Über uns
Wir blicken auf über 360 Jahre Erfahrung in der Herstellung, Entwicklung und im erfolgreichen Management von Spirituosen-marken zurück. Als familiengeführtes Unternehmen mit klarer Markenstrategie und internationaler Ausrichtung zählen wir heue zu den führenden Anbietern im deutschen Spirituosenmarkt und sind ein verlässlicher Partner für den Lebensmitteleinzelhandel, Fachgroßhandel und Gastronomie.
Zum Portfolio gehören Three Sixty Vodka, Knut Hansen Dry Gin, Déjà-Vu Aperitif , die ready-to-serve Cocktails von SHATLER´s sowie das alkoholfreie Konzept von Soda Libre. Durch exclusive Distributionspartnerschaften mit internationalen Partnern wie Proximo und Molinari bieten wir das ideale Portfolio im Premium- und Trendsegment.
1664 - Firmengründung
The roots of the Westphalian distillery Friedr. Schwarze lie in Westkirchen, a town in the Münsterland region. This is documented by a reference found in church archives dating back to the year 1664.
1738 - Der erste Umzug
At that time, it was certainly common to stay where you were and make do with what you had—let alone consider packing up and seeking your fortune elsewhere. But Joan Hermann Schwarze, grandson of Joan Schwarze, saw things differently. In 1738, he moved the entire business to Oelde and made a bold move: he acquired full citizenship rights, married the daughter of a local innkeeper (and possibly mayor) and distiller, and thus laid the foundation of the Oelde-based Schwarze distillery—upon which the company still stands today.
1836 - Übersee
In 1836, Gottfried Schwarze (the son of Joan Hermann Josef) traveled to America for one and a half years. A profitable venture involving a yeast factory enabled the company to successfully compete against low-cost potato distilleries. An economic upswing followed with the arrival of the Cologne–Minden railway.
1872 - Übersee
Katharina Bernhardine Schwarze becomes the first woman in the company’s history to take over the management of the family business. She advocates for further modernization of production and acquires new distillation and rectification equipment. These innovations enable her to expand the company’s sales territory as far as the Ruhr region.
1912 - Markenzeichen
Friedrich Schwarze turns the farmer into the company’s trademark. Other trademarks registered during this period include Mercedes (1902) and Melitta (1908).
1980 - Kornbrände
Grain-based products account for 90% of the company’s revenue in this decade.
1990 - Gründung der Schwarze und Schlichte
Acquisition of the production and brands of the traditional distillery H. W. Schlichte in Steinhagen. This includes “Original Schlichte Steinhäger,” “Kosaken Kaffee,” the honey liqueur “Bärenjäger,” and the herbal bitter “Leibwächter.”
2003 - Standort Rinteln
Acquisition of the production site of the company Racke in Rinteln. Since then, the company has also handled the distribution of brands such as “Racke Rauchzart” and “Dujardin Imperial” brandy. Production volume is tripled. The first export successes are achieved.
2006 - Golden Shoe
Innovation concept: Original Scottish whisky in a glass football boot for the World Cup. “Golden Goal” is awarded as the “Best-Selling Spirits Innovation of the Year 2006.” The success story continues with special editions for subsequent World Cups and European Championships.
2011 - Kauf von Three Sixty Vodka
Schwarze und Schlichte acquires the brand rights from the Paderborn-based company MBG.
2011 - Three Sixty Vodka
Launch of the new campaign “Diamonds are a man’s best friend” for the premium vodka in our portfolio.
2013 - Three Sixty Vodka im TV
TV launch on high-reach channels such as Pro 7, featuring a high-profile cast including fashion models.
2014 - Three Sixty Vodka Black 42
THREE SIXTY VODKA reveals its dark side – with 42% ABV and in a black faceted glass bottle. Naturally diamond-filtered!
