EN 
DE Our tradition and values
A family business for generations
Over the centuries, the company has survived and thrived thanks to the many generations of the Hardenberg family. The names are too numerous to list; the historical scope too vast. The history of Hardenberg-Wilthen AG, which was shaped by the most important shareholder families, also serves as the foundation for the company’s future. The special significance of the brand and our deep sense of the historical tradition give us the responsibility and duty to preserve the boar’s head for the generations that will follow.
Carl-Hans
Carl-Hans Graf von Hardenberg was a German officer, estate manager, and local politician as well as a resistance fighter against the Nazis
Karl August
Karl August Prince von Hardenberg was Foreign Minister of Prussia from 1804 to 1806 and Prime Minister from 1810 to 1822
Novalis
Georg Philipp Friedrich von Hardenberg – more commonly known by his pen name Novalis –was a German author of the early Romantic period, a philosopher, and an aristocrat
“Since 1700, your enjoyment has been
our mission”
Carl Graf von Hardenberg
CEO & Shareholder
Carl Graf von Hardenberg Sr.
Chairman of the Supervisory Board & Shareholder
Hardenberg – the name with the boar’s head
The name Edler von Hartesberg (which means something like “forest mountain”) was first mentioned in the archbishop’s records in 1100 AD. Around 1330 AD, an event earned the House of Hardenberg a new coat of arms – and an incredible legacy. Legend has it that a wild boar warned the castle lords of a secret attack by the neighboring knights of Plesse; the startled animal’s bellowing shook the castle on the night of the attack, waking the sleeping Hardenbergs. The defenders threw themselves into the fray and eventually managed to drive off the bold attackers. The key, originally the symbol of the Hardenbergs, was replaced by the boar’s head on the coat of arms. Since the founding of the Hardenberg distillery in 1700, the boar’s head has also been used as a seal of quality in the company logo.
Tradition passed down through generations
TRADITION COMPELS US TO CONTINUE THIS SUCCESS STORY IN THE FUTURE
Our corporate values
Active, tradition-oriented,
and reliable
Collegial, responsible,
and committed
Customer-oriented, competitive,
and commercial
Responsible
and sustainable
