Gerstner

What Gerstner does

Gerstner is a Viennese confectionery and event-catering company founded in 1847, operating under the historic K. u. K. Hofzuckerbäcker (Imperial and Royal Court Confectioner) designation awarded in 1873. The company is owned by GMS GOURMET GmbH since 2021, with headquarters at Oberlaaer Straße 298 in Vienna and 101–250 employees. Its core offering combines an in-house artisanal bakery (cakes, tortes, strudels, seasonal confectionery) with three integrated business lines: (1) full-service event catering for corporate, cultural, and private clients; (2) café-restaurant operations at four premium Viennese locations (Palais Todesco on Kärntner Straße, Schloss Schönbrunn Kavalierstrakt, Café-Bar-Aperitivo at the Wiener Staatsoper, and Café Pavillon in Schlosspark Schönbrunn); and (3) exhibition and congress catering as the exclusive caterer at VIECON Messe Wien (55,000 m² exhibition space).

Revenue mechanics are diversified across project-based event catering (quote-based pricing with an online Angebotsrechner for indicative estimates), unit-priced café/brunch service (e.g., €109 Sunday Brunch at Palais Todesco, €19.90 Apfelstrudel Show), and direct-to-consumer e-commerce (eshop.gerstner-konditorei.at) for home delivery of confectionery within Austria and internationally. Customer segments span corporate and enterprise events, cultural institutions and performing arts venues (Wiener Staatsoper, Wiener Musikverein, Kunsthistorisches Museum), individual consumers and tourists, and B2B corporate gifting/private label clients. The company holds ISO 9001 (until Sep 2027), ISO 50001 (until Nov 2027), Austrian Umweltzeichen, and BIO certifications, and operates with no disclosed proprietary technology platforms — relying on standard MarTech (Google Analytics, Google Ads, Cookiebot) and a third-party reservation system (Molzait).

The company's competitive position is anchored in 175+ years of heritage and exclusive or preferred catering partnerships at Vienna's most iconic cultural and congress venues — a relationship with the Wiener Staatsoper that has run continuously since 1869, plus exclusive arrangements at Wiener Musikverein, Schloss Schönbrunn, and VIECON Messe Wien. B2B catering is sold through a dedicated enterprise field sales team, while B2C revenue flows through physical café locations and e-commerce. Marketing leverages heritage and cultural event presence (Wiener Opernball, Oper im Steinbruch), the Gutscheine gift voucher platform, and digital channels including the company's multilingual website.

Name

Gerstner

Legal name

GMS GOURMET GmbH

Website

https://gerstner.at

Company type

Private

Founded year

1847

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Gerstner is a 175+ year-old Viennese K. u. K. Hofzuckerbäcker (Imperial and Royal Court Confectioner) operating an in-house bakery, four premium café-restaurants, an e-commerce shop, and exclusive event catering at Vienna's leading cultural venues (Wiener Staatsoper, Musikverein, Schönbrunn, VIECON Messe Wien), serving corporate, institutional, and consumer clients across Austria.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Confectionery & Event Catering Services

NAICS

Chocolate and Confectionery Manufacturing (31135), Retail Bakeries (311811), Baked Goods Retailers (445291), Confectionery and Nut Retailers (445292)

SIC

Bakery Products (2050), Sugar & Confectionery Products (2060)

akta.pro primary industry

Chocolate & Confectionery Patisseries (Bonbons, Truffles, Macarons) (THAFAFAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Dessert & Bakery Catering (Cakes, Pastries, Candy) (HSACAGAI), Pastry, Cakes & Tortes Manufacturing (AFAKAAAB), Chocolate & Confectionery Shops (THAFAGAD)

Keywords

• Artisan confectionery
• Event catering services
• Viennese coffee houses
• Corporate catering
• Congress catering

Headquarters

HQ city

Vienna

HQ country

Austria

HQ region

Europe

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Bakery & Confectionery Retail: Sale of artisanal pastries, cakes, tortes, strudels, and seasonal sweets manufactured in-house at the Gerstner K. u. K. Hofzuckerbäcker bakery. Products are sold through physical shop locations and an e-commerce web shop for home delivery or gift-giving, including personalized corporate gifts.
2. Event & Corporate Catering: Full-service catering for corporate events, weddings, galas, congresses, and private celebrations. Gerstner provides end-to-end catering including food preparation, service personnel, beverage service, and event organization at partner venues or client-specified locations. Revenue is project-based per event.
3. Café-Restaurant Operations: Multi-floor café, bar, and restaurant operations at premium Viennese locations including Palais Todesco (Kärntner Straße) and Schloss Schönbrunn. Revenue generated from food and beverage sales to walk-in guests, including brunch services, à la carte dining, and special events.
4. Exhibition & Congress Catering: Exclusive on-site catering partnership at the VIECON (Messe Wien Exhibition & Congress Center). Gerstner operates multiple food and beverage outlets within the convention center, including restaurants, cafés, and grab-and-go stands. Also provides exhibitor catering and bespoke congress catering packages.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Gerstner is a Viennese confectionery and catering company, founded in 1847 and operating under the historic K. u. K. Hofzuckerbäcker (Imperial and Royal Court Confectioner) brand. The company manufactures and sells handmade cakes, tortes, strudels, and seasonal confectionery through its chain of café-restaurants at premium Viennese locations and via an online shop. It also provides full-service event catering for corporate events, galas, congresses, weddings, and private celebrations, including exclusive on-site catering at the VIECON Messe Wien congress center and partnerships with cultural venues such as the Wiener Staatsoper and Wiener Musikverein.

