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Confections

Ferrara Candy to Acquire Dori Alimentos

Ferrara Candy Company, a Ferrero related company and the largest sugar confections company in the United States, has reached an agreement to acquire Dori Alimentos, one of Brazil’s leading manufacturers and distributors of sweets and snacks. The acquisition will be made through CTH, which is the lead holding company of Ferrara. Dori is a family-controlled company backed by an affiliate of ACON Investments. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Since its founding in 1967, Dori has built strong and recognized brands that are loved by millions of consumers across Brazil including Dori, Pettiz, Jubes, Gomets, Deliket, Disqueti, Yogurte 100, and Bolete. Dori’s strong portfolio, consistent performance and multi-channel nationwide distribution capabilities have allowed it to enjoy double-digit revenue growth over the last several years.

Headquartered in Chicago for more than 115 years and privately owned, Ferrara is the top-selling U.S. sugar confections company and the manufacturer of 20 beloved brands such as Black Forest, Brach’s, NERDS, SweeTARTS and Trolli.

“We are thrilled to join Ferrara, who we are confident is the right partner for this next step of Dori’s incredible story,” said Pedro Lobo, chief executive officer of Dori. “Like us, Ferrara puts the consumer at the center of all they do, shares our spirit of innovation and believes in the emotional power of candies and snacks. This pairing reflects the outstanding company that the Dori team has built over 56 years and our standing as industry pioneers in Brazil. We are thrilled to preserve that valued heritage.”

“Dori is a great fit with Ferrara, with a complementary portfolio of candies, similar heritage and a values-driven internal culture,” said Marco Capurso, chief executive officer of Ferrara. “We have deep admiration for Dori’s products and extraordinary team. We are excited to enter the fast-growing Brazilian market and create tremendous opportunity ahead for both Dori and Ferrara.”

“For many years, Ferrara has been a great inspiration for building Dori’s product portfolio and, perhaps because of this, they are similar and aligned companies. I am happy to see that Dori will be instrumental to the official expansion of Ferrara into Brazil, which will certainly provide the best path for the success of the business we have built,” said Vitor Barion, chairman of the board of directors of Dori.

“We have seen Dori evolve tremendously since our initial investment in 2016 and are excited for Dori to be embarking on a new phase in its history. We believe that Dori and Ferrara will form a strong partnership that will create value for all stakeholders,” said Rodrigo Galvão, partner at ACON Investments in Brazil.

Once the transaction is closed, Dori’s over 3,100 employees will join Ferrara’s 4,600 team members to advance a shared vision and strategy and bring additional sweetness to consumers around the world.

The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2023 and is subject to certain closing conditions.

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Kraft Singles Apple Pie Debuts in Time for July Fourth

What’s more American than apple pie? Apple pie with cheese melted on top. This Fourth of July, Kraft Singles is partnering with Little Pie Company, known for its dedication to crafting exceptional handmade pies, to create the Kraft Singles Apple Pie. The single-serve pie combines two of the most iconic American foods: the undeniably perfect melt of Kraft Singles, with the sweet classic flavors of a traditional apple pie. With its simple irresistible taste, the iconic yellow square slice makes all foods more delicious, including a decadent dessert-like apple pie.

The pairing of cheese with apple pie has long been a tradition. In fact, apple pie has been served with a cheese topping since the 1800s as a sweet and salty treat. The pie is a one-of-a-kind pie featuring hand-cut golden delicious apples mixed with cinnamon, nutmeg, light brown sugar and of course, melty Kraft Singles baked within. Each 5-inch pie is topped with a delicious Kraft Single, resulting in a dessert that is both intriguing and mouthwatering.

“Kraft Singles is a small ingredient that makes a big difference, and we are on a mission to make simple irresistible and reignite America’s love for Kraft American Cheese,” said Kelsey Rice, associate director for Kraft Singles at the Kraft Heinz Company. “Melting cheese on top of apple pie is a tradition we see many of our fans enjoy, so we wanted to remind people that Kraft Singles multiplies the enjoyment of whatever food you are eating and inspire new ways to enjoy our product beyond the grill.”

Cheese lovers can indulge in the Kraft Singles Apple Pie in-store at Little Pie Company in New York City and can also purchase for nationwide fresh delivery via Goldbelly, while supplies last. The Kraft Singles Apple Pie in store will be sold for $10.95 and on Goldbelly for $44.95 (before shipping), which includes a recipe card, two single 5-inch pies and two packs of Kraft Singles for melting.

“At Little Pie Company, we take pride in our pies made from scratch, and are always thinking of ways to bring new flavors and experiences to our fans,” said Arnold Wilkerson, creator of Little Pie Company. “When Kraft Singles approached us about creating a limited-edition pie featuring their iconic square, we were so excited and confident we could nail the recipe. Simply good and ready to eat, the Kraft Singles Apple Pie is sure to be a delight for all this Fourth of July.”

The campaign is the latest example of bringing the brand’s platform, “Square It” to life, reminding fans about all the wonderful ways consumers can use Kraft Singles in the kitchen.

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Nassau Candy Brings Stix Back as Clever Candy Straws

Nassau Candy, leading manufacturer of specialty and private label confections, announced at the 2023 Sweets & Snacks Expo (Booth #11948) its mission to bring back candy stix in a big way with the launch of its Clever Candy Straws.

Clever Candy Straws are a refreshing take on a candy icon: candy powder stix. While the candy powder might look the same, the flavor in Clever Candy Straws is more intense offering an entirely new experience.

“Newstalgia, new takes on a candy classic, is such a popular trend in the confectionery space right now, we wanted to develop a product that brought new attention to a longtime candy favorite for a new generation,” said Andrew Reitman, executive vice president, national brand confections for Nassau Candy. “Our new Clever Candy Straws line offers all the fun customers remember from classic candy stix like Pixie Stix, but with even more intense flavors to tickle their taste buds.”

Originally, Clever Candy Straws will be available in two versions. A 2.7-ounce peg bag full of single straws as well as a 15-inch giant straw. The Clever Candy Straws Peg Bag will feature popular flavors tropical punch, cherry, grape, and orange. Giant straws will come in over-the-top flavors cherry, blue raspberry, strawberry, and green apple.

Keeping with the look and feel of the Clever Candy brand, each straw’s packaging features brilliant graphics, including the brand’s signature splats in vivid colors and a joke. This allows Clever Candy Straws peg bags to be merchandised in line with other Clever Candy packaged offerings.

Clever Candy Giant Straws will come in their own standup box, creating an instant merchandising display that can be placed anywhere.

A bulk option will soon be available, with talks of new flavors and packaging options being introduced.

The Peg Bag and Giant Straws will be shipping later this year.

Nassau Candy is a wholesale manufacturer, importer, and distributor of confectionery and gourmet food products. Along with distribution of thousands of sweets and snacks to retailers across the country, the company also specializes in manufacturing and importing private label confectionery, and manufactures, develops, and merchandises customized souvenir, food, apparel, and promotional products.

From its six strategically located distribution centers in New York, Florida, Michigan, Texas and California (San Francisco and Los Angeles), and two manufacturing facilities, the company manufactures and distributes more than 10,000 products to thousands of customers ranging from the largest retailers in North America, to thousands of independent confectionery stores, corporate, foodservice, grocery and alternative market customers.

Clever Candy, a brand of Nassau Candy, is the source of playful and whimsical packaged and bulk confections that “make your sweet tooth smile.” From gummies, to licorice, to dextrose, to chocolate, to seasonal creations, Clever Candy looks to spark imagination and happiness in every bite.

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