Hermann Bühlbecker, Lambertz Group owner, receives 2019 ISM Award

First German confectioner honored with award accepts it during Jan. 27 dinner.

Hermann Bühlbecker, the face of the Lambertz company, is the sixth recipient of the ISM Award. He also represents the first German company to win the award. Photo from Lambertz.

Hermann Bühlbecker, the face of the Lambertz company and brand, has been named as the first German confectioner to receive the ISM Award.

Since 2014, the award has been presented by ISM, the world’s largest trade fair for sweets and snacks, for exceptional services to the sweets and snacks industry. Bühlbecker received the award Sunday, Jan. 27 during an exclusive dinner.

Bühlbecker is known for representing the company at ISM every year and for hosting the “Lambertz Monday Night” with its chocolate and fashion show.

Bühlbecker’s leadership over the company marked the beginning of a new era for Lambertz: The group’s sales have increased since 1978 from the equivalent of €8 million at the time to €666 million today, making Lambertz a global market leader in fall and holiday cookies.

Lambertz is a company with a long tradition, and altogether the brands have a history going back 1,000 years. No other German company has as many protected designations of origin (Nuremberg gingerbread, Aachener Printen and Dresdner Stollen) as Lambertz. And much of this success can be attributed to Bühlbecker.

The company’s international presence was expanded through regular participation at ISM, where Lambertz has been represented since the trade fair was established with one of the largest stands.

Besides being the sole owner of the 4,000-employee Lambertz Group, Bühlbecker is also an entrepreneur and the person behind the company’s success for the last 40 years.

Bühlbecker’s distinctions include the Federal Cross of Merit, the “National Entrepreneur of the Year” (FAZ, Manager Magazin and Ernst & Young), the “Goldener Zuckerhut” (Lebensmittel Zeitung) and the "Goldene Uhr" (Sweets Global Network e.V. international confectionery association) awards.

Previous ISM award winners include:

2014

Herman Goelitz Rowland Sr.

Chairman of the Board, Jelly Belly Candy Co., USA

2015

Felix Richterich

Proprietor and CEO of Ricola AG, Switzerland

2016

James N. Walker

Walkers Shortbread, Great Britain

2017

Gota Morinaga

Representative Director, Representative Chairman, Morinaga Co. Ltd., Japan

2018

Dylan Lauren

Founder and owner of Dylan’s Candy Bar, USA

Crystal Lindell, Former editor-in-chief of Candy Industry Magazine. While here she has worked on Candy Industry Magazine, Food Engineering Magazine and Food Safety Strategies. She holds a master’s degree in public affairs reporting from the University of Illinois – Springfield and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Western Illinois University. And her favorite breakfast is a cup of espresso and Twix bar.