2020s

Strong sustainability focus

Cloetta launches a new sustainability agenda covering topics all across the value chain where Cloetta has the ability to make an impact. This includes giving the consumers greater choice by introducing more vegan options, less sugar/no-sugar, lactose-free and new package sizes, as well as enriching the social impacts in our supply chain through our partnerships, and committing to the Science Based Targets initiative.

 

Cloetta grows

2010s

Cloetta grows

Cloetta and Leaf are merged in 2012. In 2014 Cloetta acquires Nutisal, a leading Swedish company that roasts and sells dry roasted nuts. In the same year Cloetta acquires The Jelly Bean Factory with the main market in the UK. In 2015 Cloetta acquires Lonka, a Dutch company that produces and sells fudge, soft nougat and chocolate. In 2017, Cloetta acquires Candyking and becomes market leader in pick & mix. The Italian operations are divested.

2000s

New groups formed

During the period from 2000 to 2009, Cloetta is part of the Cloetta Fazer group. After the de-merger in 2009, the independent Cloetta is relisted on NASDAQ OM Stockholm. In 2000 CSM acquires Continental Sweets and thereby strengthens its position primarily in France and Belgium, but also in the Netherlands and the UK. In 2005, CVC and Nordic Capital acquire CSM’s confectionery division and change its name to Leaf.

 

1990s

Consolidation of the industry

CSM, a Dutch sugar and food products company, acquires Red Band in 1986. Leaf acquires Ahlgrens (with Läkerol and Ahlgrens bilar) in 1993, and CSM acquires Malaco in 1997. Cloetta acquires Candelia (with Polly and Bridgeblandning) in 1998, and CSM acquires Leaf in 1999. Cloetta’s share is listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange in 1994.

cloetta-1970-1980-history-image

1970-80s

Fresh and healthy and a response to the growing pick & mix

In 1975, the world’s first chewing gum with xylitol is launched by Jenkki in Finland. Sportlife is launched in the Netherlands in 1988. The Mynthon pastille is intro- duced in Finland in 1976. In Sweden, the mixed candy bag Gott & Blandat is launched in response to the growing popularity of pick & mix.

1950-60s-2

1950–60s

An interest in the USA and cars

The chewing gum Jenkki (Yankee) is launched in Finland in 1951. Ahlgrens Bilar – the world’s best-selling car, is launched in 1953 with Italian Bugatti as its inspiration. The double countline Tupla is launched in Finland in 1960. In Sweden, Polly is launched in 1965 and Bridge-blandning in 1966. Chewits are launched in the United Kingdom in 1965. The first marshmallow Santas are also sold in the 1960s.

Kexchoklad 1938

1930–40s

Launch of strong brands

Malaco (Malmö Lakrits Compani) is founded in 1934 during the period between the two world wars. Sportlunch (then called Mellanmål) is launched in 1937. Kexchoklad is introduced in 1938 and Center in 1941. Plopp is launched after WWII in 1949.

1950-60s-5

1920s

The roaring twenties

The confectionery industry grows after the war. The slogan “Choose right – choose Cloetta” is created in 1921. In the Netherlands, Lonka opens its first factory 1920 and the pastille brand King is launched in 1922. In 1928 Sisu is launched in Finland, Red Band in the Netherlands and Tarragona in Sweden.

1900-1913 (2)

1900-1910s

Exploiting industrialisation

Electrification and railway construction accelerate the pace of industrialisation, a critical enabler for businesses like the Swedish companies Ahlgrens and Cloetta, which are active in industrial production of confectionery. In Sweden, Läkerol is launched in 1909 and Guldnougat in 1913. Läkerol is launched in Denmark in 1910 and Norway in 1912.

Venco ad

1870s

Cloetta’s oldest brands date from the 1800s

Venco is launched in 1878 when Gerrit van Voornveld started manufacturing liquorice and peppermint pastilles in a steam factory in Amsterdam. Liquorice, peppermint and jujubes have long been known for their cough suppressing effects.

cloetta-history-1800

1860s

The Cloetta brothers

In 1862 the three Swiss Cloetta brothers, Bernard, Christoffer and Nutin Cloëtta, founded the company “Brødrene Cloëtta” for manufacturing chocolate and confectionery in Copenhagen, Denmark. The brothers later moved their manufacturing to Sweden. The company was owned by the Cloëtta family until 1917, when the Svenfelt family took over the majority shareholding in Cloetta via the newly formed Svenska Chokladfabriks AB. The Svenfelt family has major ownership interests in Cloetta to this day.