Old and young help together here: chocolate, pastries and pastries – all of which the Felber family conjures up using the finest handcraft in their “Sinnstiftei” in Birkfeld. The East Styrian model company, which also has the most diverse collection of chocolate molds in Central Europe, is now being brought in front of the TV camera.
When you enter the Felber family’s chocolate factory in Birkfeld, your nose immediately smells of what is probably the sweetest temptation in the world. Because here you are truly in chocolate heaven. During our visit, small and large Easter bunny shapes are hand-painted with light and dark chocolate with great care. “Every piece is unique,” emphasizes Julia Felber, the boss of the house. The cohesion within the chocolatier family is clearly noticeable, because everyone is still pitching in together. The history of the family business began with Stefan Felber’s grandfather, and his son later took over the bakery and pastry shop. Stefan followed suit and from 2003 onwards set up the chocolate factory together with his wife Julia. According to Stefan Felber, there is good quality and meaning in all the products that the family creates – this has led to everything now being called “Sinnstifterei”. Take a look behind the scenes of the chocolate factory. The successor is secured. Meanwhile, the sons Heinz and Johannes (18 and 21) also actively support their parents in the chocolate, confectionery and bakery business. Starting in the fall, they will go to Wels for a year to complete the master baker and confectioner school and thus lay an important foundation for the future of the family business. Because they will later take over the management together. The sweet chocolate gold flows from a pipe in the factory and the second youngest of the Felber family skillfully fills the bunny shapes that were previously painted with milk chocolate. It was always clear to the Felber offspring that they wanted to follow in their parents’ footsteps and they both enjoyed their work. “The variety is what makes our job so exciting; we have been working everywhere for a long time,” says Johannes Felber, who gets approval from his brother. “There is always something new for us and no two days are the same.” Delightful collaborations in the region Chocolate filled with their own honey, wine or fruit – farmers from the region can order this from the Felbers. They supply the factory with their products and receive their very own chocolate in return. The banderole on the boards is also individually designed. “This is really well received and is part of our main business,” says Stefan Felber. Chocolate in all possible shapes Another sweet specialty: the East Styrian family has the most diverse collection of chocolate shapes in all of Central Europe. “We make the shapes ourselves in collaboration with an engraver,” reveals the creative boss. From fish to teddy bears to electric motors, everything is included and can be made upon request. Those interested can marvel at the impressive collection on a guided tour of the manufactory. Handcraft and individuality Machines are largely avoided and instead the finest handwork is used. “This allows for much more individuality when it comes to chocolate.” Some of the most unusual varieties that have already been created in the Felber family factory include “mustard chocolate” or chocolate with ostrich egg liqueur. “Almost anything can be made into chocolate,” says Julia Felber with certainty. They themselves have around 40 varieties in their range. Many other individual creations are produced for farmers in the region. A question that everyone here probably asks themselves: If you are surrounded by sweet temptation every day, how much chocolate do you eat? “You enjoy chocolate in a completely different way, much more consciously,” says Julia Felber. “And less often,” adds the offspring. Filming is now complete and the show, which is all about Eastern Styria, will be broadcast next year at Easter – on Friday, April 11th, at 8:15 p.m. on ServusTV.
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