Esbit Compagnie GmbH is celebrating its 75th birthday this year. Philip Paap, who runs the company together with his older brother Robert Paap, talks about its eventful history, current developments and a surprising find in an old issue of Mickey Mouse.
Esbit Compagnie is 75 years old this year - what makes this anniversary special for you?
Philip Paap: What makes it special is that my brother Robert and I are now the third generation running the family business. Our grandfather Fritz Paap was part of the first generation of managing directors, and since the end of the 1990s the company shares have been completely family-owned. This shows how strong our family awareness and our ties to the company are. It's great to look back on 75 years and see how our company has developed. Of course, this would not have been possible without the help of our dedicated employees and the good cooperation with our partners. Six years ago, for example, we set up an office in China to liaise closely with our local manufacturers.
How has the Esbit Compagnie range developed?
Philip Paap: Esbit Compagnie was originally founded for the export of Esbit and Schumm brand products. In addition to solid fuel and pocket cookers, this also included items for the household and garden. For example, soap dispensers, sealing clips and plant trays.
Our range has continued to develop, initially focussing on outdoor equipment for cooking on the go. In addition to solid fuel and pocket stoves, we now offer many other stovesas well as cooking sets and eating utensils - made of 18/8 stainless steel, hard-anodised aluminium or titanium.
An exciting development in recent years has been the addition of products that are also used in everyday life. For example, drinking bottles, vacuum flasks and insulated containers have been added that are not only suitable for outdoor and camping, but also for the office, sports or travelling. This means that food and drinks are immediately to hand - the refreshment is already waiting in the rucksack, ready to go, so to speak.
Esbit is known worldwide for outdoor products such as solid fuel and the pocket stoves. What significance do these products still have for the company today?
Philip Paap: The solid fuel and the pocket stoves, which have been around since the 1930s, are part of the basis of our product range and at the same time part of our identity. These products are still an integral part of our range today. The solid fuel has always been manufactured in Germany. Pocket stoves and solid fuel are not only appreciated by outdoor enthusiasts, but are also used in some cases in catering packages for armies and aid organisations.
What role does international business play for the Esbit Compagnie?
Philip Paap: International business has been an important part of our strategy from the very beginning. Under the motto ‘From Hamburg to the world’, we strongly promoted exports back in the 1950s. Today, we export our products to around 25 countries - within Europe, to North and South America, Asia and Africa. Although we also have a strong presence in Germany, the international market remains a key part of our success.
In recent years, there has been an increasing trend towards multifunctional products that can be used both in everyday life and for leisure. How has Esbit Compagnie responded to this trend?
Philip Paap: We picked up on this trend when Robert and I joined the company in the 2000s. We realised that more and more people were looking for products that they could use not only on hikes or camping trips, but also in everyday life. Our vacuum flasks and food jugs are a good example of this. They make it possible to keep food and drinks warm while travelling.
Is there an anecdote from the last few years that you remember fondly?
Philip Paap: To our surprise, a few years ago we discovered an old issue of Mickey Mouse from 1988 in which Esbit is mentioned. We were tipped off by a customer and immediately bought a copy online at auction. Daniel Gyro Gearloose, the inventor character, says in the story: ‘You should always have an Esbit briquette like this in your luggage.’ We were naturally very pleased about this, as it shows that our products were appreciated then as they are now and have become firmly established in the minds of many people. Especially when it comes to solid fuel tablets, Esbit is often used synonymously.
What does the future hold? What can Esbit customers look forward to?
Philip Paap: We are staying true to our line and continuing to focus on high-quality, functional products that offer real added value. At the same time, we are constantly working on developing new products. Our aim is to continue supporting outdoor enthusiasts and everyday people with innovative solutions in the coming years.
In conclusion: What does it mean to you personally to be part of this 75-year-old family business?
Philip Paap: In preparation for the company's anniversary, I realised that I will be celebrating a small Esbit anniversary myself next year - I will have been working for the company for 25 years. Of course, it's great that I've been actively involved with the Esbit company for so long, and I'm very grateful for the experience.
Further information can be found on the anniversary landing page.
