Christian F. Kehlet facts for kids

Christian F. Kehlet poster

Christian F. Kehlet was a famous chocolate company from Denmark. It started in the city of Copenhagen. For many years, from 1873, their main factory was located at Jagtvej 83-85 in a part of Copenhagen called Nørrebro. In 1929, the company joined with another chocolate maker called Brødrene Cloëtta. The factory on Jagtvej closed down the next year.

The Sweet History of Kehlet Chocolate

Christian Kehlet

The Kehlet chocolate story began in 1825. A man named Christian Kehlet (1785-1846) started the factory. Before making chocolate, he sold tea and fancy porcelain.

Early Days and New Locations

At first, his chocolate factory might have been on Pilestræde street. But by 1830, it moved to Østergade 34, a busy street in Copenhagen. The machines used to make chocolate were powered by steam engines. This was very modern for the time! Later, the factory moved again to Gothersgade 25.

Advert for the "Steam Chocolate Factory Gothersgade 25"

Christian Kehlet was not just about chocolate. In 1840, he opened a special room called a "salon" at the Erichsen Mansion. Here, people could enjoy live music several nights a week. He also bought a place called Alleenberg in 1841. He turned it into a big amusement park!

Family Business and Growth

In 1844, Christian Kehlet's son, Christian F. Kehlet (1814-1882), joined the company. This made it a family business. In 1885, a brand new machine arrived from Paris. It was a granite rolling mill, used to grind cocoa beans. When Christian Kehlet passed away the next year, his son became the sole owner.

Interior of the Kehlet factory in 1890

After Christian F. Kehlet died in 1882, his wife continued to run the company. A new, bigger factory opened in 1887 at Jagtvej 85-87. In 1888, a new owner named H. G. M. Hansen took over. Later, in 1918, Max Hey became the managing director.

Joining Forces with Cloetta

In 1929, Christian F. Kehlet became a limited company. This meant it had the same owners as another chocolate company, Brødrene Cloëtta. Max Hey became the managing director for both companies. They shared an office at Hørsholmsgade 20. The old factory on Jagtvej closed its doors in 1930.

Kehlet's Sweet Legacy Today

Hørsholmsgade 20 in Copenhagen

Even though the original company merged, the Kehlet brand still exists! It is now produced by a company called Cloetta, which is based in Sweden. So, you can still find Kehlet chocolates today.

The building that used to be the chocolate factory at Hørsholmsgade is still standing in Copenhagen.