Celebrating Milestones: One Year Together and 90 Years of GfK Knowledge
This summer, we are celebrating 2 milestones: the 1st anniversary of NielsenIQ and GfK coming together as one united company, and remarkable 90 years of GfK. Find out more!
1934
GfK “Gesellschaft für Konsumforschung” founded in Nuremberg by Prof. Dr. Wilhelm Vershofen, Dr. Erich Schäfer und Prof. Dr. Ludwig Erhard
Prof. Dr. Ludwig Erhard, Prof. Dr. Wilhelm Vershofen and GfK’s Managing Director Georg Bergler
Source: GAA 02.5.1 Fo-IGkF1
1936
First consumer tracking study, “Die Bekanntheit von Warenzeichen,” is completed.
Questionnaire for the trademark survey, 1936
Quelle: GAA 01.1.8 S-U 3
1945
Following World War II, GfK is granted a business license and begins rebuilding its operations.
1956
Launch of the first Household Panel including 1,000 member households.
Housewife filling out the household calendar, 1965
Source: Nessler, I., Die Kalender bringen es an den Tag; in: Nürnberger Zeitung, 162. Jahrgang 66/1965, S.9
1960
Start of international expansion outside of Germany. Company establishes GfK Austria.
1970
Launch of retail panel.
Objectives of the retail panel, 1970
Source: Eigene Darstellung nach GfK (Hrsg.), 50 Jahre GfK Nürnberg. Marktforschung 1934-1984. Festschrift zum 50-jährigen Bestehen, o.O.
1972
Company forms G&I Forschungsgemeinschaft für Marketing joint venture (fully acquired by GfK in 1983).
Data processing at GfK, 1971
1978
GfK establishes subsidiary in the Netherlands.
1981
Company establishes subsidiary in France.
1982
GfK introduces company-operated panel stores, featuring EPOS cash register tracking system.
1984
Launch of TV media measurement.
1990’s
Rapid global expansion with presence in 50+ countries.
1997
Company forms Romtec-GfK joint venture in United Kingdom, acquiring full control in 2001.
1999
GfK goes public with listing on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.
GfK AG’s stock market listing, 1999
2000
“Growth from Knowledge” – new brand claim and image campaign.
Growth from Knowledge image campaigns, 2000
Source: GfK SE
2002
Company acquires Informark Pty (Australia) and 35 percent of M2A (France).
2004
Launch of StarTrack, the world’s most advanced global data warehouse system for retail panel data at the time.
2018
GfK refocuses business and begins development of new digital solutions.
2020
GfK introduces gfknewron, our 360° AI client platform.
gfknewron internal launch event, 2019
Source: gNet
2022
GfK becomes the unparalleled, always-on, AI-powered intelligence platform and consulting service for the consumer products industry on a global level.
2023
Combining with NielsenIQ, bringing together two industry leaders with unparalleled global reach.
Leadership team at Orange Campus, July 2023
2024
90+1 anniversaries
