The chocolate symphony has come to an end: last Mozartkugel rolled off the production line in Salzburg

Salzburg - For 127 years, the iconic Mozartkugeln were produced directly in the former home of the composer of the same name. But that is now coming to an end: the Mirabell factory has to stop production and close its doors.

For a long time, Salzburg was the home town of the world-famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791).
For a long time, Salzburg was the home town of the world-famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791).  © Angelika Warmuth/dpa

According to a report by Kurier.at, the factory where the company "Salzburg Schokolade" produces the "Echte Salzburger Mozartkugeln" will remain closed forever.

The Mirabell factory filed for insolvency back in 2021. A company from Romania, the KEX Confectionery Group, then took over the traditional factory in Salzburg.

However, they were unable to get out of debt again. In June of last year, the fate of the chocolate legend was finally sealed - the factory had to cease operations for good.

According to the manufacturer, the main reason for the insolvency was the rise in prices for raw materials, packaging materials, transportation and energy to operate the many machines.

New production facility abroad perhaps?

The Mozartkugeln are not only available in the iconic gold paper, but also in blue.
The Mozartkugeln are not only available in the iconic gold paper, but also in blue.  © Marcus Brandt/dpa/dpa-tmn

Just two years ago, the Mirabell plant had as many as 160 employees. However, this number has fallen sharply over time. At the end of last year, there were only 40.

Just like the number of employees, the production volume has also decreased enormously. From an incredible 12,000 tons of sweets a year, it has recently become just under one ton.

It is not yet known what will happen to the Salzburger Mozartkugeln. Nevertheless, it is confirmed that the Salzburg-based conglomerate "Mondelez" is currently looking for a new production site for the sweets outside of Austria.

So even if the "Original Salzburger Mozartkugeln" are no longer around for the time being, a new edition may yet provide a happy ending for the nougat marzipan pralines.