navigation

1932

Back to the timeline

Bernese homeland preservationist in Berlin

1 / 5

In the battle between Migros’ washing powder Ohä and the Henkel product Persil, both companies used image films. While Migros could only produce a silent film, Henkel commissioned one of Switzerland’s first-ever films with sound.

The washing powder Ohä is Migros AG's challenge to Henkel in December 1932. Over the following years, Gottlieb Duttweiler engages in a bitter fight against the multinational company and its market-leading productPersil. The battle is carried out at public events, with legal suits, posters and advertisements. It is however noticeable that both companies commission promotional films.
Only small sections of the Migros silent film, showing the new headquarters at Limmatplatz in Zurich, are still preserved. But it is clear that the film gives much time to the production of washing powder and cleaning agents, and it also refers to the dispute with Henkel.
The international concern responds with a film that is much more costly to produce. Its title ‘Kauft Schweizerware’ (buy Swiss products) is no coincidence, as Gottlieb Duttweiler frequently criticises the international concern for directing its profits made in Switzerland abroad.