A dictionary of the Danish language tells us that an "urtekræmmer" is an old-fashioned term for a so-called spice/herb merchant or travelling salesman selling spices, medical herbs, drugs etc. Others say that the "urtekræmmer" used to be a less distinguished version of the grocer, and that he was the one who sold the local products, as opposed to the grocer's more extravagant processed foods from the overseas colonies.

The founders of Urtekram, Lisbeth Daamsgaard and Ronnie McGrail, actually started out almost like the old herb merchants with a shop in urban Copenhagen. Today, a shop like that would be known as the local health food shop. Back then, they were part of a whole new time spirit, with their focus on organic products, pure ingredients and sustainability. And out of precisely this focus grew the company and the name Urtekram, derived from the original term "urtekræmmer".

During our current workdays at Urtekram, we also talk about the herb merchant spirit when describing the special, sometimes almost family-like relationship that exists here at Urtekram among the employees. We also talk about UrteKRAM in the more affectionate sense of a warm hug, which is the meaning of the Danish word "kram". We give out warm hugs here at Urtekram, but we also receive many of them, for example when we are given praise for our products from the consumers. In that case, the praise is often concluded with an UrteKRAM as the final remark.

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