Biography.

Who was Werner Lampert?

Werner Lampert was an Austrian pioneer in sustainability and organic farming, and developed successful organic brands such as Ja! Natürlich (REWE), Zurück zum Ursprung (HOFER), and retour aux sources (ALDI SUISSE) for the European market.

He discovered his passion for agriculture as early as his childhood, which he spent largely on a farm in the Austrian state of Vorarlberg. He cultivated his own plot in his grandmother’s vegetable garden. But in addition to vegetables, he developed a special bond with animals that are an integral part of the Alpine world: cows.

Werner Lampert.

Organic pioneer

As early as the 1960s, he was inspired by the pioneers of organic farming, such as Rudolf Steiner’s concept of biodynamic agriculture.

In the early 1980s, Werner Lampert opened a wholesale business for organic foods in Vienna. In 1994, he developed the organic brand Ja! Natürlich. He always believed that organic products only make sense when they are linked to regionality, sustainability, and transparency. Together with experts such as Brigitte Hanzmann-Frodl and Tobias Metzler, he developed Zurück zum Ursprung. The brand made its debut on HOFER shelves on October 9, 2006.

Werner Lampert demonstrated foresight right up to the end, as he had long been committed to the independence of the LAMPERT team. He established a stable management team that continued to lead the LAMPERT company following his unexpected death on October 9, 2025.

The Life of Werner Lampert.

Key figures

From a farm in Vorarlberg to the European organic stage—Werner Lampert’s journey has been shaped by a pioneering spirit, conviction, and an unshakable belief that sustainable agriculture must not remain a niche topic. The key milestones of his career:

October 7, 1946

Werner Lampert was born in Vorarlberg

1994

Organic products from Ja! Natürlich (REWE) are coming to the Austrian market

1998

Founding of Werner Lampert Beratungs GmbH

2005

"Does It Still Taste Good? What We Really Eat" is being published (ecowin Verlag)

2006

"Back to the Roots " has kicked off at HOFER Austria (ALDI South)

2009

"100 Foods That Make You Happy" is being published (ecowin Verlag)

2012

GREEN BRANDS Austria Personality of the Year 2012

2015

"Untouched Beauty – Journeys to the World’s Original Cattle" is published (Servus Verlag)

2019

"The Cow – A Tribute" is being published in German, English, and French (teNeues Verlag)

2019

On behalf of the Republic of Austria, President Van der Bellen confers the professional title of professor upon Werner Lampert in recognition of his service and achievements

2022

"Back to Basics " has kicked off at ALDI Suisse (ALDI South)

2025

Werner Lampert Named Marketing Leader of the Year

October 9, 2025

Werner Lampert passed away unexpectedly two days after his 79th birthday

2026

Posthumous nomination for European Marketer of the Year

He brought organic products out of the niche

As soon as Werner Lampert walked into a room, his indomitable spirit and zest for life were immediately apparent...

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Works & Press

Discover the works through which Werner Lampert shaped an entire industry. You will also find a list of press articles.

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The Cow – A Tribute

A tribute and declaration of love from organic pioneer Werner Lampert to the world’s native cattle breeds and wild cattle.

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