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Tradition since 1898.

For over 125 years, Wellauer has stood for the highest quality and expertise in the Swiss tobacco world. What began in 1898 as a specialist store in St. Gallen has developed over generations into a leading company in the tobacco trade. Our history is characterized by a pioneering spirit, a constantly growing product range and constant innovation.

Our history

From specialist store to wholesaler

1898 -Founded by Gottlieb Wellauer
1930s-1940s -Expansion and new impetus
1940s-1980s - Growth and transition to the next generation
1987 -Merger with Peter Rohner AG
2002 -Relocation of the head office to Buchs SG
2017 -Return to Rheineck
2020 -Farewell to Peter Rohner

1898 -

Founded by Gottlieb Wellauer

Gottlieb Wellauer opens his first specialist store at Webergasse 1 in St. Gallen. Early on, he imports tobacco products and accessories from all over the world and becomes the official importer of the renowned Peterson pipes from Ireland in 1910.

1930s-1940s -

Expansion and new impetus

After the death of Gottlieb Wellauer, his son Walter Wellauer takes over the business. With his experience from the advertising industry, he sets new trends and expands the company with two additional specialist stores. During this time, the brochure "Wellauer's Zeitung an unsere Raucherfreunde" (Wellauer's newspaper to our smoker friends) is published for the first time, and Wellauer becomes the first Swiss importer of Camel cigarettes.

1940s-1980s - Growth and transition to the next generation

The opening of a branch at Leonhard in St. Gallen also brings the head office there. The growing demand for international tobacco specialties continues to drive imports. After the death of Walter Wellauer, his son Andreas Wellauer takes over the company in 1986, but decides to sell it to Peter Rohner AG in Rheineck in 1987.

1987 -
Merger with Peter Rohner AG

Founded in 1960, Peter Rohner AG has established itself as a wholesaler in the tobacco market. Following the takeover by Peter Rohner, the two companies are merged to form Wellauer & Co. AG and continue to operate from St. Gallen.

2002 -
Relocation of the head office to Buchs SG

Logistical advantages and the proximity to the customs office lead to the headquarters being relocated to Buchs SG. In 2008, the company is given a modern look and has been operating under the name Wellauer AG ever since.

2017 -
Return to Rheineck

After 30 years, the company returns to its roots: the head office, wholesale, import and administration departments find a new home in Rheineck. Optimal conditions for storage, logistics and further growth are created here.

2020 -
Farewell to Peter Rohner

Peter Rohner passed away in June 2020, but thanks to his forward-looking planning, Wellauer AG remains under proven leadership. His legacy will continue to shape the company and secure its success for the future.