Lichtenrade chocolate factory closes: 43 jobs at risk!

Lichtenrade chocolate factory closes: 43 jobs at risk!

The chocolate factory in Berlin-Lichtenrade is about to close. The US agricultural trading group Cargill has announced that it will cease operations in December 2025. The factory currently employs 43 people. The decision was communicated to employees in early October 2025, which has caused great concern, particularly given the economic uncertainty brought by the upcoming holiday shopping season. The Food, Pleasure and Restaurants union (NGG) criticizes the company's lack of communication and calls for all layoffs to be avoided because the capacity utilization of the plant does not justify such a step. This information is reported by the Daily Mirror.

Cargill took over the factory in 2011. Since then, there has been criticism that insufficient investment has been made in production conditions. The works council in particular has been pointing out existing grievances for years. According to union secretary Rebecca Rahe, the company has made little effort to change this during her time. While new machines are being purchased in Reinickendorf, the conditions in Lichtenrade remain below expectations. The factory had a long tradition of chocolate production spanning over 50 years, which began in West Berlin in 1964 and continued through several changes of ownership until today.

Economic challenges for Cargill

The decision to close is part of a larger strategy for the group, which is facing declining sales across the company. Falling prices for agricultural raw materials in particular are weighing on business figures. Cargill plans to lay off approximately 8,000 employees worldwide by the end of 2024 due to these financial challenges. The chocolate factory in Berlin-Lichtenrade is seen as a worrying example of the company's economic situation. Loud RBB24 The lack of investment in chocolate production concerns not only the employees, but also the union, which is demanding a social plan to protect the employees.

Cargill, founded in 1865 in Iowa by W.W. Cargill, has since established itself as the largest private company in the USA and employs around 160,000 people worldwide. Diversification into various agricultural sectors has made Cargill strong, with expansion in Germany beginning in 1955 and to date employing over 1,700 people in 13 locations. The company's history shows how important the company is for the agricultural industry, but the location in Lichtenrade is now on the verge of extinction as a piece of the chocolate production heritage. More reported about it Career start.

Next week, the labor court will decide on the conciliation board, which is intended to help with internal disputes. Until then, uncertainty about the future of the employees remains, while criticism of Cargill's negotiating position continues. Lawyers and the works council are demanding clarity and a fair end to this chapter for the Lichtenrader chocolate factory.