Swiss Craftsmanship for True Cooking Passion
Interview with Peter Waltenspühl, Chief Marketing Officer of Kuhn Rikon AG
Kuhn Rikon AG is a Swiss family business that has specialized in the production of high-quality cooking and cutting utensils since 1926. Under the leadership of Tobias Gerfin (CEO), the company combines tradition and innovation to make cooking a genuine experience. In the interview, Peter Waltenspühl, Chief Marketing Officer, emphasizes the importance of sustainability, quality, and global presence as the pillars of success.
Kuhn Rikon AG was founded from a spinning mill in Zürcher Tösstal and is today one of the most innovative companies in the cookware industry. A milestone in the company's history was the development of the 'Duromatic', one of the first pressure cookers in Central Europe. Now in its 4th generation of family ownership, the company offers a broad portfolio of around 2,500 products, including cookware, frying pans, knives, and versatile kitchen utensils. With its own manufactory for ceramic products, such as fondue and raclette accessories, Kuhn Rikon remains faithful to Swiss craftsmanship. These products, often adorned with the exclusive designs of the artist Alois Carigiet, give the range a special cultural touch and underscore the deep connection to Swiss tradition.
Innovative Product Range and Sustainable Company Philosophy
Sustainability is a key success factor at Kuhn Rikon. The products are designed for longevity, and a comprehensive customer service even repairs decades-old pans. This not only significantly improves the environmental balance but also strongly enhances customer loyalty. 'A product that lasts a long time delivers the best eco-balance,' explains Peter Waltenspühl. In addition to classic cookware, Kuhn Rikon also offers the most modern kitchen helpers with timeless design and high functionality. The company operates its own stores and utilizes shop-in-shop concepts where trained employees maintain direct customer contact. An in-house photo studio ensures professional storytelling and an authentic representation of the diverse products and activities.
Global Presence and Digitalization
Kuhn Rikon is represented in over 30 countries and relies on a strong export strategy with a rate of up to 60%. In addition to its own stores in Switzerland and branches in key markets such as Germany, England, Spain, and the USA, Kuhn Rikon has been active in e-commerce from the outset, including on Amazon. A proprietary webshop also enables direct customer contact. Digital innovations are firmly embedded in the company strategy: The Kuhn Rikon app allows users to control the cooking process via Bluetooth and access a comprehensive collection of recipes. Flat hierarchies and quick decision-making processes characterize the corporate culture, which is committed to authenticity and customer satisfaction. "We want to grow at our own pace, without sacrificing the values of a family business," emphasizes Peter Waltenspühl.