Bavarian taste with a modern twist
Interview with Felix Hasenberger, Bettina Willmerdinger-Milinkovic and Desimir Milinkovic Managing Directors, Altbayerische Küche GmbH
Bavarian cuisine is a rich tapestry of tradition, regional pride and evolving culinary art, reflecting its agricultural abundance and cultural heritage. The balance between tradition and innovation is a main characteristic of Altbayerische Küche GmbH, a family-owned company based in Emmersdorf that is synonymous with typical Bavarian specialties of outstanding quality.
At the beginning, there was an apple tree. In 1982, its fruits inspired Hans Willmerdinger to create unique gourmet delights. “My father often shared the story of the company’s early days with us,” says Bettina Willmerdinger-Milinkovic. “He was passionate about using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients to create authentic Bavarian specialties – and it all started with the apples from the tree in our garden. Supported by my mother, they experimented with different recipes until they created their very first product which is still a bestseller today – the Millirahm Strudel with apples.”
It all began with an apple tree
The creation of the Millirahm Strudel was a milestone in Altbayerische Küche’s history. Until today, the company has constantly grown with the needs of the market. Today, run by the third generation, it offers a broad array of Bavarian products – all still based on traditional recipes and regional ingredients. “The only thing that has changed is the use of state-of-the art machinery,” states Bettina Willmerdinger-Milinkovic. “Our story is still characterized by passion, innovation and a deep understanding of traditional values.” What began as an idea to produce high-quality, handmade Bavarian delights has become a trusted partner for today’s hospitality industry. Step by step, it became a well-established company with a strong focus on quality. The highly motivated team of Altbayerische Küche GmbH experimented with a wide variety of recipes and processes, yet always remained true to its philosophy ‘quality over quantity’. This concept worked out well; Altbayerische Küche soon became a sought-after partner for customers who value authenticity and great taste. But it wasn’t just the products themselves that fueled the company’s growth – the team behind Altbayerische Küche grew along with it. “From the very beginning, we wanted to establish a culture based on trust and commitment,” says Bettina Willmerdinger-Milinkovic. “This helped us even in challenging times such as the passing of my father or the COVID pandemic. One of our greatest strengths has always been our flexibility – it doesn’t take us months to develop a new product, just a couple of days. In the end, the crisis turned into an opportunity. Together with our son Felix, who is preparing to take over the business, and my husband, we led the company into a new era – with a clear vision and great sensitivity.”
From Semmelknödel to vegan ice-cream
Altbayerische Küche is synonymous with a portfolio that blends tradition with modern values. It is all about handmade specialties such as Apfelstrudel, fluffy Kaiserschmarrn or traditional Semmelknödel – all tasting like they did in the old days, but produced today using state-of-the-art equipment. All products are made without added flavours or preservatives, using only high-quality regional ingredients – prepared the traditional way with the help of modern equipment. Traditional products with a modern twist – Altbayerische Küche is open towards new ideas, analyzes the market and responds with agility. Vegetarian products have always been part of the offer, nowadays, more and more vegan products complement the range. “Our aim is to cater the most different dietary needs,” explains Bettina Willmerdinger-Milinkovic. “That’s why vegan products such as vegan ice-cream or vegan Apfelstrudel have become new standards in our assortment. Innovation remains a driving force. We are constantly testing new ideas to expand and refine our range. At the moment we are working on a project focusing on main courses like Bolognese, goulash or Lasagne. Many canteens across Bavaria are among our customers; as well as police departments and gourmet restaurants.” Altbayerische Küche is a traditional company that is keeping up with the times. Working in harmony with nature is a core principle. Solar panels provide greater energy independence in an environmentally friendly way. The company has invested in energy efficient heat pumps and is working to integrate them with digital processes. “Digital solutions will become increasingly important to improve efficiency,” states Felix Hasenberger. “We already use an AI assistant, which helps us to reduce bureaucratic complexity.”
Ready for a sustainable transition
Altbayerische Küche is a family-business now run by the third generation where social values play a pivotal role. “Many of our employees have been with us for years,” explains Bettina Willmerdinger-Milinkovic. “They appreciate the relaxed and casual atmosphere. I talk to them a lot and if anybody is in trouble I try to offer support and find a solution. That is why there is a strong team spirit within the company.” Looking ahead, Altbayerische Küche will remain true to its values. The company aims to further strengthen and expand its customer base in the DACH region by maintaining its high quality standards. “We are thrilled to come up with new ideas,” says Bettina Willmerdinger-Milinkovic. “A key focus will be the company’s sustainable transition – both in terms of digitalization and environmental responsibility. Our son Felix is eager to drive those projects forward.”