Cloetta acquires Lonka

Lonka is a Dutch ­company producing and selling fudge, nougat and chocolate. The acquisition will significantly strengthen Cloetta‘s position in the Netherlands. Lonka‘s sales amounted to about SEK 300 m (€ 32 m) in 2014 with the Netherlands being the core market, accounting for about half of the sales. ­Approximately 50% of sales are branded and 50% are Pick & Mix sales and contract manufacturing. In addition, the Nordic countries and the UK are other important markets for Lonka, especially within Pick & Mix.

Lonka was established in the Netherlands in 1920 and was acquired by the current main owner in 1997. The products are produced in two factories in the Netherlands, one in Roosendaal and one in Dieren. Lonka has 130 employees of which 95 are employed in production and the head office in Roosendaal. ”Lonka is a well-known brand that will significantly strengthen Cloetta’s positon in the Netherlands. The acquisition will diversify Cloetta’s product range into new technologies and categories including the Dutch chocolate market”, says David Nuutinen, incoming CEO of Cloetta.