About us
Our trading company was founded in 1792 and is one of the oldest medium-sized trading companies in Bremen. Our field of business ranges from the import of spices and herbs to honey, tea and various non-food consumer goods from all over the world.
As a raw material supplier and importer of household products, we supply the European food industry and food retail segment. In order to satisfy the increasing segmentation of the markets in which we operate, we have divided our company into specialised core business sectors. Today, these different business sectors are outsourced into separate subsidiaries.
Our company’s philosophy includes focusing on the needs of our customers in every business area, while creating a deep understanding of the developments and success factors in the producing and supplying countries in which we operate.
Therefore, we strive to be seen as a reliable and trustworthy partner in everything we do for customers and suppliers alike.
Tradition
Our company was founded in 1792 by Johan Conrad Schütte, allowing us to look back on 225 years of company history. The name Johann Gottfried Schütte & Company, which the company still bears today, was introduced in 1815. As a family company, we are led today by the 7th and 8th generation of the family; Michael F. Schütte and Johann G. Smidt.
The company first became established with the importation of raw materials such as tobacco, spices, medicinal plants and drugs. Further business areas were added over the years. Trading in tea from 1841 and in honey from 1876 turned out to be especially interesting and still play an important role in our company today. After the Second World War, we were able to build an important export business, supplying European consumer goods to Asia, Africa and Latin America.
Since the early 1990s, our different core business areas have been divided into separate subsidiaries in order to better address the segmentation of the markets in which we operate. Today, these companies operate as independent raw material suppliers for the European food industry and the retail sector and as importers of non-food consumer goods.
In spite of several wars and other temporary crises and difficulties, the company has been able to survive over several centuries. This shows our strength, resilience and awareness for tradition as well as our many years of expertise and product knowledge due to our experience of trade developments through the ages.
Interview with M. Schütte & J. Smidt
Sustainability
For us, sustainability encompasses a balance between ecology, economy, and a strong sense of social responsibility. We have therefore adopted this principle as the guiding philosophy for our business operations across the various divisions of our corporate group. In this context, consumer and environmental protection, as well as social conditions in many procurement markets, play just as important a role as the quality control of our products and product safety.
We process and trade a wide variety of raw materials that come from organic farming and also meet additional certification requirements, such as fair-trade products. In addition, we have our overseas production facilities regularly audited by independent certification bodies to ensure they meet social standards, and we are members of the BSCI (Business Social Compliance Initiative, Brussels). We are also certified according to the requirements of the FSC® standard. Please feel free to ask us about our FSC®-certified products (license code: FSC-C011982).
In Germany, too, we aim to contribute to an ecological, climate-friendly, and forward-looking business policy. Through an efficient energy management system, we reduce electricity, gas, and water consumption across all areas of our company, and we are committed to photovoltaics, thereby contributing to the reduction of harmful greenhouse gases.
Environment & Climate – What we’re already doing today:
1. We recognize our responsibility.
As a retail company with an international presence, we are aware that our environmental footprint does not end at our own doorstep. We are working to make our processes more environmentally friendly and to integrate resource-efficient solutions into our daily operations.
2. Gradually increasing sustainability in our daily operations.
Whether in our choice of packaging, energy use, or supply chain design – we regularly review how we can further reduce our environmental impact. In doing so, we focus on gradual transition rather than radical change, and on continuous improvement rather than short-term gains.
3. Keeping a close eye on energy consumption.
At our locations, we ensure efficient energy use and regularly evaluate potential savings – for example, through LED lighting, timer-controlled systems, or the expansion of renewable energy sources such as photovoltaics.
4. Considering transportation and logistics.
The routes our products take are part of our overall environmental footprint. That’s why we’re collecting initial emissions data in the transportation sector and, in the medium term, exploring ways to integrate more climate-friendly transportation alternatives and partners.
5. Packaging – an honest look.
Not every sustainable solution is applicable to every product. We use recyclable materials whenever possible – and where that isn’t (yet) feasible, we look for better long-term alternatives. The goal: less plastic, more circularity.
For us, sustainability isn’t just a label – it’s a process.
We closely monitor developments in environmental and climate policy and incorporate relevant changes into our sustainability management. Our decisions are based on facts – we don’t talk about them until we’ve actually implemented them.
