Factory Secret: Two Employees Hold Exclusive Access to a Mysterious Locked Area within Volkswagen's Production Facility
Savory Legacy: The Volkswagen Currywurst Story
For many, Volkswagen perks up images of the iconic Golf, the trendy Beetle, or, perhaps, the diesel scandal. But delve deeper into the company's roots, or drop by the VW cafeteria, and you'll stumble upon a saucy secret. Yes, we're talking about the legendary VW Currywurst!
Since 1973, this curry sausage has been churned out at the company's own butcher in Wolfsburg, transcending its role as a mere cafeteria staple. Now, it's a cult, complete with its own part number - 199 398 500 A. It's on the order list of many devotees, much like a car part. During busy periods, a whopping seven million of these spicy sausages were produced a year! The latest addition to this carnivorous tale is a dedicated shrine. A currywurst hall!
Sausage Haven: The VW Currywurst Hall
Volkswagen's head of gastronomy, Markus Greiner, announced the hall with a grin, "We all adore the Currywurst. We wanted to give it a home, a place. And that's exactly what we've done." Although it might seem like a publicity stunt, the concept was well-considered. This shrine to meat and spice lies smack dab in the heart of Wolfsburg, in Hall 50a, right beside the in-house butcher.
VW's Guarded Secret: Unveiling the Recipe
The hall offers more than just an exhibitory space. It's a tribute - for employees, visitors, and sausage fanatics. Among historical images, old machinery, and peeks behind the production scenes, there's a special attraction: a safe. Inside this safe lies the treasure that's as guarded as Volkswagen's vehicle designs before their release.
The Recipe to Remember: The Handwritten Secret
The safe holds the handwritten original recipe for the VW Currywurst and the equally famous sauce - both from 1973. The original remains securely hidden away. Only two people possess the keys to the safe: Gastro chief Markus Greiner and Dietmar Schulz, head of food production. At Volkswagen, the recipe is regarded as a cultural artifact.
Bonus Bites:
The VW Currywurst isn't merely a snack; it's a integral part of company culture. Whether during factory tours, as a souvenir, or as a regular cafeteria offering, the Currywurst has successfully positioned itself as the unofficial symbol of one of the world's largest car brands. The Currywurst Hall stands as a charming tribute to a product that brings people together, intertwining tradition, employee morale, and modern brand identity. Or, as Volkswagen puts it, a true classic - with bite!
Extra Facts You Might Find Delectable
Interested in learning more about the VW Currywurst? Here are some intriguing tidbits:
- Employee Morale and Tradition: The Currywurst was originally created to nourish Volkswagen's employees, fostering a sense of community and tradition within the company[1][2].
- Culinary Innovation: Volkswagen's version has a lower fat content compared to traditional bratwursts, making it a healthy alternative[2][4].
- Brand Identity and Marketing: The Currywurst has become a symbol of Volkswagen's ability to innovate and diversify beyond automotive manufacturing, reflecting the company's broader range of offerings[1][4].
- Cultural Icon: With Volkswagen producing around seven million Currywurst sausages annually, it has become an important part of German street food culture, closely associated with the Volkswagen brand[1].
- Popularity and Consumption: Approximately 800 million Currywurst servings are enjoyed annually in Germany, making it a national sensation[1].
- Global Recognition: The Currywurst's unique flavor and Volkswagen's involvement have contributed to its global appeal[1][4].
- Diversification Strategy: The production and marketing of the Currywurst indicate Volkswagen's willingness to explore diverse business opportunities, highlighting the company's adaptability beyond automobile manufacturing[1][4].
In essence, the VW Currywurst embodies a harmonious fusion of cultural tradition, culinary innovation, and brand diversification within Volkswagen's identity - showcasing the company's capacity to engage diverse markets and consumer interests.
- Volkswagen's Currywurst, being a part of the company's history and culture, has extended its reach beyond the cafeteria, now situated in the VW Currywurst Hall, a celebration of the sausage's popularity in Wolfsburg.
- Amidst the exhibitory space in the Currywurst Hall, there lies a safe, guarding the original handwritten recipe and the sauce for the VW Currywurst, both from 1973, symbols of the company's culinary innovation and cultural heritage.
- As the unofficial symbol of one of the world's largest car brands, the VW Currywurst not only represents a healthy alternative to traditional bratwursts but also demonstrates Volkswagen's ability to diversify, reflecting its broader range of offerings and its participation in global culinary culture.
