A birthday that calls for a celebration: Representatives of the brand and guests gathered at the ABB Mustard Shop in Düsseldorf to mark the 300th anniversary of the traditional mustard, ABB Mostert. (Photo: © Verena S. Ulbrich/DHB)
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1 October 2026
The history of mustard dates back over 3.000 years. Germany's oldest mustard brand, ABB Mostert from Düsseldorf, is celebrating its 300th anniversary this year.
Mustard made its way from Asia to Europe over 3.000 years ago. Germany's first mustard factory was established in Düsseldorf in 1726. It was founded by Wilhelm Theodorus Esser in the house "Stadt Venlo" on Ritterstraße.
Seventy-four years later, the company passed to Adam Bernhard Bergrath through inheritance , marking the birth of its current name: ABB Mostert *. Today, it is the oldest registered mustard brand in Germany . The production method of "genuine Düsseldorf mustard" has remained virtually unchanged since 1927. In 1965, the company was acquired by Löwensenf GmbH.
*The term Mostert is a synonym for mustard. Traditionally, the term is used in northwestern Germany, and especially in Düsseldorf.
To celebrate its 300th anniversary, representatives of the mustard industry and guests gathered at the mustard shop on Berger Straße in Düsseldorf . Stefan Durach , Managing Director of Develey Senf & Feinkost GmbH and Löwensenf GmbH, welcomed the guests and delved into the history of the successful mustard . He particularly emphasized the strong connection between the mustard and Düsseldorf , stating: " Brands need a home ."
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Dieter Töpfer of the Mostertfreunde Düsseldorf association , which was founded in September 2024 to honor Düsseldorf's mustard culture, presented the new book " Düsseldorf – the Mustard City " at the celebration . Among other things, it looks back on the 300-year history of Düsseldorf's mustard and mustard tradition.
The book also features some rarities . For example, the artist Vincent van Gogh immortalized the traditional mustard in one of his works. In his oil painting " Still Life with Bottles and Ceramics ," which is housed in the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, the grey stoneware pot with the typical blue ABB lettering is clearly visible.
Also present was Mayor Josef Hinkel , who offered his warmest congratulations on the special anniversary and, as chairman of the Düsseldorf Carnival Association, referred to the new cooperation with Develey . Hinkel presented the new, limited-edition Löwensenf mustard variety , Red Wine Plum – a combination of mustard and carnival that you can taste.
In closing, Volker Leonhardi , spokesperson for Develey Senf & Feinkost GmbH, emphasized once again that roots are the anchor for brands . And – mustard fans, take note – the company, in cooperation with the Düsseldorf Carnival Association, intends to strengthen these roots in the immediate vicinity of the mustard shop on Berger Straße: By summer 2027, a demonstration factory with a small museum is planned for the adjacent building, providing a new home for ABB and Löwensenf mustard.
The aim is twofold: firstly, to demonstrate traditional mustard production methods, and secondly, to allow visitors to learn more about the origins of the mustard – including tastings. The history will be brought to life in this way, explained Leondhardi. In addition, a modernization of the mustard shop is planned.
Those who don't want to wait until then can already embark on a journey through time in the mustard shop today – the shop contains a variety of historical exhibits that highlight the ongoing connection between the city of Düsseldorf and mustard.
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Learn moreFurther information is available on the Löwensenf website.
The 348-page Book "Düsseldorf – the mustard city" is Available in the Düsseldorf mustard shop.
Address
Düsseldorfer Senfladen
Bergerstrasse 29
D- 40213 Düsseldorf
Go to the Anniversary pot To mark the 300th anniversary of ABB Mostert, here.
DHB now also available digitally! Simply click here and register for the digital German Crafts Journal (DHB)!
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