Our History

1875 – The Founding

In a letter dated January 1, 1875, merchant Franz Ludwig Michaelis announced the founding of F.L. Michaelis as an agency and commission business. Alongside various companies in Hamburg, London, and Vera Cruz, he also listed the Bremen-based Heinr. Rüppel & Sohn as a reference. The first office was located at Schlachte 27. The entry into the commercial register took place on January 4, 1875, and is considered the official founding date. A banking relationship was soon established with Carl F. Plump & Co., which remains the company’s main bank to this day.

The Early Years

Franz Ludwig Michaelis, who had previously spent many years in Latin America, initially built the business primarily in the field of maritime agency services.

1897 – The Hohn Family Joins

In 1897, Conrad Dietrich Rudolf Hohn, grandfather of today’s owners, joined the company as an authorized signatory. He became a partner in 1903. After the founder’s death in 1919, he continued to run the company as sole owner. As foreign shipping lines became more important, a branch was established in Bremerhaven in 1921. At that time, the company represented, among others, the prestigious British shipping line Royal Mail Lines.

1930–1936 – Transition to the Next Generation

In 1930, Conrad Rudolf Hohn’s eldest son, Conrad Henry Hohn, became a partner. In 1936, his brother Wilhelm Ludwig Hohn joined the company after working on a coffee plantation in Haiti.

Before World War II

While the senior Hohn remained focused on the agency business, his sons strategically expanded the trade in goods. Until the outbreak of World War II, the trade in raw coffee and tea continued to grow steadily.

War Years and New Beginnings

With the onset of war, import trade and shipping agency representation came to a sudden halt. After the business premises were destroyed in 1944, operations continued under difficult conditions. Immediately after the war, F.L. Michaelis resumed operations in a pub hall – trading, among other things, in the well-known fizzy powder “Brausejunge.”

1948 – Return to Raw Coffee and Tea Trade

By the end of 1948, traditional import trade in raw coffee and tea could resume. Since then, the company has focused on these two product categories.

1960s–1990s – Growth and Focus

After the death of Conrad Henry Hohn in 1963, Henry Rudolf Hohn joined the company. The product range was temporarily expanded to include canned fruits and vegetables from overseas. In the early 1990s, this segment was discontinued to fully focus on tea, raw coffee, and botanicals.

1991 – Transition to the Fourth Generation

After the death of Wilhelm Ludwig Hohn, Bernd Hohn became a partner. He continued to run the business in the trusted Hanseatic tradition.

2009 – Strategic Development

In 2007, Matthias Schülke joined the company and became managing partner in 2009. Under his leadership, and together with Bernd Hohn, numerous future-focused initiatives were launched – including the introduction of specialty coffees, expansion of the tea range, and increased involvement in social projects.

2009–2022 – Strengthening Partnerships

During this period, relationships at origin were deepened, new producers were developed, and the focus on sustainability and quality was significantly strengthened. Long-term customer relationships were actively fostered, even beyond Germany’s borders.

2022 – Change and New Beginnings

Following the sudden death of Matthias Schülke, Mareike Hohn, daughter of Bernd Hohn, joined the company. She continues the family tradition in the fourth generation – with a modern perspective on digitalization, sustainable supply chains, and global partnerships.

2025 – 150 Years of F.L. Michaelis

In January 2025, F.L. Michaelis celebrates its 150th anniversary under the motto: “Preserving Tradition – Shaping the Future.” The anniversary symbolizes the connection between Hanseatic values and modern responsibility for people and the environment.