Only 5 human beings know the receipe
1846 the year of birth of Semper Idem® – but always something new.
For five family generations, the herbal specialty has been cultivated in Rheinberg. Strictly according to the secret procedure SEMPER IDEM.
The founder of the company, Hubert Underberg, after many years of careful development, launched his unique product in 1846. Soon Underberg was appreciated in many countries.
Underberg is a family business in which the personal initiative and responsibility of the company owners have been setting forward-looking standards for 5 generations.
The Timeline
On 17 June, the day of his wedding, Hubert Underberg and his wife Catharina Albrecht founded the company “H. Underberg-Albrecht” in Rheinberg. He started producing the “Boonekamp of Maagbitter,“ which he invented, in accordance with the motto »Semper Idem®«, guaranteeing consistent quality.
To protect it from imitations, on 25 Augest, Hubert Underberg (I) registered the characteristic features of the product with the Commercial Court in Krefeld – 43 years before the Imperial Patent Office was created in Berlin.
Hubert Underberg (I) makes a public declaration of honor on January 24 to document his authorship of the recipe for his herbal bitters.
At the World’s Fair in Paris in 1867, Hubert Underberg (I) teamed up with glass blowers from Murano to create the Underberg-style glass, still unique to this day.
Hubert Underberg (II) registered the name „Underberg,“ as well as the motto and the “HUA” seal (company “H.Underberg-Albrecht”) with the newly created Imperial Patent Office in Berlin. To this day, the seal adorns every bottle of Underberg. Millions of which were sold over the following years.
Emil Underberg (I) introduces the portion bottle. Ever since, this has guaranteed the product’s originality and optimal dose: “Underberg – a portion of wellbeing”.
Emil Underberg relied on large and impressive flying machines for advertising purposes. The first Underberg airship took to the skies in 1956 and continues to to symbolize the brand today.
Emil Underberg (II), the fourth genera- tion of the family, set out to develop the one-product company into a brand-fo- cused beverage business.
In 1981, his wife, Christiane Underberg, was also appointed Managing Director of Underberg KG. To this day, Emil and Christiane Underberg remain actively involved in events surrounding the brand. Emil Underberg is the honorary chairman of the supervisory board, Christiane, for example, is Deputy Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board of Semper idem Underberg AG.
Dr. Hubertine Underberg-Ruder is the fifth generation to join the family business. She is now a shareholder and Supervisory Board of Semper Idem Underberg AG member.
The “Tops & More” loyalty programme was introduced with great success. Currently, consumers in 77 countries collect around the world collect an Underberg cap on average every 3 seconds around the clock. Every month, over 1 million caps are returned and exchanged for exclusive rewards.
As an expression of its uniqueness, Underberg is no longer referred to simply as “bitter” but may use the geographical indication “Rheinberger Kräuter” (“Rheinberg herbs”). This indication of origin is legally protected by a European Union regulation.
2021, which saw the company’s 175th anniversary, marked a year of highlights for Underberg. Underberg is radiant in a new “Pop Art meets Tradition” design; thus, the year is one long celebration.
The new design revolutionises the Underberg brand in visual terms. The packaging and bottle label now appear in the new design worldwide. Whether in a store, on Instagram, or on the website, the novel design invites you to delve into a new world with Underberg.
Quality assurance
The exquisite and aromatic herbs from 43 countries are subjected to a detailed incoming inspection. In addition to the visual and sensory inspection, the herbs are checked in certified laboratories for over 250 individual criteria.
Only then does the further processing begin according to the gentle secret process “SEMPER IDEM”, which was developed by the Underberg family. Afterwards, “Rheinberger Kräuter” matures for many months in barrels made of Slovenian oak before it is bottled in the typical portion bottle wrapped in straw-colored paper.
Underberg is subject to comprehensive quality management in 5 phases: Plan, Develop, Produce, Deliver and Control Quality, which is supported and constantly developed through employee training.
Strictest selection criteria for all ingredients and packaging materials used followed by elaborate incoming inspections.
The Semper-idem guarantee: always the same quality.
Highest manufacturing quality, awarded with e.g. the Kosher signet.
The straw paper secured all around keeps the neck of the bottle hygienically clean and protects it from the effects of light.
Steady trademark protection that protects against confusion with imitators.
Not satisfied?
If there is a complaint despite our efforts, we ask you to send us the goods. Please provide us with the lot number, which is located on each Underberg bottle below the EAN code. Of course you will receive a replacement.
Recycling and environment protection
Sustainable environmental protection has a long tradition and top priority at Underberg. Already since the beginning of 1970, the Underberg family has been committed to the environment and supports various projects.
The demand for environmentally friendly behavior is part of the binding company guidelines for every employee.
Underberg asks for your support
We ask you to think about recycling. Just put the vial with the remaining paper in the stained glass container.
Straw paper, labels and packaging are produced in an environmentally friendly manner.
We also pay attention to environmentally friendly products when selecting the glues, printing inks, auxiliary and cleaning materials used.
By the way:
collect the UNDERBERG TOPS, send your collection to Underberg anD Exchange it TO unique rewards.
