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The History of the Red October Factory, a Chocolate Kingdom in Moscow

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“Red October,” the oldest chocolate factory in Moscow, is located on Bersenevskaya Embankment. The production workshops have been moved outside the city, and the buildings, constructed in the late 19th century, have become an art cluster. The new owner rents out the premises. “Red October” is not only a monument of industrial architecture, protected by the state, but also a significant part of the history of Russian confectionery art. The chocolate “Alenka” has become a symbol of childhood for many Russians.

The history of the factory is linked to Theodor Ferdinand von Eynem, a confectioner from Württemberg. In 1850, he moved to Moscow to start his business, seeing Russia as a country with great opportunities. In 1849, he received the privilege to supply sweets to the imperial table, which prompted his move. The first store opened on Arbat in 1851. Eynem changed his name to Fedor to make it easier to conduct business.

Initially, he sold sugar, but real success came during the Crimean War when he received an order to supply jam for the army. This allowed him to accumulate capital and open a factory on Myasnitskaya. In 1869, he was joined by Julius Goyis, and they expanded production on Sofiyskaya Embankment, purchasing new equipment.

The factory received numerous awards, producing not only sugar but also gingerbread, pastila, and candies. Eynem paid attention to product design, involving composers in the work and creating unique gift sets. He also engaged in charity, donating part of the profits to social needs.

After Eynem's death in 1876, Goyis continued his work, transforming the factory into a large enterprise with branches in Ryazan and Kolomna. In 1889, he acquired land on Bersenevskaya Embankment and began constructing a new complex that included 23 buildings. Architect Alexander Kalmykov chose an eclectic style, combining rich decor with functionality.

The “Red October” factory became a model of industrial architecture, its buildings recognized as monuments. The complex stood out from other factories with its red bricks and modernized production processes. Here, biscuit production began for the first time in Russia, and a dormitory and school were built for the workers.

During World War I, the factory supplied products to the front, but in 1922 it was nationalized and renamed “Red October.” Despite this, production continued to develop, and the factory became a leader in the Soviet market. In the 1960s, a reconstruction was carried out, preserving the historical appearance of the buildings.

Today, the factory site hosts the cultural center “ARTStrelka,” where exhibitions, concerts, and festivals take place. The space has become a popular spot for architecture and art enthusiasts. Authentic elements, such as the oak staircase in the caramel building, have been preserved on the territory.

The factory is located in the center of Moscow between the Moscow River and the Vodootvodny Canal. Despite its proximity to the Kremlin, it retains its authenticity and attracts creative tenants. The chocolate museum operates daily, and the factory grounds are open to visitors around the clock.

Address: Moscow, Bersenevskaya Embankment, house 6. The nearest metro stations are “Kropotkinskaya” and “Tretyakovskaya.” There are secure parking areas for personal and tour vehicles on the premises.

Geo point

История фабрики Красный Октябрь, царство шоколада в Москве

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