From then to today.
HISTORY
From a Two-Men Show to a Global Player.
Once, we were a two-man operation in a warehouse on the former family farm. Today, we are an international food wholesale partner to over 10,000 customers. We combine our passion for food with exceptional service, a variety of around 1,200 products, and deliver these to more than 100 countries worldwide. The values that have shaped our company from the very beginning – down-to-earthness, handshake quality, and reliability – are still firmly rooted in our corporate philosophy today.
1986
Helmut Gunz founds the company. Our first company headquarters in Altach is located in a warehouse on the former Gunz family farm.
In the first ten years, the focus is on the import business.
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Company founder Helmut Gunz, standing at the back right of the picture.
In the center of the picture is his younger brother Werner. He will join the company in 10 years.
Our story began with the import of international products to Austria. With Austria’s accession to the EU, we had to realign our business model. This laid the foundation for a success story that continues to this day.
Alexandra Temel-Gunz, daughter of Werner Gunz and wife of our current managing director, Michael Temel.
1996-2002
Ten years after the founding, brother Werner joins the company. Together, the brothers decide to realign the business model. From now on, the focus is on the export business.
I joined the team in the early 2000s. With Werner at the helm, a new chapter began, taking the family business to the international market and shaping the success story that continues to this day.
Gerhard Häusle, Head of Procurement. With his long-term experience with customers and suppliers, Geri knows exactly what they need. He has been part of the team for over 20 years.
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The first own Gunz brands are developed, and the foundations of our sales field service network are laid.
2004
A modern administrative and logistics building is being built in the neighboring municipality of Mäder – our current main location.
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The new warehouse in Mäder was still under construction when the first delivery arrived! The storage capacities in Altach were more than exhausted.
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Our Gunz shop will also be integrated into the same building. The store establishes itself in the "Ländle" and simultaneously serves as a showroom for our business customers.
2009
Michael Temel, our current managing director, joins the company. From now on, he gains insight into all areas of the company and supports his father-in-law Werner Gunz in sales.
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This year, the first milestone in licensing is set. This is also the first Gunz milestone for our future managing director: We acquire the brand rights of the world-famous Flintstones family from Warner Bros. By the end of the year, Michael has implemented the project and adds almost 30 Flintstones products to the product range. These remain with us for several years, achieving great success.
2011-2013
For our 25th anniversary, we give our company logo a modern, contemporary look.
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We add another floor to our office building in Mäder. This creates twice as many office workspaces as before.
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In Magdeburg, Germany, we are building our logistics center.
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Company founder Helmut Gunz will leave the company at the end of the year after 27 years.
From the small warehouse to global logistics: The journey with Gunz proves that great things can grow from humble beginnings. This applies to the development of the company as well as to me personally.
Rene Ender, Head of Warehouse Mäder and part of the team for almost 20 years. He started as an order picker, built up the warehouse team in Magdeburg, and has since been the warehouse manager in Mäder.
2016
Michael Temel joins the management team. He has been working in the family business for seven years.
2018-2019
Our journey with sports licenses begins with a clear vision: we want to offer affordable, high-quality products that reflect the passion of the fans. Our first partners are FC Bayern Munich, one of the world’s leading football clubs, and Borussia Dortmund, a top European club with international appeal.
Today, we are proud to count clubs like Feyenoord Rotterdam, PSV Eindhoven, and Ajax Amsterdam among our partners.
A highlight in our fan food range is the butter cookies in a tin, decorated in a unique football design featuring the logos of our licensed partners.
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Since 2017, we have been FAIRTRADE certified. In a two-year process, we converted our entire range of pralines and chocolate to FAIRTRADE cocoa. Today, we are a key partner for FAIRTRADE cocoa in Austria.
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Extensive renovations and the creation of new social spaces for employees are taking place at the Mäder headquarters.
2020
With great gratitude, I look back on my active time at Gunz. Together with many wonderful people, I had the privilege of building something great. It fills me with pride that the transition from me to the next generation has been so successful and that our values are not only upheld by Michael but also further developed.
Werner Gunz, company founder and father-in-law of our current CEO, Michael Temel.
After 24 years, an era comes to an end: Werner Gunz is stepping down from his family business and handing over his responsibilities to his son-in-law Michael.
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Michael Temel and his wife, Alexandra Temel-Gunz, have taken over 100 percent of the company shares. This ensures that the company remains entirely family-owned in the second generation.
2022
We embark on a journey to Africa with FAIRTRADE Austria. This moving experience leaves a deep impression on us. The urgent need for education sparks an idea: We want to build a school in Côte d'Ivoire.
Over the next few years, this idea grows into a heartfelt project that goes far beyond its initial vision. A comprehensive initiative emerges, including the construction of a new school, renovations, adult education measures, and a partnership with a school from Vorarlberg.
2024-2025
A new exciting and athletic partnership: We are now an official licensing partner of the NFL, bringing the world of American football closer to fans with unique products.
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With the launch of our newly developed B2B app, we are setting a new standard and meeting international demands: Service 24/7, 365 days a year. Whether small or large, regional or international, our clients benefit from round-the-clock access to our entire range. At the same time, they stay up-to-date at all times.
FAIRTRADE stands for trade based on equality. Gunz exemplifies this fairness: Certified FAIRTRADE since 2017, the company is now a central partner for FAIRTRADE cocoa in Austria. Gunz exports FAIRTRADE chocolate to over 100 countries, improving living conditions along the supply chain.
The commitment goes even further: After visits to cocoa partner cooperatives, Gunz supports two projects in Côte d'Ivoire with Fairtrade Africa. In addition to the FAIRTRADE premium, economic partnerships (together with the ADA) are strengthened and school buildings are renovated.
Hartwig Kirner, Managing Director of FAIRTRADE Austria
Photo: © FAIRTRADE Austria / Safia El Maataoui
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The construction of the new school and the renovation work on existing schools in Côte d'Ivoire are progressing well. The completion of the construction work is expected later this year! The villagers, especially the children, are eagerly looking forward to the new opportunities.
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We are launching a three-year cooperation with the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) to promote sustainable development, poverty reduction, and environmental protection. Together, we are making a valuable contribution to achieving the global sustainability goals and strengthening adult education.
