Bread is an "intelligent food", he says, that fills you up quickly and for a long time - quite different from the trends surrounding low-carb diets, which he has little sympathy for.
Pegasus in crystal: an award with special weight
This deeply rooted attitude and decades of entrepreneurial achievement were honoured accordingly at this year's Pegasus award ceremony: Peter Augendopler received the Pegasus in Crystal for his life's work. It is an honour that not only honours his entrepreneurial foresight, but also his consistent commitment to quality, craftsmanship and innovation over more than six decades.
The Pegasus is regarded as one of the most important business awards in the state of Upper Austria and is awarded to individuals who have had a lasting impact and shaped a company - not only economically, but also culturally and socially. Augendopler thus joins a group of entrepreneurs whose work has had an impact far beyond their own company.
From red bus to global corporation
What began as a small family business in Asten developed into a global player in the baking ingredients industry under Augendopler's leadership. As early as 1968, he founded the first subsidiary in Germany, opened up new markets and built up a worldwide network. Today, backaldrin is active in 129 countries, employs around 1,000 people - 370 of them in Austria - and operates eight production sites on several continents, including Mexico, Jordan, Ukraine and China.
Despite all its internationality, the company is firmly rooted in Upper Austria. The red VW bus that the young Augendopler once used to deliver bread is now symbolically displayed in the foyer of the headquarters - a sign of the down-to-earth attitude with which the entrepreneur has always remained connected to his homeland.
Kornspitz: A branded product goes around the world
backaldrin became known around the world primarily through the Kornspitz, a biscuit that is now protected by trade mark law in over 70 countries. Even though the brand name could not be enforced in Austria, it is an international success - whether as "Korpitz" in Brazil or "Edelweiß" in China. For Augendopler, the Kornspitz is more than just a product: it symbolises his philosophy of combining craftsmanship and modern technology to create something timeless.
Commitment beyond the entrepreneurial
Peter Augendopler has not only dedicated his professional life to bread, but has also created an architectural monument to it: With the Paneum, he has built the Wunderkammer of Bread, which documents the cultural and historical significance of bread in an impressive way. Located right next to the company headquarters, it is a visible sign of his passion for what others often take for granted.
Retreat? Not for a long time yet
Despite his age, Augendopler is not thinking about retirement. He is still present in the company every day - with white trousers, a pressed shirt and a watchful eye. His children sit with him in the holding company and the operational business is managed by long-time companions. And yet one thing remains clear: the spirit of backaldrin is deeply connected to his personality.
#schongenial congratulates him on this honour.