Product overview

Gerstner is a Viennese confectionery and catering company founded in 1847, operating as a traditional Hofzuckerbäcker (royal court confectioner). The company offers a multi-channel portfolio centered on the Gerstner K. u. K. Hofzuckerbäcker confectionery line (handmade cakes, tortes, strudels, and seasonal sweets), complemented by catering services (Catering & Events), café-restaurants at prestigious Vienna locations (Palais Todesco, Schloss Schönbrunn, Wiener Staatsoper, Wiener Musikverein), exclusive event venues (Salons Privés), congress catering at VIECON Messe Wien, and an e-commerce online shop. Additional offerings include the Hofzuckerbäcker Show (live strudel demonstration), Sunday Brunch, B2B private label/corporate gifting, and the Opernlounge at Oper im Steinbruch. The portfolio operates as a unified brand experience across physical café-restaurants, event catering, and direct-to-consumer e-commerce.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• K. u. K. Hofzuckerbäcker: The historic title and brand identity for the confectionery operations, signifying Imperial-Royal Court Confectioner status awarded in 1873.

Products and services

• Gerstner K. u. K. Hofzuckerbäcker Traditional Austrian confectionery line producing handmade cakes, tortes, strudels, pastries, and seasonal sweets since 1847. Products are available in cafés, via online shop, and for wholesale B2B orders.
• Gerstner Catering & Events Full-service catering for corporate events, weddings, congresses, and private celebrations. Offers gala dinners, buffets, flying cocktails, and conference catering with customizable menus and end-to-end service including venue selection, food preparation, beverage service, and on-site staff.
• Gerstner Kaffeehäuser (Café-Restaurants) Traditional Viennese coffee house experience at multiple prestigious locations including Palais Todesco (Kärntner Straße), Schloss Schönbrunn (Kavalierstrakt), Wiener Staatsoper, and Café Pavillon in the Schlosspark Schönbrunn.
• Gerstner Salons Privés Exclusive event venues in Palais Todesco featuring historic rooms including Festsaal, Blauer Salon, Salon Todesco, Salon Strauss, and Salon Paris for private events, weddings, and corporate gatherings.
• Gerstner Sonntagsbrunch

