The Candy Factory, an Italian confectionery group, has secured a “majority” stake in Italgum Caramelle. Despite the significance of the acquisition, specific details regarding the stake size and financial terms remain undisclosed.
Founded in 1956 as Emolgum in Casale Monferrato, Italgum specializes in gummy candies and jellies, offering both its brand and private label options. Its diverse portfolio features gluten-free, organic, and sugar-free products. Since 2020, Italgum has operated from a 10,000-square-meter facility in Villanova Monferrato (AL).
Interestingly, the Celoria family retains a minority stake in Italgum, and Dario Celoria will continue to serve as CEO. This acquisition enhances The Candy Factory Group, which was established by FVS SGR and Clessidra Private Debt in 2022 through the merger of two Italian confectionery firms: Casa del Dolce and Liking. In 2024, the group expanded further by acquiring Akellas, known for its Monk’s balsamic hard candies.
In a statement on December 4, the group described Italgum as “complimentary” to its existing operations. The Candy Factory emphasized that this deal will “consolidate” its industrial footprint in Northern Italy, thereby “strengthening its overall production capacity and specialisation by vertical product categories.”
Roberto Ippolito, president of Candy Factory and managing director of Clessidra, expressed, “We are delighted to welcome Italgum into the Candy Factory Group. Its long artisan tradition, combined with its specialisation in jellies and its strong presence in the private label sector, further enriches our industrial expertise.”
Funding for the acquisition comes from the company’s own resources. Diego Tognetti, vice president of Candy Factory and general manager of Investments at FVS, noted that Italgum Caramelle contributes distinct technical expertise and a lean production structure that seamlessly integrates with their business aggregation model.
“Highly skilled SMEs.” The focus on both organic growth and acquisitions remains central to their strategy.
As a result of this venture, Candy Factory anticipates closing 2025 with an impressive €60 million ($69.8 million) in consolidated turnover, with over one-third expected from exports.
