Essenz GmbH, mediterrane Spezialitäten, Apéros, Caterings, Geschenkarrangements

Essenz GmbH is a family-run specialty food store and catering business located in the serene countryside of Nottwil, Aargau, at Eggerswil 6. Founded in 1996, the company is now in its second generation of family management, having been passed down from Alois and Heidi Roth-Künzli to Christian and Nicole Roth-Weibel. The business seamlessly blends a charming retail shop with a full-service catering operation, producing a remarkable range of homemade Mediterranean delicacies, gift arrangements, and fine foods. With a stellar 4.9-star rating from 32 Google Maps reviews, Essenz GmbH has earned its reputation for exceptional product quality, warm customer service, and a unique shopping experience overlooking Lake Sempach.

At its core, Essenz GmbH is about bringing the flavors of the Mediterranean to central Switzerland. The company produces its own pasta, sauces, aperitif treats, antipasti, and sweets, all made with love and expertise. The shop also stocks a carefully curated selection of premium olive oils, vinegars, wines, spirits, and other gourmet items. Beyond the retail shelves, the Essenz team designs and executes catering for events ranging from casual aperitifs to formal festive dinners, and creates bespoke gift arrangements for both private celebrations and corporate occasions.

Products & Services from Essenz GmbH

The offerings at Essenz GmbH are divided into several distinct but complementary areas, all rooted in a passion for high-quality, artisan food.

Handmade Pasta & Antipasti

The flagship product line is the housemade pasta, with the ravioli singled out by multiple reviewers as a dream. The production team crafts fresh pasta and sauces using traditional techniques, alongside a rotating selection of antipasti such as marinated vegetables, olives, and cheese platters ideal for aperitifs.

Catering for Every Occasion

Essenz GmbH provides full-service catering from simple aperitifs to elaborate festive meals. Whether for a private family gathering or a formal business event, the team works closely with clients to design menus that showcase Mediterranean flavors using ingredients from the shop and production kitchen. The catering operation benefits from the modern production building and tasting room opened in 2003, which provides ideal conditions for large-scale food preparation.

Curated Grocery & Fine Foods

The retail store at Eggerswil 6 offers a vacation-like atmosphere where customers can browse a wide selection of imported and local specialties. The shelves feature auserlesene (select) olive oils, vinegars, wines, and distillates, plus sweets and other delicacies. A standout product mentioned in reviews is the Gasparini-Glacé, a nostalgic ice cream that delights both children and adults.

Gift Arrangements

For those seeking a thoughtful present, Essenz GmbH designs custom gift baskets and arrangements for private and business clients. These can be filled with the shop’s gourmet products, combining aesthetics with exceptional taste.

Customer Reviews & Ratings

Essenz GmbH holds a 4.9-star rating on Google Maps based on 32 reviews, with customers consistently praising the food quality, the knowledgeable advice, and the welcoming atmosphere.

Google Maps reviewers repeatedly highlight the “super feine Ravioli” and the “hervorragende Leckereien aus dem Mittelmeerraum.” Martin Wenger, a Local Guide, calls out the “beste Beratung” and recommends not missing the Gasparini-Glacé — a detail that evokes childhood memories and speaks to the nostalgic charm of the shop. Andrea Feldmann-Büchler emphasizes that the treats are made “mit Liebe und know how,” and that the entire team is “sehr zuvorkommend und sympatisch.” These authentic quotes underscore a business where personal connection and craftsmanship are as important as the products themselves.

The Essenz GmbH Experience in Nottwil

Visiting Essenz GmbH is designed to be a sensory escape. The shop’s location on a hill offers a “wunderschönen Ort mit Blick auf den Sempachersee” (beautiful place with a view of Lake Sempach), as described on the company’s website. The interior, housed in a converted cheese dairy, blends rustic charm with modern retail and production spaces. Customers can shop in-store, arrange for pickup, or use the delivery service — all detailed on the Google Maps listing. The business also offers the convenience of credit card payments and is wheelchair accessible, making it easy for everyone to enjoy the experience.

What Sets Essenz GmbH Apart

Several attributes distinguish Essenz GmbH from a conventional grocery store or caterer. First, it is a proudly family-run business with a heartfelt origin story: the company was founded to create meaningful work for a son with a developmental disability, and that spirit of care permeates every aspect of the operation. Second, the production is truly artisan — from homemade pasta to custom gift baskets, everything passes through the hands of the family team. Third, the scenic location above Lake Sempach makes a visit an outing rather than just a shopping trip. Finally, the combination of a full-scale catering service with a retail gourmet shop under one roof is rare, allowing the business to serve both everyday food lovers and event hosts with equal expertise.

Common Questions About Essenz GmbH

What are Essenz GmbH’s operating hours?

According to Google Maps, the shop at Eggerswil 6 is open with a midday break. Typical hours show a morning window from 09:00 to 11:30 and an afternoon window from 13:30 to 18:30 on most weekdays, with reduced hours on Saturday (09:00–12:00) and closure on Sunday. It is always best to check directly with the store or its website for current holiday hours.

Does Essenz GmbH offer delivery?

Yes. Both the Google Maps panel and the business listing indicate that delivery service is available. Customers can also choose in-store shopping or pickup.

What types of events does the catering service cover?

The team handles everything from aperitifs to full festive dinners. The website specifically mentions “Catering vom Apéro bis Festessen,” so whether it is a casual work mixer or a formal wedding reception, Essenz GmbH can customize the menu.

Does Essenz GmbH accept credit cards?

Yes. The Google Maps attributes confirm that the business accepts credit cards for payment, providing a convenient option alongside cash or contactless methods.

How do I order a custom gift arrangement?

Gift arrangements are a dedicated service of Essenz GmbH. The best approach is to contact the shop by phone at +41 41 920 23 70 or by email at info@essenz-spezialitaeten.ch to discuss the occasion, budget, and product preferences. The team will assemble a bespoke selection from the store’s gourmet range.

Is Essenz GmbH a family business?

Absolutely. The company was established in 1996 by Alois and Heidi Roth-Künzli and is now run by the second generation, Christian and Nicole Roth-Weibel, along with their daughter Norah. This family heritage is central to the business identity and commitment to personal service.