Overview
- Historian Gerhard Ammerer uncovered a Die Presse advertisement from 1881 that mentions “Mozartkugeln,” predating the long‑accepted 1890 origin.
- The ad is linked to confectioner Rudolf Baumann, whose successors at Holzermayr now assert the invention and are consulting a trademark lawyer.
- Fürst remains the only producer legally permitted to market an “Original Salzburger Mozartkugel,” with hand‑made pralines sold through its shops and online.
- Austria’s confection has a litigious history, including a European Court of Justice ruling requiring Bavarian maker Reber to remove the term “Salzburger,” while Mirabell markets “Echte Salzburger Mozartkugel” under a Mondelez parent.
- Authentication and legal interpretation of the 1881 notice are unresolved, and Fürst’s leadership says it holds strong evidence should a formal proceeding occur.