About us
August Töpfer & Co. (GmbH & Co.) KG
ist ein traditionelles familiengeführtes Handelshaus, welches seinen Kunden als Systemanbieter im Bereich Lebens- und Futtermittel alles aus einer Hand bietet: Import, Lagerung, Verpackung sowie Logistik. Das Unternehmen beschäftigt derzeit knapp 400 Mitarbeiter. Zu den Kunden zählen die führenden europäischen Einzelhandels- und Discountunternehmen sowie die Lebensmittel- und Futtermitelindustrie. Die Rohwaren bezieht ATCO direkt von zuverlässigen Lieferanten in den Ursprungsländern, mit denen ATCO seit vielen Jahren zusammenarbeitet. Da unter anderen auch aus eigener Abpackung / Lagerung aus Hamburg geliefert wird, kontrolliert ATCO die Produktqualität vor Ort und sorgt für die Einhaltung der Liefertermine. Durch kontinuierliches Wachstum in den traditionellen Geschäftsfeldern, Zucker, Trockenfrüchte und Futtermittel hat das Unternehmen seine heutige Position erreicht und zählt in den Branche zu einer der führenden Unternehmen.
Philosophy
Throughout its many years of experience in the wholesale and export business, ATCO has always been committed to respecting tradition while focussing on the future. ATCO sets the highest standards for the quality of its products and services. Moreover, ATCO works constantly on further developments and optimisations. This consistency is key to how the company sees itself. ATCO thus continuously guarantees the best possible quality for its customers.
History
1904
August Töpfer was living in Weimar in 1904, earning a living as a sole trader.
1912
August Töpfer & Co. (GmbH & Co.) KG was established in Erfurt
1916
During the First World War, August Töpfer left the company that bears his name. E.O. Schmidt took over August Töpfer & Co. in Weimar as sole proprietor.
1918
After the First World War, Rudolf Fischer acquired the company August Töpfer & Co. and sought additional shareholders, including Rudolf Ernst, who was a close friend of his.
1920
The Hamburg branch was set up to enter into the import and export business in 1920. It was initially limited to an office on Deichstrasse.
1923
A warehouse was acquired at Pickhuben 3 in 1923 in Hamburg’s historic warehouse district.
End of the 1920s
Towards the end of the 1920s, the branch in Erfurt was founded – with excellent transport connections in close proximity to the train station. The business in Erfurt primarily focussed on the local wholesale of colonial goods. However, mail order business was also conducted with food delivered to the end consumers.
It was from this period that the classic “Kaffee 33” coffee tins originate.
After the Second World War
Following the Second World War, the business was concentrated in the branch in Hamburg. The branch in Thuringia was closed. At this time, August Töpfer & Co. belonged to five owners, including Rudolf Fischer and Rudolf Ernst. This was symbolised by the five leaves of the palm in the company logo.
End of the 1950s
Towards the end of the 1950s, this generation of limited partners gradually retired from the company. Alfred and Klaus Ernst, the sons of Rudolf Ernst, took over management of the company. They focused on continuous expansion of the traditional lines of business: sugar, dried fruits and feed. Particularly in the international sugar trade, August Töpfer & Co. established itself as a major player.
1990
The third generation of the Ernst family, Rudolf and Robert Ernst, took over management of the company in 1990 and are still running the business to this day. The company achieved its current position thanks to continuous growth, offering customers everything from a single source: import, storage, packaging and logistics.
The third generation took over company management with Rudolf and Robert Ernst.
2017
ATCO Czech Republic s.r.o
ATCO Italia Srl
August Toepfer Vietnam Co. Ltd.
2019
August Toepfer Monnier & Co. - AMCO Trading SAS was founded in Aix-en-Provence, France
Locations and partners
Where to find us
As a distributor, we source our raw materials from longstanding contractual partners in the countries of origin. Through close communication and diligent controls at our locations in Germany and Spain, we ensure that you receive your products both on time and in top quality.
Visit our locationsProduct range
ATCO sources raw materials directly from reliable suppliers in the countries of origin with whom ATCO has been cooperating for many years. Since products are supplied from the company’s own packing facility in Hamburg, ATCO monitors product quality on site and ensures compliance with delivery dates.