2015 - Hula Hoop
The new premium egg liqueur Hula Hoop, in a trendy retro look, combines the best of the past with the spirit of today. Delicious, light, and airy.
2015 - Friedrichs Dry Gin
This gin is a blend of craftsmanship and juniper tradition in a fresh, modern guise – a true testament to meticulous handwork. The gin to my tonic!
2016 - Pepino Peach
Acquisition of the peach liqueur Pepino Peach with 15% ABV from Pernod Ricard Germany!
2017 - Neueinführung von Friedrichs Fasskorn
Our new expertise in grain spirits: The barrel-aged, amber-colored Fasskorn with 40% ABV. For grain spirit enthusiasts!
2018 - Übernahme Shatler's Cocktails
Takeover of Shatler's ready-to-serve cocktails! The range of 10 alcoholic and 5 non-alcoholic cocktails expands our portfolio by an important segment.
2018 - Übernahme Wollbrink Spirituosen
Takeover of most brands of Wollbrink Spirituosen GmbH & Co. KG, including brands from Ecks and Chr. Meyer.
2019 - Neueinführung von Sechsämtertropfen Haselnuss
Successful launch of the line extension Sechsämtertropfen Hazelnut: The first production batch was sold out after just a few weeks.
2019 - Launch Three Sixty Vodka ready-to-drink
Successful launch of the ready-to-drink range from Three Sixty Vodka in three flavor variants: Energy, Passion Fruit, and Bitter Lemon.
2020 - Neueinführung von Pepino Nuts
Launch of the line extension Pepino Nuts. The finely balanced hazelnut liqueur with a hint of apple and honey is irresistibly aromatic.
2020 - Relaunch der SHATLER´S Cocktails
Successful design and packaging relaunch of SHATLER’S Cocktails. The ready-to-drink cocktails, now in their new, modern design, can be enjoyed straight from the can, but are still perfect served over ice.
2021 - Neueinführung des Aperitifs Déjà-Vu
As an integral part of Schwarze und Schlichte’s exclusive range, Déjà-Vu embodies the art of fine spirits. Crafted from high-quality wine distillate, this exceptional aperitif transports you to distant worlds with its exotic aromas. Its seductive fragrance and perfectly balanced taste make it a true highlight for connoisseurs. Whether as a stylish start to a sociable evening or a refined companion to special moments – Déjà-Vu stands for quality, sophistication, and the tradition of a company renowned for exceptional enjoyment.
2021 - Vertriebsrechte Ferdinand´s Dry Gin
Ferdinand’s Saar Dry Gin is the world’s first and only Riesling-infused gin. It is complemented by a range of vermouth variants. An ideal addition to our existing brands, it allows us to offer customers an even broader portfolio.
2022 - Übernahme von Soda Libre
Soda Libre is the non-alcoholic filler available in the flavors Basil and Elderflower, and the perfect alcohol-free addition to our spirits portfolio.
2023 - Übernahme der Hamburg Distilling Company
In 2023, the Hamburg Distilling Company, known for KNUT HANSEN Dry Gin and RON PIET Premium Rum, was acquired by Schwarze & Schlichte. This acquisition builds on a success story that began in 2017 with the founding of the company by two entrepreneurs from Hamburg. Since then, KNUT HANSEN has established itself as one of the leading handcrafted gin brands in Germany, while RON PIET brings vibrant joie de vivre to the rum shelf. With this acquisition, the international presence of both brands is further strengthened, setting new impulses for growth.
2025 - Übernahme der Molinari-Vertriebsrechte
Schwarze und Schlichte GmbH & Co. KG has taken over the exclusive distribution of the brands from MOLINARI Italia S.p.A. in Germany. These include, among others, MOLINARI Extra, MOLINARI Caffè, and Limoncello DICAPRI. The partnership with leading Sambuca producer MOLINARI Italia S.p.A. expands Schwarze und Schlichte’s existing portfolio and offers significant opportunities in both retail and gastronomy.
