US/Italy: Regulator clears Nutella’s acquisition of Ferrara Candy

Italian confectionery group Ferrero is to acquire Ferrara Candy, the third largest manufacturer of non-chocolate confectionery in the US. The US Federal Trade Commission has cleared the acquisition, the regulator said in its website.

Illinois-headquartered Ferrara is a major player in the US confectionery market, best known for its Trolli gummy candies and Lemonheads. It was one of five companies which, along with Nutella maker Ferrero, committed to reducing the number of calories in its individually wrapped products in May of 2017.

As well as Trolli and Lemonheads, Ferrara Candy owns Brach’s, the seasonal candy brand; Black Forest Organics, which makes organic and fruit-flavoured candies; and fiery cinnamon confection RedHots.

The acquisition is a coup for Ferrero; it expands the Italian company’s presence in the US at an important time, following the agreement to acquire premium boxed chocolate company Fannie Mae in March.

Ferrero recently introduced Tic Tac gum and Kinder Joy to the US market, with both products set to be available in stores in January.

Full Content: Reuters

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