The Beginning: A Confectioner on Pikk Street (1806)

The roots of Estonia’s confectionery industry reach back to 1806, when sugar baker Lorenz Caviezel opened a confectionery shop on Pikk Street in Tallinn. Today, this very location is home to the famous Maiasmokk Café, where historical marzipan molds and traditional techniques are still used. This shop is considered the oldest direct predecessor of today’s Kalev confectionery.

Georg Stude and the Imperial Court (1864)

In 1864, the confectionery was purchased by Georg Stude Sr., who significantly expanded the business. His marzipan figurines and handmade chocolate pralines became highly sought after — so much so that sweets were regularly ordered for the Russian Imperial Court. This period firmly established Tallinn’s reputation as a center of fine confectionery.

Kawe — Estonia’s Leading Chocolate Factory (1921)

In 1921, the chocolate and candy factory Kawe was founded. At the time, it was the largest confectionery producer in Estonia. Kawe products were not only popular domestically but were also exported to the United States, England, France, Tunisia, Morocco, India, China, and many other destinations. During the 1920s and 1930s, several competitors emerged, but Kawe remained the industry leader.

Nationalisation and a New Name: Kalev Is Born (1940–1948)

Following World War II, Estonia’s confectionery industry was nationalised. In 1948, Kawe was renamed Kalev for ideological reasons. A naming competition proposed two options: “Punane Kompu” (Red Candy) and “Kalev”. By a single vote, the name Kalev was chosen — a name that would become synonymous with Estonian sweets.

The Soviet Era and International Recognition (1962)

By 1962, Estonia’s confectionery factories were fully merged, and Kalev operated from Pärnu Road 139 in Tallinn. Throughout the Soviet period, Kalev supplied sweets across Estonia and much of the former USSR, including the highest political circles in Moscow. At the same time, Kalev products earned awards at international exhibitions and trade fairs, proving their quality beyond political borders.

A New Era: Modern Production and Orkla (2003–2018)

In 2003, Kalev left Tallinn when a new, modern production complex was completed in Põrguvälja, Rae Parish — the largest new food industry facility built in Estonia since regaining independence.
In 2006, Kalev celebrated 200 years of Estonian confectionery history.
In 2018, AS Kalev became Orkla Eesti AS, while confectionery production continued proudly under the Kalev brand.

Kalev Today — A Taste of Memory

Today, Kalev represents childhood memories for Estonians and a delicious introduction to Estonian culture for visitors. Whether it is a Kamatähvel, classic milk chocolate, or marzipan from Maiasmokk, each bite carries a piece of Tallinn’s story.

If you wish to experience Tallinn not only through architecture and history, but also through taste, the story of Kalev chocolate is a perfect place to begin.

Tallinn Guide