From cake pops to traditional bejgli, there’s something for everyone at Gerbeaud.
Conclusion
Gerbeaud has been Budapest’s renowned confectionery for centuries—not only catering to those craving divine sweets but also offering peace-time elegance and luxury ambiance. As the holiday season approaches—Gerbeaud turns up the magic with dazzling Christmas decorations welcoming guests into a warm festive atmosphere perfect for enjoying traditional Hungarian desserts or picking up sweet gifts wrapped elegantly for loved ones or corporate gifting needs.
Image source: Gerbeaud Café
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