Franz und Rainer Schalk

Franz and Rainer Schalk, the Styrian brothers, stand at the helm of Schalk Mühle, a long-established family business deeply rooted in tradition. Known throughout the region, the Schalk name has been synonymous with quality since the company’s founding in 1859. Now in the 6th generation and still family-owned, the two brothers have been steering the company towards excellence in Austrian food production since they took over in 2015.

Their shared vision of fairness and sustainability is reflected in every corner of the historic mill, including the company’s shift to almost entirely organic agriculture. “We’ve been working on the fields since we were kids,” Franz, the younger of the two, shares.

“Even today, we see ourselves more as passionate farmers than businessmen. The 50 hectares we farm ourselves are no longer enough to meet the ever-growing demand across borders.”

To meet this demand, Schalk Mühle relies on long-term partnerships with over 200 Austrian organic farmers. “These partnerships ensure high-quality raw materials and fair pay, with many of our partners becoming good friends over the years,” Rainer notes with pride.

For both brothers, moving the business elsewhere is unthinkable. “During our studies, we lived in various countries,” Franz explains. “At the time, neither of us thought we’d return to take over the family business,” Rainer adds with a laugh. However, a pivotal family meeting in the mid-2010s about the future of the hydroelectric plant on the Feistritz sealed their decision to step into leadership. Since then, Schalk Mühle has grown steadily, supporting the local community with jobs and attractions like tours and a cycling station, boosting tourism in the area. “We’re proud of this development and glad to give back to the region,” says Rainer.

At Schalk Mühle, only the finest ingredients make it into their products. The range has expanded impressively over the years, now offering organic oils, spreads, pestos, seeds, proteins, and more—catering to almost every taste. With up to eight new products added to the lineup each year, Schalk Mühle continually evolves. “Not every product is meant to last forever; there are simply too many unique tastes to satisfy. But, as Styria natives, we gladly take on the challenge, experimenting with all sorts of flavor nuances,” Rainer smiles, referencing a well-known chocolatier from nearby.

Visit Schalk Mühle and discover a legacy of quality, innovation, and regional pride.