Ronnefeldt celebrates its 200th anniversary. An excellent reason to thank you for your loyalty. Because with you, we want to write the next 200 years of tea history. Join us on the historic journey of a family-run tea trading company and look forward to a whole year full of special surprises and promotions.
Musical accompaniment is part of every successful birthday! We’ve put together the right songs in a Spotify playlist to get you in the mood for the anniversary – to dance, celebrate or simply enjoy.
Passion and visions of tea
The question of the recipe for success of a 200-year-old family business may be easier to answer than one might think. I am convinced that it is our passion for tea that has driven us tirelessly over generations.
When Johann Tobias Ronnefeldt set out in search of the finest teas from distant lands in the early days of the 19th century, he chose a challenging path. For me, this makes the task of carrying on this traditional company with vision and pride all the more a matter of honour.
Together with you and our passionate employees, we have managed to develop into one of the world’s leading tea brands in the upscale hotel and catering industry. We are so proud.
Looking to the future with great anticipation: The Next 200 Years Of Tea Excellence
I would be delighted if we can continue to inspire you with the finest tea enjoyment and if we can write tea history together.
Sincerely,
Jan-Berend Holzapfel
Proprietor
1823 to 2023
Two centuries full of exciting tea stories and influential personalities. The only true constant: the wonderful natural product tea.
Be curious and come with us on a journey through 200 years of company history – from the foundation in 1823 by Johann Tobias Ronnefeldt to today and into the next 200 years.
Two centuries full of exciting tea stories and influential personalities. The only true constant: the wonderful natural product tea.
Be curious and come with us on a journey through 200 years of company history – from the foundation in 1823 by Johann Tobias Ronnefeldt to today and into the next 200 years.
Founding a tea house away from the major seaports in Frankfurt am Main was a bold move in 1823. Developing this company into one of the world's leading tea brands is a 200-year success story based on passion, inventiveness and love for tea.
1984
Handover to Frank Holzapfel
At Herwarth Westphal’s request, Frank Holzapfel took over Teehaus Ronnefeldt as sole partner in 1984, at the age of 45. He changed the company’s strategy and repositioned the Ronnefeldt brand back to its origins as a gourmet and luxury product for the four- and five-star hotel industry.
In recognition of and appreciation for his life’s work, he was posthumously awarded the Brillat Savarin Plaque in 2019, one of the highest honours in the hospitality industry.
Photo: Centre left: Herwarth Westphal; centre right: Frank Holzapfel
In recognition of and appreciation for his life’s work, he was posthumously awarded the Brillat Savarin Plaque in 2019, one of the highest honours in the hospitality industry.
Photo: Centre left: Herwarth Westphal; centre right: Frank Holzapfel
Tradition with a future
We have gained a lot of experience over the last 200 years.
And we are taking this knowledge with us into the next 200 years.
As a dynamic company, it is important to us to move with the times and to anticipate current challenges, sustainably and responsibly. The focus is always on the enjoyment of a special drink in harmony with nature and our values.
We have gained a lot of experience over the last 200 years.
And we are taking this knowledge with us into the next 200 years.
As a dynamic company, it is important to us to move with the times and to anticipate current challenges, sustainably and responsibly. The focus is always on the enjoyment of a special drink in harmony with nature and our values.
As part of the special partnership with the Palmengarten Frankfurt , a botanical garden which recently celebrated its 150th anniversary, Ronnefeldt tea tours will take place from May 26th. These tours will focus on the tea plant Camellia sinensis, from which most tea varieties are made. Visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the fascinating world of tea and learn more about the different varieties, their production, and their history.
"We at Ronnefeldt are incredibly proud to collaborate with the Palmengarten, such a traditional and beautiful place here in our hometown of Frankfurt. Our collaboration allows us to share our expertise and passion for tea with a wider audience and provide the visitors of the Palmengarten with a truly special experience. I hope that the Palmengarten visitors will enjoy the Ronnefeldt tea tour and take home a new understanding and appreciation for tea," said Jan-Berend Holzapfel.