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Our philosophy
Our vision and philosophy as a company is to stay true to our values of innovation, quality and exceptional service to all our customers.
Since our beginnings, which date back to 1922, our brand Luis Thate, has followed the philosophy of manufacturing its products in the original German style, maintaining the tradition of the “Haute Charcuterie”.
Luis Thate continues to enjoy an excellent presence in the market, and as a family business, we take pride in the work done, and the dedication of the entire team in the desire to make the best products and keep our customers at the forefront of everything we do.
Logos history
1922-1978
1978-1985
1985-2013
2013-actuality
Year 1922
Luis Thate S.L. began its journey when Hermann Thate, born in Friedeburg, Upper Saxony (Germany) settled in Bilbao and opened, in 1922, the first German delicatessen “La Moderna” next to his own workshop, in Hurtado de Amezaga Street. A wide range of high quality German charcuterie products were elaborated and quickly achieved great prestige. Ten years later, he opened a second charcuterie as a branch in the Ensanche district of Bilbao, which is served daily from the Hurtado Amezaga workshop.
Year 1934
In 1934, he sent his son Luis Thate, then 16 years old, to Halle (Germany) to study charcuterie in a sausage factory-school, where he qualified as a Master in charcuterie. On his return to Bilbao, he took over the production, specializing in the manufacture of sausages and giving a great boost to the business.
Year 1949
Luis Thate, begins to elaborate a white sausage cooked in the German style, but different, with its own identity, achieving great success. Thus was born the white cocktail sausage, our star product, which has become a reference in Bilbao.
Year 1969
Incorporation of the 3rd generation. Alternating with his studies in commerce, in 1969, Luis Thate (son) joined the company, changing the company’s strategy and starting its expansion. Later, his brothers Alfonso and Raúl joined the company, creating a collaborative team.
Year 1978
The company moved to new facilities in Zancoeta Street in Bilbao and started using Luis Thate S.L. as a trademark. With this trademark and the three brothers at the helm, the company achieved its first commercial operations with supermarket chains.
Year 1995
Due to space requirements and adaptation to the new EEC regulations, the company moved again to its current address in the Ugaldeguren II Industrial Park in Zamudio (Bizkaia). In 2012, the facilities were expanded by acquiring the adjoining warehouse. Important investments are made in production and packaging machinery in order to improve the quality of the products, reach more distant markets and achieve greater expansion.
Year 2014
Jon Thate and Xabier Thate (sons of Luis), both Industrial Organization Engineers, after having worked for several years in other companies, decided to join the family business, and in 2017, they took over the management.
Year 2019
An important milestone is achieved: IFS food quality certification is obtained.