Orkla Foods has acquired Continental Candy Industries B.V., a Netherlands-based confectionery manufacturer with over three decades of operations in North West Europe. The purchase price was not disclosed. Continental Candy Industries, part of The European Candy Group since 2013, produces a broad range of sugar confectionery items across five production sites in Drachten, Hoorn, Oosterwolde, Boizenburg, and Metelen.
The acquired business brings a well-established manufacturing footprint and a diverse product portfolio that includes licorice, fruit gums, and other sugar-based sweets. Orkla Foods, a major Nordic food group, has been expanding its presence in the European snacking and confectionery segment. This deal allows Orkla to add Continental’s production capacity and regional market access to its existing brand portfolio, particularly in the Benelux and German markets.
Strategically, the acquisition strengthens Orkla’s position in a category where it has sought greater scale. Continental’s five plants provide manufacturing flexibility and proximity to key distribution channels, which could reduce logistics costs and improve supply chain responsiveness. For Continental, joining Orkla offers access to a larger corporate structure with established routes to market in Scandinavia and beyond, potentially broadening the reach of its current product lines.
The transaction is expected to close after customary regulatory approvals. Once completed, the combined entity will operate with Continental’s existing management and workforce remaining in place, ensuring continuity for customers and suppliers. Orkla Foods intends to integrate Continental’s operations into its broader food division, with an initial focus on maintaining production stability and exploring cross-selling opportunities between the two companies’ product ranges.