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Ritter Sport

Ritter Sport is a German brand of square chocolate bars produced by Alfred Ritter GmbH & Co.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Ritter Sport is a German brand of square chocolate bars produced by Alfred Ritter GmbH & Co. KG, a family-owned company based in Waldenbuch, Germany. The business was founded in 1912 by Clara and Alfred Eugen Ritter, and the Ritter Sport name has been used for its square bars since 1932. It is sold in many countries worldwide.

History

Alfred and Clara Ritter founded a chocolate and confectionery business in 1912 in Stuttgart-Bad Cannstatt. The company later relocated to Waldenbuch in 1930, and the Ritter Sport square chocolate bar brand was introduced in 1932.

Brand identity

Ritter Sport is especially associated with its square shape, which helped distinguish it from other chocolate bars. The format became central to the brand’s packaging and marketing.

Company

Ritter Sport is produced by Alfred Ritter GmbH & Co. KG, a family-owned chocolate manufacturer. Andreas Ronken has served as CEO since 2015.

Distribution and market presence

The brand is sold internationally and is listed as being available in many countries worldwide. The company’s Waldenbuch site also includes visitor facilities related to the brand's history and production.

Key facts

  • The brand is known for its square chocolate bars.
  • The company began in Stuttgart-Bad Cannstatt in 1912 and later moved to Waldenbuch.
  • Ritter Sport has been family-owned since its founding.
  • The square-bar format became the main brand identity in 1932.
  • The company distributes its products internationally.
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Canadian context

Ritter Sport is available in Canadian retail and import food markets, making it a recognizable European chocolate brand for Canadian consumers.

Frequently asked questions

What is Ritter Sport?
Ritter Sport is a German chocolate bar brand produced by Alfred Ritter GmbH & Co. KG.
Who founded Ritter Sport?
It was founded by Clara and Alfred Eugen Ritter in 1912.
Why are Ritter Sport bars square?
The square shape became the brand’s signature format and was introduced in 1932 as part of the Ritter Sport identity.
Where is Ritter Sport headquartered?
The company is headquartered in Waldenbuch, Baden-Württemberg, Germany.
Is Ritter Sport a family business?
Yes. The company has remained family-owned since it was founded.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ritter_Sport
    Supports: Founding date, family ownership, headquarters, brand introduction in 1932, CEO, global distribution.
  2. Ritter Sport — https://www.ritter-sport.com/history
    Supports: Company history and founding in 1912 by Alfred and Clara Ritter.
  3. City of Waldenbuch — https://www.waldenbuch.de/zielgruppen+englisch/discover+waldenbuch/ritter+sport+visitor+centre.html
    Supports: Waldenbuch location, employee count, international shipment from Waldenbuch, visitor centre context.