Loacker Turns 100: A Century of Wafers Loved Across the World

Loacker, the Italian wafer brand that began as a humble pastry shop in 1925, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. What started in the heart of the Alps has grown into a global success story, with Loacker products now enjoyed in more than 110 countries — including the Maldives, where the wafers have become a household favorite.

From Pastry Shop to Global Icon

Founded by Alfons Loacker in Bolzano, South Tyrol, the brand’s first wafers were made using only natural ingredients — a principle that remains unchanged even today. Guided by the motto, “Only if you use the best will you obtain the best,” Loacker earned the trust of consumers worldwide by avoiding artificial additives and focusing on authentic flavors.

Over the decades, Loacker introduced several innovations that helped cement its reputation. In 1960, the company pioneered the use of electric ovens for wafer production. By 1974, production had expanded to the Renon plateau, at 1,000 meters above sea level, reflecting its philosophy that natural products should be made in natural environments. Expansion continued with a factory in Austria in 1999 and the launch of Loacker cafés in 2000.

Today, Loacker holds about 4.5 percent of the global wafer and chocolate specialty market and reported revenues of nearly €459 million in 2024.

Loacker in the Maldives

Maldivians were introduced to Loacker 12 years ago through Euro Store, and since then the brand has become a familiar presence in local households. Its light, crispy wafers, filled with hazelnut, chocolate, and vanilla creams, have made it a popular choice for families, gatherings, and everyday indulgence.

To mark the centenary, Loacker is releasing a limited edition Loacker Rapì wafer in the Maldives. This special edition will feature a redesigned label with a 100th-anniversary stamp, giving Maldivian consumers a chance to join the global celebration of the brand’s legacy.

Retailers in the country say the wafers have become a “taste of comfort” for many Maldivians, a snack that feels both international and familiar at the same time.

A Brand That Crosses Borders

Loacker’s journey from a small family-run pastry shop to a worldwide brand illustrates how commitment to quality and innovation can resonate across cultures. From the snowy peaks of the Alps to the tropical islands of the Maldives, the brand has built a reputation as more than just a snack — it is part of daily rituals, childhood memories, and shared moments across generations.