Nestlé to explore strategic options for its US confectionery business

Nestlé’s US confectionery business had sales of around CHF 900 m in 2016. It primarily includes popular local chocolate brands such as Butterfinger, BabyRuth, 100Grand, SkinnyCow, Raisinets, Chunky, OhHenry! and SnoCaps, as well as local sugar brands such as SweeTarts, LaffyTaffy, Nerds, FunDip, PixyStix, Gobstopper, BottleCaps, Spree and Runts. It also comprises the international chocolate brand Crunch. The strategic review does not cover Nestlé’s iconic Toll House baking products, a strategic growth brand which the company will continue to develop in the US market.

Nestlé remains fully committed to growing its leading international confectionery activities around the world, particularly its global brand KitKat. Nestlé’s global confectionery sales amounted to CHF 8.8 bn in 2016. With sales of CHF 26.7 bn in 2016, the US is Nestlé’s largest market. The confectionery business represents about 3% of US sales.