Our
history
More than 115 years of tradition and innovation
Our history
In over 115 years, OTG has created a tea culture that connects people. And it remains – in addition to 10 other subsidiaries and shareholdings – LSH’s largest subsidiary. Throughout OTG's long journey to LSH, its 25th anniversary and beyond, it has become clear that only change is constant. And that is why LSH continues to build on tradition and innovation and has the courage to constantly drive change forward. With its brands and products, the company continues to bring daily joy, relaxation, and well-being to its consumers.
1907
Laurens Janssen establishes Ostfriesische Tee Gesellschaft, OTG.
1953
Laurens Spethmann, the grandson of the company’s founder, steers the company together with his wife Marianne from being a classic tea importer to a tea distributor.
1966
With the launch of the MILFORD brand, the private label producer OTG also becomes a brand name company.
1972
Internationalisation begins with the acquisition of Grosch Tee, Austria (later named Milford Tee Austria).
1988
OTG purchases the tea distributor Ludwig Schwarz in Buchholz (later Milford Tea).
1989
OTG purchases the tea distributor Ludwig Schwarz in Buchholz (later Milford Tea).
1990
Meßmer, located in Frankfurt am Main and Grettstadt, becomes part of OTG.
1992
OTG acquires the French company PAGÈS and establishes OTG Lager- und Frachtkontor GmbH, in Buchholz.
1996
Jochen, Michael, and Laureen – the family’s fourth generation – purchase the LSH shares from their parents. Subsequently, Jochen and Michael take over the management of the company.
2001
LSH acquires a 50 per cent share in Nordgetreide cereal manufacturers of Lübeck, with further locations in Falkenhagen and Überherrn.
2011
The corporate headquarters located in Seevetal are rebuilt.
2016
The new warehouse OTG Lager- und Frachtkontor Süd in Grettstadt is officially unveiled.
2017
Michael and Jochen Spethmann move from LSH’s executive board to the supervisory board and hand over the company’s management to an externally recruited manager for the first time.
2019
LSH becomes a shareholder in the nut and dried fruit specialist fruitwork with its well-known subsidiary nutwork.
2020
Anna and Sara Spethmann from the family’s fifth generation join the company.
2021
LSH becomes a majority shareholder in Schock GmbH. For over 60 years, the company has stood for the highest quality standards in private label bars and snacks made from oats and nuts.
2021
Plantera is established to produce sustainable packaging from maize grits.