Biodiversity & Ecosystems:
Alongside climate change, biodiversity loss is one of the two major environmental crises of our time. A study by experts from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), published in 2021, shows how the challenges and potential solutions to these two crises are interconnected.
Sustainability labels such as the EU Organic Label, Naturland, and Fairtrade make an important contribution to the protection of biodiversity. Joh. Gottfr. Schütte GmbH & Co. KG recognizes these positive effects and is continuously expanding its range of products bearing sustainability labels. In doing so, we are taking responsibility for the environment while also prioritizing transparency and quality for our customers. Expanding our certified product range is a deliberate step toward strengthening ecological standards in the supply chain while also contributing to global biodiversity.
We are also a member of the Tea Association, which is deeply committed to sustainability and actively promotes it.
The Tea Association's sustainability brochure
Our certifications and what they mean
FSC – Forest Stewardship Council
The Forest Stewardship Council promotes more sustainable forest management. The wood used in furniture bearing this seal comes from responsibly managed forests. In addition to environmental considerations, FSC also adheres to social standards, such as workers’ rights, working conditions, and the rights of indigenous peoples.
FSC Certificate – schütte Home & Living:
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Rainforest Alliance
Rainforest Alliance certification helps producers achieve better harvests and adapt to climate change in a targeted manner. It focuses on aspects such as promoting practices to combat climate change, taking measures against human rights violations, and improving the livelihoods of smallholder farms.
Rainforest Alliance Certificate – schütte Herbal Solutions:
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Naturland
Naturland is the largest international association for organic farming. More than 60,000 farmers, beekeepers, and fish farmers in over 50 countries have been operating in accordance with Naturland’s strict guidelines since 1982. The standards go far beyond the EU Organic Regulation: Instead of relying on massive interventions in nature, Naturland focuses on natural cycles and ecological compensation measures.
Naturland farms promote biodiversity by using land extensively, thereby creating habitats for insects and birds. Weed control is achieved through mechanical methods, hardy varieties, and the targeted use of beneficial organisms. Soil care is also a top priority at Naturland. By avoiding synthetic chemical pesticides and limiting the total amount of organic fertilizer, natural soil fertility is preserved, and water resources are conserved. Animal welfare is ensured through additional inspections, feeding exclusively with Naturland-certified feed, and the implementation of preventive measures. Naturland certification applies throughout the entire supply chain – for true sustainability from start to finish.
Naturland Certificate – schütte Herbal Solutions:
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Fairtrade
Fairtrade transforms trade by improving prices, working conditions, and livelihoods for smallholder farmers and workers. Through self-determination, Fairtrade empowers producers in the Global South to gain more control over their lives and, through democratic decision-making processes and the Fairtrade Premium, to decide for themselves how to invest in their future. As a leading force in the global fair-trade movement, Fairtrade supports and works with businesses and policymakers to ensure fairer trade conditions. By choosing Fairtrade, people can bring about change through their everyday actions.
Fairtrade Certificate – schütte Herbal Solutions:
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Fairtrade Certificate – sinas:
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ORGANIC
The basic principle of the EU Organic Label is to identify the production of healthy food based on balanced and fertile soil. To qualify, participating farms must follow the relevant organic farming regulations for at least 2 to 3 years before the first label can be issued.
The percentage of organic products in our total product range
2022: 19,67%
2023: 23,19%
2024: 24,48%
Organic Certificate – schütte Herbal Solutions:
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Organic Certificate – schütte Honey:
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Organic Certificate – sinas:
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Bees & Biodiversity:
Did you know?
A single honeybee pollinates up to 2,000 flowers every day. Without them, many of our teas and honeys simply wouldn’t exist.
Bees are more than just honey producers – they are essential to our food supply and our ecosystem. About 80% of all cultivated and wild plants depend on pollination (source: NABU). Without bees, many herbs, fruits, and flowering plants would barely exist -including plants like chamomile, mint, and sage.
That’s why we advocate for bee-friendly farming methods and ensure that our suppliers’ supply chains are pesticide-free. In some regions, we also support sustainable beekeeping projects and the conservation of local bee populations.
Our raw materials & their origins:
Our products are based on natural raw materials, and we place particular importance on their origin and how they are cultivated. Conditions in the country of origin affect not only quality but also the environment, biodiversity, and social justice. That is why we prioritize transparent, long-term partnerships with suppliers who operate responsibly.
