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OUR STORY
The History of Knorr: From 1838 to Today
Ever wondered about the story behind the Knorr products in your kitchen? From a small German factory in 1838 to a global flavour icon, the Knorr brand has a rich history of passion and innovation. This is the story of how we became a trusted kitchen partner for home cooks in India and around the world.
Key Highlights of Knorr's History
- Founding & Innovation: Knorr was founded in 1838 by Carl Heinrich Knorr in Germany, pioneering the launch of dried soups in 1873 to preserve flavour and nutrition.
- Global Expansion: From being sold in just eight countries in 1957, Knorr expanded to nearly ninety countries by 2000, joining the Unilever family the same year.
- Journey in India: Knorr launched in India in 1996 and now offers a wide range of products including soups, soupy noodles, and flavourful masalas tailored for Indian tastes.
- Commitment to Quality: For over 175 years, Knorr's philosophy has focused on high-quality ingredients and understanding local flavours to help people create delicious meals.
The Knorr story is one of passion, exploration, and culinary innovation, beginning with our founder's vision.
In 1838, Carl Heinrich Knorr opened a factory in Heilbronn, Germany, initially supplying chicory to the coffee industry.
He soon began experimenting with drying vegetables and seasonings to preserve their flavour and nutritional value. This pioneering work led to the launch of Knorr’s first dried soup range across Europe in 1873, a breakthrough that sparked continuous improvements.
Since 1838, our food philosophy has centered on the high quality that we maintain in every one of our products.
The brand's growth was steady. In 1957, flagship Knorr products were sold in eight countries, and by 2000, they were available in nearly ninety countries worldwide. That same year marked a major milestone when Knorr joined the Unilever family.
Knorr was launched in India in 1996, introducing what are now irresistible soups, delicious noodles, and flavourful masalas.
Flavours of the World
Knorr’s products are available around the world, and we pride ourselves on a genuine understanding of local flavours. Our blend of global and local knowledge enables us to provide you with great-tasting international favourites, helping you sample authentic flavours from cultures far and wide.
Knorr History – India
When Knorr launched Soups in India in 1996, we started with 10 flavours. Today, the Knorr soup range features 20 tasty and exciting varieties, made with 100% real vegetables and no added preservatives.
Our cook-up soups include classics like Thick Tomato and Mixed Vegetables, alongside authentic international flavours such as Italian Mushroom and Mexican Tomato Corn. Serving four, they are perfect for the whole family to enjoy before dinner.
For those small hunger pangs between meals, our Knorr Cup-A-Soup range offers quick comfort in 9 flavours, including Mixed Veg, Sweet Corn Veg, Manchow Veg, and Tomato Chatpata.
In 2010, we introduced Soupy Noodles—a magical mix of masala noodles with vegetables in a hearty soup. Drawing on our global expertise, we offer flavours from around the world, like Chinese Schezwan, Italian Cheese and Herbs, and our all-time favourite Desi Masala Chaska!
Spices are the heart of Indian cooking, and with Knorr's masalas, you can create restaurant-quality dishes like biryani or pav bhaji at home. Our range of 8 masalas, including Sambhar and Chana, offers an incredible blend of spices for distinctive flavour, perfect consistency, and rich aroma. This range is ideal for passionate cooks who love making tasty dishes for their families.
A Sustainable Future
Our commitment to providing you with the highest quality food leads us to a new future that embraces sustainability. We are investing in more efficient processes and applying sustainability principles throughout our business, from seed to spoon.
While it is not an easy path, sourcing our ingredients responsibly helps ensure that we can continue to provide families across the world with great-tasting, nutritious meals for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Knorr History
The Knorr brand originated in Germany. It was founded in 1838 by Carl Heinrich Knorr in the city of Heilbronn.
While Knorr is a popular brand in India, it is not an Indian brand by origin. Knorr is a German brand that was launched in India in 1996 and is now part of the Unilever family.
Knorr was established in 1838 when its founder, Carl Heinrich Knorr, opened his first factory in Germany.
In India, Knorr offers a wide variety of products, including a range of cook-up soups, Cup-A-Soup, Soupy Noodles in various international and desi flavours, and a selection of masalas for making restaurant-style dishes at home.
The Knorr brand is owned by Unilever. Knorr joined the Unilever family of brands in the year 2000.