Demand for the sweet treat, named after the Austrian composer, has dwindled during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The small round balls of chocolate, pistachio and nougat wrapped in gold foil originated in Mozart's birthplace Salzburg more than 130 years ago. They are a typical Austrian souvenir and gift, easily found in every airport and tourist store.
But now Salzburg Schokolade, which has been making Mozartkugeln under the Mirabell brand, has filed for insolvency, local media reported.
Der Standard reported that the company experienced a drop in demand due to celebrations such as weddings not taking place during the Covid pandemic. In addition, confectionery shops in Vienna and Salzburg were sometimes closed for weeks amid a lack of tourists.
It isn't clear what the insolvency proceedings will mean for the production of the Mirabell Mozartkugeln in the small alpine country, which is enduring another lockdown at the moment. Salzburg Schokolade produced the balls for Mondelez International, which has not yet answered media queries.
The financial woes of the chocolate maker have highlighted the ongoing impact of the pandemic on tourism-dependent businesses.
