The Elgorriaga family has always been linked to chocolate. In 1770, they obtained a workroom, a small craft workshop in the old town of irun (Guipuzcoa). Subsequently, the family opened a chocolate shop wich was much frequented and esteemed by both the locals and by those living across the border in France, for the high quality of its goods.
1838
Production of chocolates elgorriaga begins. This date was announced on the sight that decorated the façade at the entrance to the factory.
1920
Francisco Elgorriaga Ayestarán, supported by his wife Balbina, transfers production to its new location (Calle Ejercito Español s.n), which survived until its demolition in 1997, to make way for new housing.
1954
Production gets under way at the new factory of chocolates elgorriaga, now known as Chocolates elgorriaga S.A. it is one of the most modern factories of its day and has a large production capacity. The directorship of the factory is under Francisco elgorriaga Ayestarán.
During the same year, jose Miguel Elgorriaga Ugarte, recently arrived in Spain, became Managing director of the company, prevailing over his brothers in a vote. His brothers jose Manuel and juan jose work with him during the following phase. In 1954, the factory boasts several production lines:
* Tablets. Among others, the following were produced: La Esquila (La Campana Leche Extra Fine 150gr), La Vaquita (wich even at the time was extra fine milk chocolate 150gr) La Carabela, Maná, La Caserita.
* Chocolates Bars. Even back then there was a wide variety of bars, among which Pralinectar (50gr), Los Bocadillos (100gr) and the familiar Lingotines, available in different sizes.
* Assorted chocolates. An extensive selection was offered, both packaged and loose. During this first phase of development at Chocolates Elgorriaga S.A, the star products were these exclusive chocolates. But also important were chocolate Liqueurs, unique on the market, and the exquisite Elgorriaga Truffles, and Lenguas de Gato, etc…
1962
The management of chcocolates Elgorriaga S.A decides to set up 14 different delegations, spread throughout peninsula, the Canary islands and the Balearics.
1965
Chocolate Elgorriaga S.A launches the first with chocolate to be marketed in Spain (Milkcrem 75gr), wich remained as sales leader for several decades.
1970
Productions begins of the popular chocolate figures by chocolates elgorriaga S.A, which became a national success.
For Chocolates elgorriaga S.A this is a fantastic era: sales soar, the company competes on the national market with the largest companies in the sector, and its market share is higher than its competitors in several areas.
1972
Chocolates elgorriaga S.A, begins producing three new products: turrón Alicante, jijona and Tortas imperials, under the Escudo de Oro brand, "The Turron with 300 almonds".
1974
The management of chcocolates Elgorriaga S.A takes on the commitment of distributing Príncipe Biscuits for De BEUKELAER (currently Lu), achieving a market penetration of over 80% in numeric distribution.
1975
Chocolates Elgorriaga S.A begins production of Crunchy Chocolate Turron (300gr), Hazelnut Turron (300gr) and Almond Turrón (300gr).
Thanks to their high quality, these three new products received an amazing treception from the public.
1977
The magazine TANIT awards Chocolates Elgorriaga S.A with the TANIT TROPHY for Best Bran Image for its Assorted Chocolates, based on the results of a survey entiled, "What Product do Spanish Housewifes Prefer?". The same year, the management of Chcocolates Elgorriaga S.A studies the possibility of opening a new biscuit factory in Avila. The proposal has the backing of managing director of Galletas Príncipe, DE BEUKELAER.
1979
The new Avila factory is opned, with a surface area of 6250 m2, and is one of the most modern of its day. The new factory produces chocolate-filled biscuits (in different formats), chocolate-covered biscuits and other specialities, with a production capacity of 9000 tonnes.
1981
At the beginning of the year, Jose Miguel Elgorriaga dies in a road accident. After his death, changes occur in the company´s management and commercial policy.
1982
The new management team of chocolates Elgorriaga S.A launches a chocolate spread (in 200gr jars of one and two flavours), using a large advertising campaign, achieving a market share of 7%.
1985
Chocolates Elgorriaga S.A is sold to Cantalou, a French multinational (currently CEMOI group).
2005
Cantalou S.A (CEMOI group), sells the centre of operations that Cantalou S.A had in Avila, as well as the Elgorriaga brand name, among others, to Inveriones Sitón S.L (company owned by Grupo DHUL). The current company Name is Chocolates Elgorriaga S.L.
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