Volkswagen Launches New Ready Meal Version of Famous Currywurst
Volkswagen, known for its innovative cars, has taken a surprising turn by introducing a new version of its popular product that has the potential to significantly increase revenues and profitability – and it has nothing to do with vehicles.
In a move that may come as a shock to many automotive experts, one of Volkswagen’s most important product lines is not a car or car component, but a traditional German sausage.
The world’s second-largest car manufacturer also has a strong presence in the processed meat industry, with its renowned Volkswagen currywurst now making its way to supermarket ready meal aisles.
Originally created in 1973 at the company’s own butcher shop in Wolfsburg, the sausage was initially meant for internal consumption, providing sustenance to Volkswagen employees in the company’s canteens. However, it quickly gained popularity among the German public and became a cult favorite.
In 2024, Volkswagen sold nearly 8.6 million currywursts, surpassing the 5.2 million Volkswagen-branded vehicles delivered globally. When considering all Volkswagen Group brands combined (9.03 million), currywurst comes in a close second.
Starting from June 2025, the Volkswagen currywurst will be available in microwave-ready versions at retailers like Edeka and Netto in northern and eastern Germany, with plans for a national rollout in the near future.
While microwave currywurst trays have been on the market since the early 2000s, Volkswagen’s version offers a unique twist: there is no need for a sachet of curry powder for the tomato sauce. Dietmar Schulz, head of Volkswagen’s in-house meat department, explains that “there’s already enough curry in there – in the sausage and in the sauce.”
