Orkla Food Ingredients is to purchase British fudge and toffee manufacturer Confection by Design.Confection by Design offers fudge and toffee to ice cream manufacturers, bakeries and confectioners.

Approximately two thirds of its 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%).

Orkla Food Ingredients says it 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 claims it has built up a solid position through its subsidiaries NIC UK, Orchard Valley Foods and County Confectionery.

“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,” said Tor Osmundsen, CEO of NIC Group.

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

The company has grown its turnover to £5.7 million (approx. NOK 63 million) in the financial year ending 30 June 2019. The company will be consolidated into Orkla’s financial statements as of 1July 2019.