Fudge manufacturer snaffled up by listed firm

Around two thirds of Confection by Design’s portfolio is distributed by Orkla’s UK subsidiary Orchard Valley Foods. Most of the company’s sales are in the UK (80%), but Confection by Design also has exports to other countries (20%).The manufacturer supplies fudge and toffee to ice cream manufacturers, bakeries and confectioners. 

Confection by Design is a privately-owned business established in 1988 and has 35 employees. Both the company’s headquarters and production facilities are located in Harrogate.

Tor Osmundsen, CEO of NIC Group, said: “The purchase of Confection by Design is strategically right and will complement Orkla Food Ingredients’ position as a supplier of inclusions and accessories to the bakery, chocolate and ice cream market.”

Orkla Food Ingredients holds a strong position as a supplier of bakery ingredients and ice cream ingredients and accessories in the Nordic region and selected countries in Europe. In the UK, Orkla Food Ingredients has built up a solid position through its subsidiaries NIC UK, Orchard Valley Foods and County Confectionery.