From Milchhof to Kaufland: Jena's historical change in focus

From Milchhof to Kaufland: Jena's historical change in focus

Jena. A look back into history: the milk yard in Löbstedt, once a pulsating center for fresh dairy products, has completely changed its destination today. Where in the past, fresh milk was delivered to the region's households every day, a merchant market now enthroned that attracts customers with a different type of goods.

The roots of the milk yard go back to the 1950s when the large dairy was ceremoniously inaugurated on September 5, 1957. In the booming districts of North I and North II, over 3000 apartments were built during this time, and the Milchhof was an important part of local care. Tank vehicles delivered the fresh milk directly to train and buy, while the logisticians collected the empty deposit bottles - the deposit for a milk bottle was 20 pennies at the time!

from Milchhof to Kaufland

But the turn brought a dramatic change. By moving into the shelves of western products, the sales of the regional products dropped rapidly. The Milchhof, part of VEB Ostthüringer Molkerei combat Gera, could not withstand the pressure. Shortly after reunification, the fate of the Jena milk yard was sealed. Lidl and Schwarz's application on June 17, 1991 to convert the site into a delivery warehouse for the east markets marked the beginning of a new era. The Kaufland market was opened in the mid-1990s, and the historic building experienced a comprehensive redesign.

The dairy farm, which was once known for its fresh products, is now a relic of the past. The last rest of his story disappeared with the demolition of the petrol station in 2018. Jena has changed, and with him also the demands and needs of its residents. What remains are memories of a time when fresh milk was an integral part of life.