Austria is renowned for its high-quality craftsmanship, innovation, and rich cultural heritage. Many Austrian brands have gained international recognition for their products, all while maintaining their roots in Austria. For example the the iconic brand Swarovski is an example of one of Austria’s most glittering success stories. Daniel Swarovski’s invention of a revolutionary crystal-cutting machine in 1895 transformed a small Austrian enterprise into a global luxury brand.
Here are ten of the most iconic Austrian brands that continue to produce their goods locally and are owned by Austrian companies, with a special focus on where their products are made.
1. Red Bull – The Global Energy Icon
Industry: Beverages Headquarters: Fuschl am See, Austria
Red Bull’s main production sites for the world are in Austria, Switzerland, and the US. After filling, the majority of cans are transported by rail to various conveniently located ports and then shipped all over the world.
The company’s original and primary production remains in Austria, with the first facility established in Thal, Austria. This ensures the brand’s commitment to its Austrian roots and maintains the high standards of quality and innovation that Red Bull is known for globally.
Red Bull is the world’s most popular energy drink, synonymous with extreme sports and high-energy events. The brand’s signature red and blue cans are recognized globally, and its Austrian heritage remains a core part of its identity.
2. Swarovski – The Crystal Legacy
Industry: Jewelry & Optical Instruments Headquarters: Wattens, Austria
Swarovski’s iconic crystal products are still manufactured in Wattens, Austria, where the original factory was established to leverage hydroelectric power for energy-intensive crystal-cutting processes. While some production occurs in international facilities—such as in Serbia, Thailand, and China—the core manufacturing and innovation remain rooted in Austria, reflecting the company’s enduring commitment to craftsmanship and precision.
Swarovski is a global leader in precision-cut crystal and jewelry, famous for its sparkling crystals used in fashion, jewelry, and even Hollywood costumes. The company’s dedication to Austrian craftsmanship keeps it at the forefront of the luxury market.
3. Zotter Chocolate – The Art of Chocolate
Industry: Food Products Headquarters: Riegersburg, Austria
Zotter Chocolate is celebrated for its organic and fair-trade chocolate, produced entirely in Riegersburg, Austria. The company is known for its unique flavors and commitment to sustainable and ethical chocolate production, making it a favorite among Austrians and chocolate lovers worldwide.
Zotter’s experimental approach to chocolate-making, including unusual combinations like tequila with salt and lemon, or raspberry and coconut, has earned it a special place in the hearts of Austrians. The brand’s focus on organic and fair-trade practices ensures that every product is crafted with care and responsibility.
4. Manner – The Viennese Wafer
Industry: Food Products Headquarters: Vienna, Austria
Manner’s Neapolitan wafers are a staple in Austrian households and are produced in Vienna. The brand’s iconic pink-wrapped hazelnut cream wafers have become a symbol of Viennese culture, with the original recipe maintained since 1898.
Manner’s wafers are widely available in Austrian supermarkets and are a beloved treat, often associated with the charm and elegance of Vienna. The company’s commitment to tradition and quality has made it a household name in Austria.
5. KTM – The Motorcycle Powerhouse
Industry: Motorcycles Headquarters: Mattighofen, Austria
KTM motorcycles are primarily manufactured in Mattighofen, Austria, with additional production facilities in other countries like India or Spain to meet global demand. The company’s Austrian plant remains the heart of its innovation and engineering, ensuring that the brand’s reputation for high-performance bikes is rooted in Austrian expertise.
KTM is a global leader in motorcycle manufacturing, known for its high-performance off-road and street bikes. The company’s Austrian heritage is a key part of its identity and success, with its Mattighofen facility serving as the epicenter of its research and development.
6. Julius Meinl – The Coffee Tradition
Industry: Food Products (Coffee & Gourmet) Headquarters: Vienna, Austria
Julius Meinl is a historic Viennese brand, famous for its coffee and gourmet food products, all produced in Austria. Founded in 1862, the company is a symbol of Austrian café culture and continues to produce its premium products locally. In 2005, they added to this by establishing a state-of-the-art roasting plant in Vicenza, Northern Italy, focusing on darker Italian roasts.
