In 1950, when Dittmer was just 14 years old he started working at his family's delicatessen in Hamburg, Germany. Eventually, he immigrated to Canada and finally the US. After working in several grocery stores and butcher shops, Dittmer and his wife Margaret Bubert decided it was time to open up their very own small business, Dittmer's Gourmet Meats & Wurst-Haus. 

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Dittmer's collection of recipes were shaped from his German roots as well as many mentors he met along the way. His passion and drive of making quality sausages, lunch meats, and smoke meats led to many awards and loyal Customers. Today, Dittmer's legacy is carried on in Los Altos, California by his daughter Petra Silva.