We are Schmitz

In 1911, Peter Schmitz Senior founded the Schmitz butcher’s shop in Heinsberg-Straeten at the westernmost tip of Germany. His children and grandchildren now continue the family tradition into the third generation and over the years they have turned the sedate butcher’s shop into a remarkable enterprise. The values of that time are still alive today: tradition, down-to-earthiness and the uncompromising passion for freshness and quality.

WE LIVE THE TRADITION

Our History

We can look back on over a hundred years of company history.

1911

1955

1962

1962–1995

1995

2003

2004

2005

2009

2011

2016

2017

11.11. 2018 - 11.11 a.m.

2019

Foundation of the Schmitz butcher's shop

Peter Schmitz Senior founds the country butcher's shop in Heinsberg-Straeten. After his death, the company was taken over by his wife Katharina Schmitz.

Foundation of Gebrüder Schmitz GmbH

Gebrüder Schmitz GmbH is founded by the Schmitz sons Heinz and the then 15-year-old Peter Schmitz (2nd generation) - production and sales.

First major order from the Bundeswehr

Establishment and start of trading partnerships

Takeover of a traditional Cologne company

The Takeover of the traditional Cologne company "Gierath & Steffens". Resulting in production sites in Heinsberg-Straeten & Cologne, and managed by Astrid Schmitz and Andree Schulz (3rd generation).

Expansion of the Cologne location

for meat cutting & increased sausage production

Relocation of the company headquarters to Cologne

QS certification

The QS test mark identifies fresh food. The prerequisite for certification is compliance with the statutory requirements across all stages of production, as well as with criteria that go beyond them. This certification is confirmed by annually audits.

Conversion of Heinsberg production and expansion of slicing plant

Higher Level IFS Certification

The IFS certification states that GS Schmitz is responsible for food safety and for the quality of processes and products. Furthermore, this certification ensures that its products comply with all specified specifications and legal requirements. This certification is confirmed by annually audits.

Expansion

Expansion of the Cologne location to a production area of 8000 m².

ÖKOPROFIT certification

GS Schmitz participates in an environmental improvement programme. The aim is to reduce waste, save energy and water. This certification is confirmed by annually audits.

"Hard to believe quality."

The Schmitz family pig is born, marking the beginning of the "hard-to-believe quality".

VLOG certification

This seal distinguishes foods that are free from genetic engineering. This certification is confirmed by annually audits.

Birth of the Flönz-Butler

Price for long-term product quality

A German Agricultural Society citation with the "Award for Long-Term Product Quality". This seal recognises sustained striving for quality and is only awarded if companies undergo voluntary quality tests by the DLG test centre five years in a row and achieve at least three awards per award year.

WE ARE SCHMITZ

Demonstrable butchery skills Masterly at the butcher’s championship

We use regional recipes exclusively. The artisan preparation is carried out according to traditional butchery methods. The smoking takes place exclusively over 100% natural and certified sustainably produced beech wood shavings. Our sausages and hams are produced only with the highest-quality of fresh raw materials.

IMPRESSIONS

Insights into the Schmitz universe

A little tour

Immerse yourself in the crafts of GS Schmitz.

"Regional recipes and the traditional butcher's preparation are what distinguish us from others."

The Schmitz Master Butchers

WE ARE SCHMITZ

Only the best is good enough

The best quality of the ingredients and the traditional processing are Schmitz’s highest duty. This is what our family stands for – for over 100 years. It is clear that independent institutes regularly test all our products. At Schmitz, you can be sure to get nothing but the freshest, best meat. This is a matter of family honour!

Somehow, you can taste the originality in, for example, the delicious smoked sausages, the hearty cooked sausages, the juicy hams and roast. That is why Schmitz products are popular and well known not only along the Rhine, but also throughout the Germany.

We are Schmitz

Our History

Demonstrable butchery skills Masterly at the butcher’s championship

Insights into the Schmitz universe

A little tour

Only the best is good enough

Certificates and official seals