Tea & Herbs
Our teas and herbs come primarily from certified organic cultivation, for example, from India, Egypt, China, Albania, and Poland. We ensure high cultivation standards and prefer suppliers who are certified organic. Through long-term relationships, we ensure not only quality but also fair conditions.
Honey
We source our honeys from Romania, Mexico, Argentina, and Hungary, among other places. What matters to us here is traceability all the way back to the apiary, careful analysis of the ingredients, and fair-trade relationships. We also support initiatives to promote sustainable beekeeping.
Wood & Furniture
Our wood products – such as garden furniture – come primarily from sustainably managed forests in Europe and Asia. Many of our products are FSC®-certified, which ensures environmentally and socially responsible forest management.
Social responsibility:
For us, sustainability means far more than just environmental responsibility – it begins with people. We place great importance on social sustainability and therefore, when selecting our suppliers, we specifically ensure fair working and living conditions for the people who work in the fields every day.
When cultivating our raw materials, we focus on environmentally friendly methods, preserving soil fertility, and the sustainable use of natural resources. Only in this way can we achieve cultivation that does justice to both people and nature.
Through regular on-site visits, we gain firsthand insight into the harvests, the conditions, and the implementation of our quality and sustainability standards. This ensures that our products are not only of high quality but are also produced under responsible conditions.
Tea pickers are equipped with work clothes and tools in a tea field in South America. In the background, you can see the natural tree cover, which helps preserve biodiversity.
To enrich the fields, as is done here in China, composted soil is mixed with oyster shell lime.
Regional engagement:
As a company steeped in tradition with roots in Bremen, we are mindful of our social responsibility. That is why we support selected initiatives that contribute to humanitarian aid, maritime traditions, and the common good.
Maritime rescue
We are committed to protecting human life, regardless of origin or background. That is why we support organizations dedicated to maritime rescue.
German Maritime Search and Rescue Service – Eiswette
For many years, we have supported Bremen’s traditional Eiswette event to benefit the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service. The German Maritime Search and Rescue Service is one of Germany’s most important charitable organizations in the field of maritime rescue and stands for volunteer service at sea-independent, donation-funded, and indispensable.
HAUS SEEFAHRT Foundation – Schaffermahlzeit
With the Schaffermahlzeit, the world’s oldest annually recurring fellowship meal, the Hanseatic City of Bremen has demonstrated its close connection to seafaring for centuries. Through our support of the HAUS SEEFAHRT Foundation, we contribute to the preservation of maritime traditions, the promotion of young seafarers, and social assistance for seafarers in need.
FAQ – Understanding sustainability:
Why isn’t everything organic?
Sustainability is a core concern for the JGS Group. We are committed to high standards – from certified organic raw materials to responsibly managed supply chains. However, not all of our products are available in organic quality across the board and there are understandable reasons for this:
1. Limited availability
Many growing regions around the world have not (yet) achieved full organic status. The transition to organic farming is a lengthy process and often financially challenging for smaller farms.
2. Supply reliability & harvest conditions
Extreme weather events and seasonal fluctuations can mean that organic ingredients are not always available in sufficient quantities or of sufficient quality.
3. Fair prices
Depending on the product, using 100% organic ingredients can lead to significant price increases. To ensure that sustainable products remain accessible to as many people as possible, we also rely on high-quality blended solutions.
4. Sustainability is more than “just” organic
Conventionally produced raw materials can also meet high social and environmental standards – for example, through fair working conditions, certified supply chains, or climate-friendly transportation.
OUR COMMITMENT:
TO ACT TRANSPARENTLY AND RESPONSIBLY USING ORGANIC WHEN POSSIBLE AND MEETING THE HIGHEST STANDARDS WHEN NECESSARY.
Why some packaging is (still) made of plastic
We want to design packaging that is as sustainable as possible – but we also have a responsibility to package products safely and ensure their shelf life. Plastic is (still) used in these cases when other materials do not (yet) offer a suitable alternative:
1. Product protection
Particularly sensitive foods such as honey, tea, or herbs must be protected from light, moisture, and air to preserve their quality and prevent food waste.
2. Legal requirements
According to food safety regulations, packaging must provide a certain level of protection – many alternative materials, such as paper or bioplastics, cannot yet meet these requirements to the same extent.
