The Legacy of Jean Tobler: Creator of Toblerone

Jean Tobler, born Johann Jakob Tobler (1830–1905) in Appenzell, Switzerland, was a visionary in the confectionery world. After honing his craft in Paris, Tobler worked in Germany and France before opening his own confectionery shop in Bern in 1865. His shop primarily sold handmade candies with chocolate coatings supplied by other manufacturers. However, the high demand for chocolate prompted Tobler to consider producing it himself, recognizing the potential cost savings.

In 1899, Tobler, along with his sons, founded the "Fabrique de Chocolat de Berne Tobler & Cie." This marked the beginning of their chocolate manufacturing journey, which his sons later expanded. The pivotal moment in Tobler’s legacy came in 1908 with the invention of Toblerone. Inspired by the Italian torrone—a confection made of chocolate, honey, egg whites, and almonds—Tobler and his sons created the distinctive three-dimensional triangular bar.

The unique shape of Toblerone was inspired by the Matterhorn Mountain in the Swiss Alps, symbolizing both Swiss heritage and Tobler's innovative spirit. To protect this unique concept from being replicated by competitors, Tobler applied for and was granted a patent for the manufacturing process in Bern. This made Toblerone the first chocolate product in the world to be patented, cementing its place in confectionery history.

Today, Toblerone remains a globally recognized brand, celebrated for its distinctive shape and rich, nutty flavor. The Tobler family's innovation and dedication to quality continue to be honored in every bar, making Toblerone a timeless symbol of Swiss chocolate excellence.
The Legacy of Jean Tobler: Creator of Toblerone

Johann Jakob Tobler

Jean Tobler was born Johann Jakob Tobler in Appenzell, Switzerland.

After learning his craft in Paris, Jean Tobler worked for many years in Germany and France.  In 1865, he opened his own confectionary in Bern.

The shop sold mostly handmade candies with coatings made of chocolate supplied by other manufacturers. He was going through so much chocolate that it became clear it would be cheaper to make it himself.

In 1899, he and his sons founded the “Fabrique de Chocolat de Berne Tobler & Cie.” It was later expanded under his sons.

In 1908 they invented ‘Toblerone’. Tobler used the Italian ‘torrone ‘formula, a mixture of chocolate, honey, egg whites and almonds and the famous three-dimensional triangular bar was created.

Tobler used the Matterhorn Mountain to inspire the shape of his product. Fearing that a competitor would duplicate his concept, he applied for a patent on the manufacturing process in Berne.

This was granted and Toblerone became the first chocolate product in the world to be patented.
Johann Jakob Tobler