Return to the Origins
On January 31, 2020, the more than 120-year-old Confiserie and Bakery Bachmann opened its new shop with an integrated café in the renovated Surseepark. For the traditional Lucerne-based company, Sursee is an emotional location, as this is where it all began. 123 years ago, Anton Bachmann, the great-grandfather of Matthias and Raphael Bachmann, took over the bakery at Altstadtgasse 4 in Sursee, laying the foundation for today’s iconic pink family business.
Raymond Bachmann, born in Lucerne in 1936, recalls the early years well:
“My grandfather Anton Bachmann took over the bakery at Altstadtgasse 4 in Sursee in 1897. At that time, farmers brought in the flour and the bakers made bread from it. They paid the baker a baking fee, often only at the end of the year. Out of frustration with the poor payment practices of the farmers he worked with, my grandfather Anton Bachmann sold the bakery in Sursee and, in 1934, acquired a bakery in the Wesemlin district of Lucerne.”
The return to its roots holds deep emotional significance for this family business, now in its 4th generation, says Matthias Bachmann:
“When my great-grandfather laid the foundation of our company’s history with the bakery in Sursee in 1897, he could never have imagined what the world would look like 123 years later. One thing is certain, though: he and his descendants would be proud that we still stand strong with traditional craftsmanship against discount stores and the annually increasing imports of baked goods. Since we have always relied on handcraft, this is primarily thanks to our skilled and motivated employees. They deserve special thanks. Their commitment to quality and dedicated teamwork continue to make the greatest difference.”
New Shop in Sursee
The new shop with café extends over two floors and offers nearly 100 seats. Visitors can enjoy an exclusive praline counter, highlighted by a four-meter-long “Flowing Chocolate Wall.” The liquid chocolate circulates in a continuous loop, making eyes light up. Through the generous glass front, guests can watch the hustle and bustle on Bahnhofstrasse while savoring Bachmann’s handmade delicacies in peace. The shop embodies an oasis of indulgence.
Regional Grain for Bachmann
In Switzerland, imports of frozen baked goods from abroad are rising every year. To counter this trend sustainably, Confiserie and Bakery Bachmann focuses on regionality. In Sempach Station, spelt and rye are grown specifically for Bachmann. The Stalder family cultivates the grain in accordance with the strict standards of the Demeter label. Demeter organic farming represents harmony with nature in a very special way. The Demeter trademark guarantees food produced according to the oldest and strictest form of agriculture. With closed cycles and a holistic view of people, nature, and animals, not only highly flavorful but also particularly sustainable foods are created. In line with Bachmann’s philosophy: The best lies so close at hand.
“Nature in our region provides us with all the ingredients we need to bake truly good bread. Combined with the craftsmanship of our bakers and fresh, regional ingredients like those from the Demeter Stalder farm in Sempach—we create an incomparable bread experience.”
— Raphael Bachmann
Bachmann Foundation Supports the Special Education School Sursee
On opening day, Confiserie and Bakery Bachmann delighted the people of Sursee with discounted vouchers to try items from the wide assortment, a special “little guardian angel” balloon station for young and old, and a tasting of the delicate and crunchy Schutzengeli truffles. With the launch of the Schutzengeli truffles in 2011, the Bachmann Foundation was created. For each Schutzengeli sold, a portion of the proceeds goes to the foundation. Anyone who buys a Schutzengeli becomes a guardian angel themselves and supports charitable projects. The foundation backs various social initiatives worldwide, including medical care for disadvantaged and disabled children.
In honor of the return to its origins in Sursee, the Bachmann Foundation decided to support the Special Education School in Sursee. The donation of CHF 10,000 will be presented on January 31, 2020, at the new shop in Sursee.
The Special Education School Sursee (HPS) is a day school for children and young people with intellectual disabilities. The school program covers all levels, with students taught in small groups according to their age and abilities. The school’s goal is to provide each child with the best possible support through a holistic education.