3. Focus on recyclability
We primarily use recyclable plastics and are constantly evaluating the use of monomaterials to improve recyclability.
4. Gradual transition
Our packaging is continuously evaluated for material efficiency, sustainability, and new technological possibilities – with the goal of identifying and implementing alternatives that conserve resources.
What sustainability does and does not mean to us
For us, sustainability is not just a buzzword, but a long-term process. At Joh. Gottfr. Schütte GmbH & Co. KG, we define sustainability as a conscious commitment to the environment, society, and the economy.
What “sustainable” does mean to us:
Environmentally and socially responsible procurement
Close collaboration with our suppliers
CO₂ reduction through solar power, energy efficiency, and digital monitoring
Packaging designed with recyclability and product protection in mind
Focus on clear goals and legal requirements
What “sustainable” does not mean to us:
We do not promise “100% sustainability”: True sustainability is complex and requires continuous improvement.
We do not engage in greenwashing: We report honestly and based on facts about what we do – and where we want to improve.
OUR COMMITMENT:
FOR US, SUSTAINABILITY DOESN’T MEAN PERFECTION – IT MEANS RESPONSIBILITY.
Why sustainable farming is so important
Sustainability starts with the seeds – and runs through soil care, water consumption, working conditions and CO₂ emissions throughout the entire supply chain. We support cultivation projects that ensure long-term soil fertility, prevent erosion and preserve biodiversity.
These include:
1. Fairtrade projects
That improve living conditions through fair prices and social funds.
(Source:: fairtrade.net)
2. CO₂-reducing cultivation methods
For example, through mixed cultivation or regenerative agriculture.
3. Training for growers
To promote environmentally friendly and economically viable cultivation methods.
AT JGS GROUP, WE BELIEVE:
SUSTAINABLE CULTIVATION IS THE KEY TO GOOD PRODUCTS – AND TO A HEALTHY PLANET.
Quality Assurance
Certified and customer-oriented quality management is required for a high standard of quality and it is of central importance within our company. We work tirelessly to further develop our quality standards to fulfil the quality and safety needs of our customers and supply products of the highest quality. Extensive certification of our business divisions according to the IFS food standard and regular audits ensure sustainable product safety.
Our quality controls start with the selection of international raw material suppliers. Assessment methods, profound market knowledge and long-standing business relationships allow us to purchase raw materials of the highest quality all over the world.
A deep understanding of quality enables us to address the individual requirements of our customers and supply them with the desired raw material qualities. Before shipping merchandise to our customers, it is checked by our internal QS and by external laboratories with regard to product-specific parameters and released on the basis of exhaustive analyses.
In this way, we ensure that our products and raw materials always comply with legal provisions and quality requirements and meet the extensive expectations of our customers and consumers, in particular.
Career
As our company is constantly growing, we are always open to qualified and committed people who would like to take on new professional challenges. Therefore, please feel free to send us your detailed application by e-mail to bewerbungen@jgs.de.
OUR BENEFITS
Good transport connections
Company events
Company fitness
Company bicycle
Company pension scheme
Company doctor
Training
The topic of education is one of our company’s great success factors. We are regularly looking for young people and who are interested in international flows of goods and logistical relationships, who would like to round this off with a dual study program or an apprenticeship within a trading company.
Dual studies
Since we always set our goals high, dual studies are an integral part of our promotion of young talents. In cooperation with the Hochschule Bremen (City University of Applied Sciences), we offer the course of study “Management in Retailing (B.A.)”, which additionally includes training as a merchant in wholesale and foreign trade management. For more information on the degree program, please click here.
Management Assistant in Wholesale and Foreign Trade (m/f/d)
Office Management Assistant (m/f/d)
By involving trainees in the different departments of our company and sharing product-specific industry knowledge in our German subsidiaries, we are able to offer an extensive and complete apprenticeship. Our aim is to support young people in their professional and personal development and to promote skills such as initiative, autonomy, communication and problem-solving skills.
By doing this, we make sure our trainees get an optimal start into their working life and increase their chance of obtaining a permanent position in the company after successfully graduating from their vocational training.
OUR BENEFITS
Good transport connections
Company events
Company fitness
Assumption of travel costs
Internships
We allow young people to gain operational work experience during a 2-6 months internship in our company before, during or after their studies.
Apply now