Orkla acquires UK’s fudge and chocolate maker County Confectionery

Nordic bakery ingredients provider Orkla Food Ingredients has signed an agreement to acquire UK-based chocolatier and confectioner County Confectionery (County’s).

The agreement was executed through Orkla Food Ingredients’ wholly owned subsidiary NIC Enterprises.

Financial details of the transaction have not been revealed by either company.

NIC Group CEO Tor Osmundsen said: “County’s has a long history of manufacturing high-quality fudge and chocolate products.

“Orkla Food Ingredients and County’s are a good strategic fit, and the acquisition complements Orkla Food Ingredients’ position as a supplier of ingredients and accessories to the UK bakery, chocolate and ice cream market.”

Established in 1983, County’s is a family owned company with its head office and production facilities in St Ives in Cornwall, UK.

The company has been a long-standing supplier to Orkla Food Ingredients in the UK, and is also said to have a large customer base including retailers, wholesalers and foodservice.

Country’s registered a turnover of £8.6m for the financial year ending May this year.

As of yesterday, County’s will be combined into Orkla’s financial statements.

Currently, Orkla Food Ingredients has established itself as a bakery ingredients supplier in the Nordic region, as well as selected countries in Europe. It is reported to be one of the key players in the ice cream ingredients and accessories segment in the UK.

The company’s subsidiary Orchard Valley Foods supplies ingredients and accessories to the UK and European bakery, chocolate and ice cream market.