The grand old man of Estonia’s confectionery industry, Otto Kubo worked for 66 years at Kalev, the largest and most famous chocolate factory in Estonia. He never worked anywhere else. After graduating from university, Otto started working for the company as a chemist. Then, he became head of the central laboratory for 31 years and was responsible for the factory’s production quality. Thanks to his language skills, impeccable manners and diplomacy, Otto became the unofficial “foreign minister” of the company. Over the years, he hosted heads of state, diplomats and journalists, as well as students and kindergarten children. He welcomed foreign guests from dozens of different countries, and locals from all over Estonia. He found a common language with all of them, with enthralling stories of the chocolate factory Kalev and Café Maiasmokk.
Otto Kubo was one of the main driving forces behind the birth of the Kalev chocolate factory museum. Thanks to his dedication and systematic approach, a considerable amount of material related to the history of the Estonian confectionery industry has been accumulated over the years, including packaging, documents and photographs. Some of the oldest and most treasured artefacts have been displayed in Maiasmokk’s marzipan room and in the hall on the first floor.
In his spare time, Otto’s great passion was travelling, even at an advanced age. Throughout his lifetime, he visited 83 countries around the world. Before each trip, he thoroughly familiarised himself with the culture and nature of the country. Otto kept meticulous records of the length of his journeys: he carefully logged all the kilometres he travelled by different means of transport. The total number of kilometres he travelled amounted to over 650,000.
Otto Kubo passed away at the age of 89, on 22 September 2021.
Photo: Renee Altrov