THE STORY OF NORDSEEMILCH eG
THEN AND NOW
The farmers in the region of Witzwort could hardly have foreseen the rapid development that lay ahead of Osterhusumer Meierei Witzwort eG when in 1894 they laid the foundations for the company as it is today.
The company quickly grew to become a large dairy, which required it to
continually develop in terms of its technology.
FOUNDING IN 1894
A group of farmers in the Witzwort region set up the Witzwort Dairy
Cooperative to process their milk collectively.
IN TIMES OF NEED
1914
During the First World War the annual milk supply reduces by more than two thirds. The cheese dairy and the pig farms have to be discontinued at this point.
1936
The annual milk supply reaches four million kilograms for the first time.
Increased cheese production calls for the construction of additional spaces. From this point on the dairy is known as “Meierei-Genossenschaft
Witzwort eG” [Witzwort Dairy Cooperative].
THINGS BEGIN TO LOOK UP
1951
The lifting of import restrictions on cheese leads to changes in market
conditions. Witzwort Dairy Cooperative reduces cheese production in favour of the creamery. Annual milk supply reaches the 5.5 million kilogram mark.
1974
This year sees the introduction of sour milk quark production.
A NEW GENERATION FOLLOWS
TRADITIONAL VALUES
1994
The Witzwort Dairy Cooperative celebrates its centenary with its 161 members. The annual supply of milk is around 32 million kilograms.
1997
The Witzwort Dairy Cooperative merges with the Treia Dairy Cooperative.
FORMATIVE PERIOD
2001
Osterhusumer Meierei eG and the Witzwort Dairy Cooperative merge to form the forward-looking
Osterhusumer Meierei Witzwort eG.
2003
Osterhusumer Meierei Witzwort eG specialises in the production of fresh dairy products. Osterhusumer Meierei Witzwort eG is the first manufacturer in North Germany to supply fresh milk in the now familiar gable top packaging with screw cap.
2004
The success of the packaging concept, combined with the high quality of the products, lead to the commissioning of a second high-performance bottling plant.
2006
Osterhusumer Meierei Witzwort eG becomes a partner of the Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park. This acts as a further step towards expanding the close connection with the region.
2007
Introduction of the production of fresh milk with a longer shelf life. This is achieved via micro-filtration, using the latest ceramic filters.
THE FATEFUL YEARS
2007
In September a large-scale fire devastates large parts of the production facilities. Despite this setback the business area continues unrestricted. This enables the long-established relationships with the farmers in the region to be maintained. In November the dairy members decide to rebuild.
2008
In May, production of drinking milk is able to resume in the newly rebuilt dairy. The dairy features
cutting-edge technology and is one of the most modern dairies in Europe.
THE OSTERHUSUMER BRAND
2008
In October, products including “Schlemmersahne”, “Traum von Eiderstedt” and “Osterhusumer Buttermilch” are reincorporated into the brand’s range.
2010
The dairy shop is rebuilt, extended and reopens in April. The dairy shop has always been a popular port of call for fresh, high-quality products from our region.
2017
The Osterhusumer dairy brand undergoes a relaunch and the brand and product portfolio are redesigned.
2018 Wir wachsen –
auch personell, weshalb wir ein Multifunktionsgebäude errichten. In ihm sind nun die Abteilungen IT, Logistik, Verpackungsmaterial, Beschaffung, Bestellannahme und die Betriebsleitung komfortabel untergebracht.
2019 Aus „Osterhusumer Meierei Witzwort“ wird „NordseeMilch“.
Ein klarer, schlanker Name, der Standort und Produkt auf den Punkt bringt. Und ein Name, der sofort Bilder im Kopf entstehen lässt von der einzigartigen, fragilen Naturlandschaft der Nordsee, die wir schützen wollen. Passend zum neuen Namen, gibt es natürlich auch ein neues, einprägsames Logo. Die NordseeMilch soll langfristig logistisch unabhängig werden. Deshalb gründen wir als ersten Schritt die Nordsee Logistik.