Meinl’s coffee and gourmet products are a staple in Austrian households and cafés, embodying the country’s rich coffee tradition. The brand’s dedication to quality and tradition has made it a beloved name in Austria and beyond.
7. Lobmeyr – The Crystal Elegance
Industry: Glassware & Crystal Headquarters: Vienna, Austria
Lobmeyr is one of the world’s most prestigious glassware manufacturers, with its products made in Vienna. The company has been producing luxury glass products in Austria since the 1800s and remains a family-owned business.
Lobmeyr’s crystal and glassware are renowned for their elegance and craftsmanship, making them a favorite among luxury consumers worldwide. The brand’s commitment to Austrian tradition and innovation ensures that each piece is a work of art.
8. Bösendorfer – The Grand Piano of Emperors and Composers
Industry: Musical Instruments Headquarters: Vienna, Austria
Bösendorfer pianos are handcrafted in Wiener Neustadt, Austria, a tradition that dates back to 1828. Known for their unparalleled sound quality and craftsmanship, Bösendorfer pianos have been favored by legendary composers such as Franz Liszt, Johannes Brahms, and Gustav Mahler. The brand’s deep connection to Austria’s musical heritage is reflected in its meticulous production process, which combines traditional techniques with modern innovation.
Bösendorfer is not just a piano manufacturer; it is a symbol of Austria’s rich musical culture. Vienna, often referred to as the “City of Music,” has been home to some of the world’s greatest composers, including Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. Bösendorfer pianos have played a significant role in this legacy, gracing concert halls and private collections around the world.
For those interested in exploring Austria’s musical heritage, “The Illustrated History of Great Composers“ is a highly recommended read. This book delves into the lives and works of composers who shaped classical music, many of whom had strong ties to Austria.
9. Gmundner Keramik – The Ceramic Heritage
Industry: Ceramics Headquarters: Gmunden, Austria
Gmundner Keramik is famous for its distinctive green and white striped earthenware, produced in Gmunden since the 1400s. The brand is a symbol of Austrian tradition and craftsmanship, with products still made in the original factory16.
Gmundner Keramik’s ceramics are beloved for their heritage and quality, making them a staple in Austrian homes. The company’s dedication to traditional craftsmanship ensures that each piece is a testament to Austrian artistry.
10. Almdudler – The Herbal Refreshment]
Industry: Beverages Headquarters: Vienna, Austria
Almdudler is Austria’s beloved herbal lemonade, created in the 1950s and still produced in Vienna. The drink is a cultural icon, often enjoyed as a refreshing alternative to alcoholic beverages16.
Almdudler’s unique flavor and Austrian heritage have made it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The brand’s commitment to quality and tradition ensures that every sip is a taste of Austria.
From Austrian Craftsmanship to Global Excellence
These ten iconic Austrian brands beautifully illustrate how traditional craftsmanship and innovation can create a lasting global impact. Each brand, deeply rooted in Austria’s rich heritage, has successfully expanded its reach worldwide while maintaining the highest standards of quality and authenticity.
From Red Bull’s energizing presence on international shelves to Swarovski’s sparkling crystals adorning global fashion stages, these brands showcase Austria’s commitment to excellence. Zotter Chocolate and Manner wafers bring the taste of Austria to the world, while Bösendorfer pianos continue to resonate in concert halls from Vienna to New York. Lobmeyr’s crystal and Gmundner Keramik’s ceramics reflect centuries of artisanal skill, and KTM’s motorcycles embody Austrian engineering prowess.
What unites these brands is not just their Austrian origin, but their ability to blend tradition with modernity, craftsmanship with innovation, and local pride with global ambition. They stand as testaments to Austria’s enduring legacy of quality, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit.
