Bergene (A. Bergene Chokoladefabrik) was a producer of chocolate and other sweets in Oslo. The factory was established by colonial trader Anders Bergene in 1906, when he took over the premises in Københavngata after Olaf Larsens Chokoladefabrik (later ASOLA) moved out, before later being established in Akersbakken.
First generation: Anders Bergene
When it opened on Rodeløkka in 1906, Bergene had 40 employees, but chocolate production was a problem due to steam engines and other equipment often breaking down and needing repairs. Sweets were easier to prepare and saved their sales. Together with his German-speaking manager, Bergene went to Berlin and poached two professionals from the famous Sarotti chocolate factory.[1] Bergene opened a shop in Karl Johans gate 18. He had little faith in advertising. He believed that a good product would succeed because people would talk about it. One of the two German professionals became head of the Peuker factory, while Haase took care of filled confectionery.[2] However, sweets producer Pedersen was Norwegian.
The company used the slogan: "Altid no' godt fra Bergene" for many years, and at its peak produced more than 500 different products.