Löwensenf

Löwensenf is a German mustard brand and mustard producer based in Düsseldorf. Its origins date to 1 November 1903, when Otto Frenzel established the Erste Lothringische Essig- und Senffabrik in Metz, then part of the German Empire. The business originally combined vinegar and mustard production and operated in the Lorraine region. Following the First World War and the return of Alsace-Lorraine, including Metz, to France, the company moved to Düsseldorf in 1920 and was renamed Neue Düsseldorfer Senfindustrie. The Düsseldorf relocation became a defining part of the brand's identity. In the same year, the company introduced Löwensenf Extra, a sharp mustard in the Dijon style that became its best-known product. The brand's name and reputation are closely associated with Düsseldorf's mustard-making tradition, and its products are marketed around pronounced heat and distinctive flavor rather than a mild condiment profile. Its range has expanded beyond standard sharp mustard to include specialty products such as beer mustard and fig mustard. After Otto Frenzel died in 1936, his widow, Frieda Frenzel, assumed management of the company. Production was interrupted by the effects of the Second World War and resumed in 1948. During the mid-1960s, Löwensenf acquired two other Düsseldorf mustard manufacturers, ABB and Radschläger, extending its position within the local mustard industry. Löwensenf entered a closer corporate relationship with Munich-based Develey Senf & Feinkost GmbH in 2001. The two companies began a reciprocal share-acquisition process, while Develey took over distribution. By the end of that year, Löwensenf had become a subsidiary of Develey. The brand continued manufacturing mustard in Düsseldorf-Lichtenbroich, near Düsseldorf Airport. In 2014, the company name was shortened from Düsseldorfer Löwensenf GmbH to Löwensenf GmbH. Today, Löwensenf remains a Düsseldorf-based mustard brand within the Develey group. Its business centers on packaged mustard products for household and food-service use, with Löwensenf Extra and other sharp varieties serving as the core of its range. The company also operates a factory near Düsseldorf Airport and is associated with a Mustard Museum and retail store in Düsseldorf, linking the commercial brand with the city's broader mustard culture.

Löwensenf traces its history to Metz in 1903, when Otto Frenzel founded the Erste Lothringische Essig- und Senffabrik, or First Lorraine Vinegar and Mustard Factory. Metz was then within the German Empire, and the business initially operated as a combined vinegar and mustard manufacturer. The company’s early history was shaped by the changing political status of Alsace-Lorraine. After the First World War, Metz and the surrounding region returned to France. In 1920, the company moved to Düsseldorf and was reorganized under the name Neue Düsseldorfer Senfindustrie. The Düsseldorf period established the brand’s enduring identity. Also in 1920, the company launched Löwensenf Extra, a sharp Dijon-style mustard. This product became the company’s most recognizable offering and helped associate Löwensenf with strong, spicy mustard. The move to Düsseldorf also placed the company within a city known for mustard production and food traditions. Over time, the Düsseldorf connection became part of both the company’s former corporate name and its public identity. Following Otto Frenzel’s death in 1936, his widow Frieda Frenzel took over management. The business later suffered production disruptions connected with the Second World War. Manufacturing resumed in 1948, allowing the company to rebuild its operations in the postwar period. In the mid-1960s, Löwensenf expanded through the acquisition of two additional Düsseldorf mustard manufacturers, ABB and Radschläger. These acquisitions strengthened its presence in the local market and connected several established Düsseldorf mustard names under one business. A major ownership and distribution change began in 2001. Löwensenf, then operating as Düsseldorfer Löwensenf GmbH, entered a merger process with Munich-based Develey Senf & Feinkost GmbH. The arrangement involved each company acquiring shares in the other, while Develey took over distribution. By the end of 2001, Löwensenf had become a subsidiary of Develey. Despite the change in corporate control, production remained in Düsseldorf, where the brand continued to manufacture mustard in the Lichtenbroich area. The brand’s portfolio includes the core sharp mustard line as well as more specialized products. In addition to Dijon-style and extra-hot mustard, Löwensenf has produced varieties flavored with ingredients such as beer and figs. This range allows the brand to retain its traditional sharp-mustard identity while offering products aimed at different culinary uses and taste preferences. The company’s Düsseldorf presence also includes a factory near Düsseldorf Airport and a Mustard Museum with a store. These sites connect production, retail, and local food heritage. In 2014, the legal company name was simplified: the geographic term Düsseldorf was removed, leaving Löwensenf GmbH. The brand nevertheless continues to be associated with Düsseldorf through its manufacturing location, museum, history, and role in the city’s mustard tradition. Under Develey ownership, Löwensenf remains an active German mustard brand focused on packaged mustard and related specialty varieties.

