Quadratisch, Practisch, Gut - A German legend (Ritter Sport Chocolate)

Member Name: andyLDN

Product:	Ritter Sport Chocolate
Date:	08/08/08 (49 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Quadradic, practical and good.

Disadvantages: Not available in many places ine UK

The phrase "Quadratisch, Praktisch, Gut" is understood by all German children, even when chocolate is not mentioned. For "Square, Practical, Good" signifies the kind of quality only to be found in Germany.

Since 1912 when Alfred Ritter GmbH was founded, Ritter has only ever used Cocoa from Africa and Papua New Guinea together with 100% Alpine whole milk to create it's unique chocolate flavour. Quality is also a vital factor in Ritter Sport fillings. For example there are more nuts in "Ritter Sport Voll-Nuss" than in other chocolate bars. Furthermore Ritter uses hazelnuts with precisely defined ideal dimensions - between 1.1 and 1.3 cm in diameter.

Ritter has made the square chocolate part of its identity, and gained its large market share though its innovative packaging design. The chocolate was made thicker so it is was less breakable, and offered a wide variety of flavours, only found in ice cream at that time, such as coconut and fruit yoghurt.

Despite the obvious dissruption in the 1930s and 1940s, Ritter Sport has remained popular until the present day, with its format largely unchanged.

Today, the various flavours are packaged in striking colours, a pop-art approach which has turned the packaging made from shiny synthetic material into a cult object.

During my months in Germany, I was perminantly reasured that when I walked into the underground station, a vending machine packed full of Ritter Sport was waiting for me. As for many German commuters, a chocolate bar was often my breakfast too. Ritter Sport is available in the UK but in fewer flavours.

For me the most plesurable moment when enjoying a Ritter Sport is the "knack" when the chocolate is broken lengthwise whilst keeping the packaging intact. This, for me is what makes this chocolate perfect and therefore one of my most favorite things ever. You can't do that with a Kit Kat, believe me, I've tried.

Summary: A great treat and a handy snack - when you can find it!