Volkswagen (VW), the German car manufacturer, is famous for vehicles like the Beetle and the Golf. However, a lesser-known fact is that VW has been producing currywurst sausages since the early 1970s.

car_manufactures_to_food What started as a food option for factory workers at the Wolfsburg plant has become a culinary phenomenon, even surpassing car sales in some years.

Here are some interesting facts about VW’s foray into the world of sausages:

  • Currywurst: This is VW’s flagship sausage, a spicy delight that’s hugely popular in Germany. You can find it at various outlets, including restaurants, supermarkets, and even football stadiums. It’s officially branded as a “Volkswagen Originalteil” (Original Part) and even has its own part number: 199 398 500 A.
  • Ketchup: To complement the currywurst, VW also makes its own special ketchup. This spicy tomato ketchup is thicker than regular ketchup and carries the Volkswagen Originalteil branding with the part number 199 398 500 B.
  • Vegan Option: Keeping up with the times, VW also produces a vegan currywurst using a wheat-based recipe.

The popularity of VW’s currywurst is undeniable. In 2019, the company produced a staggering 7 million sausages, outpacing its car production. This highlights the unexpected success of a product that started as a simple way to feed factory workers and has now become a beloved food item in its own right.