• 2014

  Corporate name simplified

  [1]Löwensenfen.wikipedia.org

  Düsseldorfer Löwensenf GmbH was renamed Löwensenf GmbH.

• 2001

  Develey subsidiary relationship established

  [1]Löwensenfen.wikipedia.org

  A reciprocal share-acquisition and distribution arrangement led to Löwensenf becoming a subsidiary of Develey by the end of the year.

• 1965

  Acquisition of ABB and Radschläger

  [1]Löwensenfen.wikipedia.org

  Löwensenf acquired two other Düsseldorf mustard manufacturers during the mid-1960s.

• 1948

  Postwar production restarts

  [1]Löwensenfen.wikipedia.org

  Mustard production resumed after wartime interruptions.

• 1936

  Frieda Frenzel assumes management

  [1]Löwensenfen.wikipedia.org

  After Otto Frenzel’s death, his widow Frieda Frenzel took over management of the company.

• 1920

  Relocation to Düsseldorf

  [1]Löwensenfen.wikipedia.org

  Following the postwar return of Metz and Alsace-Lorraine to France, the company moved to Düsseldorf and became Neue Düsseldorfer Senfindustrie.

• 1920

  Löwensenf Extra introduced

  [1]Löwensenfen.wikipedia.org

  The company launched its sharp Dijon-style Löwensenf Extra mustard.

• 1903

  First Lorraine vinegar and mustard factory founded

  [1]Löwensenfen.wikipedia.org

  Otto Frenzel founded the Erste Lothringische Essig- und Senffabrik in Metz on 1 November.

A Düsseldorf-rooted German mustard brand positioned around strong, spicy flavor, traditional mustard production, and specialty varieties.

• Sharp Dijon-style mustard · 1920

  Löwensenf Extra

  Löwensenf Extra is the brand’s best-known mustard and was introduced in 1920 after the company relocated to Düsseldorf. It is characterized by a pronounced sharpness and a Dijon-style profile, forming the central reference point for Löwensenf’s identity. The product represents the brand’s traditional emphasis on spicy mustard rather than mild, sweet, or heavily flavored condiments.

• Specialty mustard

  Beer mustard

  Beer mustard is one of Löwensenf’s specialty varieties. It extends the core mustard range with beer-related flavoring and is part of the brand’s broader effort to offer differentiated products beyond its classic sharp mustard. The available reference material identifies it as a Löwensenf specialty but does not specify a launch date or detailed recipe.

• Specialty mustard

  Fig mustard

  Fig mustard is another specialty product associated with Löwensenf. Its fruit-based flavor direction contrasts with the brand’s sharper traditional products while retaining mustard as the foundation. It illustrates the company’s use of distinctive ingredients to broaden the range for different culinary applications and taste preferences.

• 2014

  Simplification of the legal company nameStrategy

  Background

  The company had previously operated under the longer name Düsseldorfer Löwensenf GmbH.

  Action taken

  The geographic term Düsseldorf was removed, leaving the legal name Löwensenf GmbH.

  Aftermath

  The company adopted a shorter legal name while retaining its Düsseldorf manufacturing and brand associations.

  Source

• 2001

  Combination with DeveleyM&A

  Background

  Düsseldorfer Löwensenf GmbH entered a merger process with Munich-based Develey Senf & Feinkost GmbH.

  Action taken

  The companies pursued reciprocal share acquisitions, while Develey assumed distribution. Löwensenf became a Develey subsidiary by the end of the year.

  Aftermath

  Löwensenf remained in production in Düsseldorf while operating within the Develey group.

  Source

• 1965

  Acquisition of ABB and RadschlägerM&A

  Background

  Löwensenf operated in Düsseldorf, a city with several established mustard manufacturers.

  Action taken

  The company acquired the Düsseldorf mustard manufacturers ABB and Radschläger.

  Aftermath

  The acquisitions expanded Löwensenf’s position within Düsseldorf’s mustard industry.

  Source

• 1920

  Launch of Löwensenf ExtraProduct launch

  Background

  After the company moved from Metz to Düsseldorf, it introduced a sharp Dijon-style mustard that became its signature product.

  Action taken

  The company launched Löwensenf Extra as a strongly flavored mustard.

  Aftermath

  Löwensenf Extra became the brand’s best-known offering and helped establish its sharp-mustard positioning.

  Source

1. 1Löwensenfen.wikipedia.org