In an unexpected twist, Volkswagen’s renowned currywurst sausage has surged to become the automaker’s top-selling product. As highlighted by The Guardian, this German automobile giant is experiencing a notable increase in sales within an entirely unrelated niche: the sausage market. This development comes at a time when the company has been grappling with a downturn in vehicle sales.
Currywurst Sales Soar
Volkswagen’s currywurst is not just a culinary staple for factory employees; it has taken on a life of its own in the marketplace, achieving over 8 million units sold in the past year alone. Gunnar Kilian, the company’s chief human resources officer, shared this impressive statistic on LinkedIn, stating:
“More than 8 million Volkswagen original currywursts marks a new sales record for us.”
A Shift in Popularity
This sausage has been part of Volkswagen’s offerings for decades, traditionally served in the company’s canteens and nearby stores. However, recent revelations indicate that Volkswagen may have outsold its cars with sausages. In 2024, the figures reportedly showed
“Volkswagen sold more sausages (8.5 million) than cars (5.2 million) in 2024, according to an annual report.”
Netizens React
The news quickly captured the attention of social media users, sparking a wave of reactions. Many were surprised to learn of the long-standing tradition of sausage production at Volkswagen. One user enthusiastically noted:
“There are making these since the 80s. Big success story and one of the best currywurst in whole Germany.”
Another user humorously remarked on the irony of Volkswagen’s meat products eclipsing its automotive sales:
“When the side hustle becomes the main hustle.”
Comments ranged from playful disbelief to genuine intrigue about the brand’s food ventures, with one user quipping:
“I didn’t even know a sausage company made cars?!”
The Legacy of Currywurst
For those familiar with Volkswagen’s culinary treats, the reaction was one of pride. Some users touted the quality of the currywurst:
“Because Volkswagen sausages are goated. Long live the VW Currywurst.”
Additionally, it seems Volkswagen also sells special ketchup to complement this dish, generating buzz about their full dining experience.
“Wait until people find out that VW sells the fitting ketchup for these sausages, too.”
About Volkswagen’s Currywurst
The VW currywurst, a staple since its debut in 1973, is produced in-house by the company’s skilled butchers and proudly carries the designation of VW Originalteil, complete with its own component number: 199 398 500 A. This unique sausage is prepared based on a closely guarded recipe known to only a select few employees.
Managerially, the currywurst is available at 30 of Volkswagen’s employee canteens and through outlets near their factories, ensuring easy access to this beloved dish.
As one of Germany’s favorite fast foods, currywurst typically features sliced sausage topped with a rich tomato-based sauce and a sprinkle of curry powder or paprika. While Volkswagen’s 2024 financial results indicated a 3% drop in vehicle sales and a 30% decrease in net profits, it appears that the company can confidently lean on its sausage sales to buoy its brand during leaner times.