Rudolf Wild founded his first enterprise, the Zick Zack Werk, in 1931, establishing a commercial focus on natural ingredients for the food and beverage industry. Operating from Germany, his professional trajectory as a chemist and entrepreneur spanned over six decades, ultimately resulting in the creation of an international company that specialized in developing non-alcoholic drinks.
Early Career and Industrial Innovation
Born in 1904 in Wiesloch, Wild pursued academic studies in chemistry across Heidelberg, Frankfurt, and Freiburg. Upon launching his own company in 1931, he concentrated on the technical development of beverages utilizing natural components. This operational focus led to the 1951 invention of Libella lemonade. Later, beginning in 1966, he oversaw the creation and development of the Capri-Sun drink brand.
Corporate Development
Under his guidance, the business expanded into a significant international entity. The firm, known as WILD, centered its production on natural additives for food products. The company remains an ongoing concern, currently owned and operated by his son, Hans-Peter Wild. Rudolf Wild maintained his professional ties throughout his career, including his membership in the Burschenschaft Allemannia zu Heidelberg.
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In 1979, the Eppelheim district designated Wild as its first honorary citizen for his contributions to the community. During that same year, he received the Stauffer Medal, the highest honor granted by the state of Baden-Württemberg. His academic engagement included providing financial support and intellectual contributions to the Ruprecht-Karls University Heidelberg, which awarded him a medal and honorary membership in 1994. In 1985, he was appointed Senator h. c. by the Maison Internationale des Intellectuels.
Life Achievement and Final Years
To commemorate his 85th birthday in 1989, Wild received the Knight Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, also known as the Verdienstkreuz mit Stern, from the Ministerpräsident of Baden-Württemberg, Lothar Späth. This honor represented his life's work as an entrepreneur. Wild died in 1995 in Eppelheim at the age of 91.
Fast facts
- Born: 1904, Wiesloch, Germany
- Died: 1995, Eppelheim, Germany
- Occupations: Entrepreneur, Chemist
- Major Product Invented: Libella lemonade (1951)
- Notable Development: Capri-Sun (1966)
- Primary Award: Knight Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit (1989)
- Corporate Founder: WILD
Questions readers ask
What was the first company founded by Rudolf Wild?
He founded the Zick Zack Werk in 1931.
Who operates the company today?
The firm is currently owned and operated by one of his sons, Hans-Peter Wild.
What specific award did he receive in 1989?
He was awarded the Knight Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, also known as the Verdienstkreuz mit Stern.
Achievements
- Knight Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany — 1989
