about us

August Kost, founder The history of Karl-Josef Kost Alkohole & Produkte aus Alkohol KG is closely connected to the history of the city of Koblenz. Founded in 1883 by August Kost and in family property since then, the company developed an increasing product range during the years.

In 1883, the company building was situated directly on the riverbank of the river Moselle and was mainly busy with stock turnover from ship to land, wholesale, and the forwarding of these goods. Alcohol distribution was only a small part of the company. Until the monopoly on alcohol came to its end in 2000, the purchase of alcohol happened on behalf of the Federal Monopoly Administration for Spirits. Alcohol that is liable to duty on spirits were stored in a bonded shed, so alcohol only was coming in or going out in the presence of a customer's officer.

World War II destroyed most of the Old Town of Koblenz and thus the premises of the company as well.

After the war ended, the company was rebuilt in the new harbor on the river Rhine. The main focus again was on stock turnover from ship to land. This included the wholesale of goods as well as the purchase of alcohol. At that time, the brothers Karl-Josef sen and Wolfgang Kost ran the company together.

At the beginning of the 1970s, the brothers parted the company into two different companies: While Karl-Josef Kost sen was continuing the purchase of alcohol, his brother Wolfgang was responsible now for the conveyance.
Karl-Josef Kost sen. built new premises in Koblenz Moselweiß which were only used for the purchase of alcohol.

At the beginning of the 19880's a new focus was set as the meaning of alcohol in the pharmaceutical realm increased more and more. Karl-Josef Kost Alkohole & Produkte aus Alkohol KG is one of only a few companies in Germany that has an admission for a wholesale of pharmaceuticals – in this case we are talking about pure alcohol (ethanol), isopropyl alcohol and petroleum ether.

After Karl-Josef Kost sen died, his son Karl-Josef Kost jun took over the company. Under his management, the company Karl-Josef Kost Alkohole & Produkte aus Alkohol KG specialized additionally on the production of alcoholic mixtures and concentrations. kkost1

This contains as well and in first line the creation of alcoholic concentrations on customer's desire.

The manufacturing facility of Karl-Josef Kost Alkohole & Produkte aus Alkohol KG were upgraded and capacities of production and storage clearly increased. After the opening of the monopoly of alcohol, the bonded shed was opened as well and turned into an open spirits warehouse. So, no customers' officer had to be present when alcohol was stored or taken. Additionally, technical equipment and machines were built to be able to fill 2.5 l and 5l packaging automatically.
In 2009, the company was changed into a limited partnership.

While upgrading and extension of Karl-Josef Kost Alkohole & Produkte aus Alkohol KG, the radius of purchase expanded as well. Was the distribution in former times limited to Koblenz and a few selected places in Germany now a website was created and Karl-Josef Kost Alkohole & Produkte aus Alkohol KG got more and more customers from all over Germany and even all over the European Community.
They all benefit from the know-how and the first class quality of Karl-Josef Kost Alkohole & Produkte aus Alkohol KG.

Since January 1st 2023, Florian Haevescher, nephew of Karl-Josef Kost has become director of Karl-Josef Kost Alkohole & Produkte aus Alkohol KG. Florian Haevescher has worked as general manager for years in the company and is very familiar with the company affairs. Karl-Josef Kost stays in the company as general manager.