The Story of the Eika Candle Company
As one of the first candle manufacturers in Europe, Eika found its origin in Fulda in 1824 with the company Berta Candles, founded by Franz Emil Berta. Another family member, Max Eickenscheidt, created a further manufacturing branch: Eickenscheidter Wachswarenfabrik (Eickenscheidter factory for wax products).With its domicile in Fulda it developed quickly and became the pearl of the wax industry.
Traditionally Fulda has been the centre of candle manufacturing. Industrial fabrication began in the first third of the 19th century and henceforth Fulda turned out to be the the centre of the German candle industry. Temporarily, up to half of all German candles came from Fulda.
In 1935 the brand name "Eicka" was introduced - derived from the family name Eickenscheidt. But with World War II, production slowed down and Eickenscheidt was up for sale.
At this time Leo Brand (1896-1982), an oil and fat retailer from Neuss, had a vision: he wanted his raw materials to be processed into the finest candles. He was so convinced of this idea that he bought the factory even during the years of war. He kept the brand name "Eicka" until 1963, and then simply changed its spelling into "Eika". The opening for international markets, especially the american, required an easy spelling. With this feminine name and a golden label, his candles were supposed to conquer the market and the hearts of - for the most part - female customers.
Still today, the golden label still serves as a symbol for high quality candles and makes Eika one of the most famous candle brands of Germany.
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