Quantifiable outcome

• Partnership with Wiener Staatsoper established in 1869, making it one of the longest continuously operating catering partnerships in Vienna's cultural scene.
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration9 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Molzait GmbHcoreTechnology or IntegrationMolzait GmbH provides the reservation management platform used by Gerstner for café-restaurant table reservations and K. u. K. Hofzuckerbäcker Show ticket bookings. Reservations for all Gerstner locations are processed through Molzait's online booking system.
• VIECON (Vienna Convention & Congress Center / Messe Wien)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerstner is the exclusive catering partner for the VIECON (Messe Wien Exhibition & Congress Center), one of Austria's largest congress venues with nearly 55,000 m² of exhibition space. Gerstner operates all food and beverage outlets in the center and provides full-service congress catering.
• Wiener StaatsopercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerstner has operated in the Wiener Staatsoper since 1869, providing intermission catering, the Café-Bar-Aperitivo in the opera foyer, and full catering for events within the venue. The partnership is one of Vienna's oldest continuously operating hospitality relationships.
• Wiener MusikvereincoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerstner serves as exclusive caterer for the Wiener Musikverein, one of the world's most prestigious concert halls. Gerstner provides intermission specialties and pre-order catering services during concerts and private events.
• Schloss Schönbrunn (Schönbrunn Palace)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerstner operates the K. u. K. Hofzuckerbäcker café-restaurant in the Kavalierstrakt of Schloss Schönbrunn, the Hofzuckerbäcker Show, and the Café Pavillon in the palace gardens. Also catered the 1955 Austrian State Treaty signing gala dinner.
• Oper im Steinbruch St. MargarethenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerstner is the culinary partner of the Oper im Steinbruch St. Margarethen (opera in the quarry), one of Europe's leading open-air opera festivals. Gerstner provides catering for the Opernlounge VIP experience, including Flying Dinner service, at the annual festival.
• Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien (KHM)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerstner provides event catering services for the Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien, one of Vienna's most prestigious art museums, including gala evenings and corporate events in the museum's iconic spaces.
• Wien MuseumminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerstner provides event catering for Wien Museum, offering catering services for events held in the museum's modern facilities.
• Wiener StadthalleminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerstner provides catering services for large-scale events at the Wiener Stadthalle, including Christmas parties for up to 800 persons in Hall E.
• MuseumsQuartier WienminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerstner provides event catering at the MuseumsQuartier Wien, one of the world's largest cultural districts, using spaces such as the Ovalhalle, Barocke Suiten, and Arena21.
• Palais Liechtenstein (Garten Palais & Stadt Palais)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerstner provides catering services for events at both the Garten Palais Liechtenstein and Stadt Palais Liechtenstein, two historic noble palaces in Vienna's city center.
• Schloss HofminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerstner provides catering services for private events, including weddings, at Schloss Hof, a historic castle estate.
• Schloss BelvedereminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerstner provides event catering services at Schloss Belvedere, one of Vienna's most iconic palace complexes and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Conference Center Laxenburg (Event-Residenzen)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerstner provides catering for congresses, gala dinners, conferences, and events at the Conference Center Laxenburg, the former residence of Empress Maria Theresa.
• Palais NiederösterreichminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerstner provides event catering services at the Palais Niederösterreich, a grand and modern event venue in Vienna's city center.
• Haus der MusikminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerstner provides catering services for events at the Haus der Musik, a museum dedicated to music in Vienna, utilizing spaces including the glass-covered courtyard and rooftop event hall.
• Ottakringer BrauereiminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerstner provides event catering services at the Ottakringer Brauerei, a historic brewery in Vienna's 16th district, combining industrial heritage architecture with modern event spaces.
• MARX HALLEminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerstner provides catering for large-scale events at the MARX HALLE, a heritage-listed industrial iron structure in Vienna spanning 20,000 m², suitable for galas, concerts, and congresses.
• Spanische Hofreitschule Wien (Spanish Riding School)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerstner provides event catering services for events at the Spanische Hofreitschule Wien, including awards dinners in the historic riding arena.
• Sporthilfe-Gala (Austrian Sports Aid Gala)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerGerstner is a catering partner for the Sporthilfe-Gala held at the Wiener Stadthalle, Austria's premier sports charity gala event.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• Schwarzwaldstube / Marché Restaurants: Marché International operates themed restaurants and event catering across European venues including airports and cultural sites. Comparable to Gerstner's VIECON congress-center catering and venue-based restaurant operations in operating F&B inside cultural and event venues.

Direct peers

• Café Hawelka: Long-established traditional Viennese coffee house in the old city, operating since 1939. Comparable to Gerstner's café-restaurants in format (traditional Viennese coffee house), heritage positioning, and authentic local/tourist clientele.
• Café Landtmann: Iconic Viennese coffee house across from the Burgtheater, offering traditional Viennese café culture with full food service. Comparable to Gerstner's café-restaurants at Palais Todesco and Schönbrunn in category (traditional Viennese coffee house) and target market (tourists, cultural visitors, business clientele).
• Konditorei Oberlaa: Austrian pastry and confectionery retail chain with multiple Viennese locations, offering cakes, tortes, and traditional sweets. Comparable to Gerstner in retail bakery/confectionery footprint and product range, though broader and less heritage-positioned.
• Demel Wien: Demel is Vienna's most direct competitor in traditional premium confectionery and café culture, offering handmade chocolates, pastries, and tortes from a flagship Kärntner Straße location. Closely comparable to Gerstner in product mix (cakes, tortes, confectionery) and tourist/cultural positioning.
• Café Central Wien: One of Vienna's most famous traditional coffee houses, located in the Palais Ferstel. Comparable to Gerstner in classic Viennese coffee house positioning, premium pricing, and appeal to tourists and cultural visitors.
• Hotel Sacher / Original Sacher-Torte: Hotel Sacher operates the original Sacher-Torte confectionery and Café Sacher in Vienna, with international distribution of Sacher confections. Directly competes with Gerstner in Viennese premium pastry retail and online/gift confectionery, serving the same tourist and corporate-gift customers.

Broad incumbents

• DO & CO: Austrian premium hospitality group offering event catering, airline catering, and restaurants/hotels, headquartered in Vienna. Comparable to Gerstner's premium event catering operations in serving enterprise events, galas, and institutional clients across Austria and beyond.
• Manner (Josef Manner & Comp. AG): Austrian industrial confectionery manufacturer famous for Manner Schnitten and wafers, with significant Viennese retail presence. Comparable to Gerstner in Austrian confectionery heritage and Viennese brand identity, but competes at industrial scale rather than artisanal patisserie.

Regional players

• Julius Meinl am Graben: Premium Viennese coffee and food retailer and café operating from the historic Julius Meinl flagship on Graben, with international grocery distribution of Austrian coffee and confectionery. Comparable to Gerstner in premium Viennese café culture and curated Austrian specialty food retail.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/gerstner.culinary
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/gerstner-culinary

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles25 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Gerstner