Neugebauer, the oldest chocolate manufacturer in Brazil, was founded by German immigrants, Franz, Ernest and Max Neugebauer, and their partner Fritz Gerhardt, in 1891. When the German confectioner Franz Neugebauer arrived in Porto Alegre, he spoke with the municipal authorities and noticed their interest in establishing new industries. That was when he started to develop his plans to manufacture foodstuffs.

After finding the location, a building that had previously been a school, Franz Neugebauer wrote to his relatives in Germany, asking his brothers Ernest, who specialized in the confectionary and chocolates field, and Max to come to Brazil to start the industry.

This is how Franz and Max Neugebauer, together with their friend Fritz Gerhardt, founded the Neugebauer Brothers & Gerhardt Company on September 17, 1891. The beginning of activities had plenty of difficulties and obstacles, but they were able to expand production, especially after the arrival of Ernest to Brazil, who brought new techniques and increased the company's capital. In 1896, after large successful strides, the factory expanded and purchased one more building and with the exit of Fritz Gerhardt, the company changed its name to Neugebauer & Brothers.

At the start of the 20th century, with the great success of the business, it was necessary to grow further. In 1903 they acquired another site to build a two-story building. In the new facilities the industrial area was expanded and they opened their first product store. With this success the Neugebauer brothers and their factory were triumphant, and today it is one of the most traditional chocolate industries in the country.

In September 2002 the company was acquired by Florestal Alimentos from Lajeado (RS) and spread beyond the Brazilian border. It currently exports bonbon balls, assorted bonbons, bars, blocks and candies to South Africa, Mexico, Costa Rica, Oman, Jamaica, Ghana, Panama, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Israel, Fiji and New Zealand.

Products recognized by the consumer include the Amor Carioca Bonbon, Bib’s candies, Refeicão and Stikadinho blocks, and also the Lembranças assorted bonbon box and the new bonbon version, Noite de Gala.