Alfred Ritter has appointed Moritz Ritter and Tim Hoppe as co-CEOs amid a comprehensive restructuring initiative at the renowned German chocolate manufacturer. This strategic shift places the day-to-day operations back in the hands of the Ritter family, who are the owners of the popular Ritter Sport and Amicelli brands.
In a statement, the company emphasized that “responsibility for the company’s day-to-day operations will once again lie with members of the owner family.” This change is crucial as the food and beverage industry continues to navigate fluctuating trends and consumer preferences.
Both Moritz Ritter and Hoppe are great-grandchildren of the company’s founders, Clara and Alfred Ritter. They take over from Andreas Ronken, who is departing the Waldenbuch-based business after contributing over two decades, including 11 years as CEO.
Recently, Alfred Ritter announced plans to reduce its workforce by approximately 70 positions at its headquarters. The rationale behind this difficult decision stems from a combination of highly volatile raw material costs, persistent increases in operational expenses—particularly for energy and packaging—and a noticeable shift in consumer spending habits. As the food and drink business faces these challenges, the newly appointed CEOs are committed to implementing necessary changes.
In their joint statement, dated May 18, Hoppe and Moritz Ritter remarked, “Due to the challenging economic situation, we have launched a programme involving painful cuts over the past few months.” They underscored their commitment to collaborate with both management and staff to ensure a successful evolution for the company.
Both individuals are also significant shareholders in the chocolate enterprise and currently head the group’s advisory board, a position that will soon transition to Linda Dauriz, an existing board member. Moritz Ritter has been with the company since 2009, while Hoppe joined in 2011, serving as managing director of Ritter Agrar since 2017.
Reflecting on Ronken’s departure, Moritz Ritter noted that he “had a significant influence on Ritter over the last 20 years and provided important impetus for the company’s further development.” Hoppe echoed this sentiment, expressing respect for Ronken’s contributions during both prosperous and challenging times.
Ronken joined Alfred Ritter in 2005 as managing director for production and technology, ultimately becoming CEO in 2015. He stated, “For me, Ritter Sport has always been far more than a traditional family business.” He emphasized that a blend of long-term vision, entrepreneurial courage, and clear values has facilitated the company’s advancement of key, future-oriented initiatives.
Founded in 1912, Alfred Ritter currently employs around 1,700 individuals and reported preliminary sales of €712 million ($827.2 million) for 2025. Its brands enjoy international presence, being sold in over 100 countries. Recently, the company made headlines by acquiring Creative Natural Products, the U.S. company behind the Chocolove brand, marking a significant step in its expansion strategy.
This leadership change comes at a critical time for the food and beverage industry, as companies adapt to evolving food and drink consumer trends. By positioning itself with familiar faces from the founder’s lineage, Alfred Ritter aims to navigate the complexities of the market and maintain its legacy within the dynamic food and drink business landscape.
