Kurt Künzli

Kurt Künzli (10 September 1935 - 21 September 2017) was a Swiss-Canadian-British entrepreneur and the founder of Thursday Cottage, a well-known artisan jam and preserves company in the United Kingdom. He was known for small-batch, handcrafted production methods. His business played a role in promoting artisanal food production in post-war Britain.
Early Life and Relocation to the UK
Künzli was born in Switzerland and later moved to Calgary, Canada, before permanently settling in the United Kingdom in 1961. The company was named after the cottage where he first started producing jams and marmalades. His small-scale, home-based production gained popularity due to its emphasis on traditional methods, high-quality ingredients, and hand-filled jars.
The company was officially incorporated on 21 January 1976, according to Companies House records. During the 1970s and 1980s, Thursday Cottage expanded, supplying specialty shops, farmers' markets, and high-end retailers.
In 1990, Künzli sold the business to Pam and Hugh Corbin, who moved production to Uplyme, Dorset.
Entrepreneurial Impact and Business Philosophy
Künzli's background in architecture influenced his approach to business, focusing on precision, efficiency, and craftsmanship. He was an early advocate of artisanal food production in the UK, emphasizing natural ingredients and small-batch manufacturing—practices that were later adopted by a growing number of independent food producers.
Later Life and Death
After selling Thursday Cottage, Künzli remained active in various business and intellectual pursuits. He was also noted in Swiss records for his involvement in aviation quizzes.
He later retired to his home, Spaxton Cottage, in Somerset, United Kingdom, where he lived until his death on 21 September 2017.
Recognition and Legacy
Thursday Cottage remains a recognised brand in the artisan food industry, maintaining Künzli's legacy of handcrafted, high-quality production methods.

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