Belgium: Baronie acquires Ashbury Chocolates

Baronie, a manufacturer of branded products, private label products and third party branded chocolates headquarted in Belgium, is to expand into the UK market through the acquisition of Ashbury Chocolates.

Ashbury’s chocolate confectionery is available in the UK market under the Needlers, Blue Bird and Batgers brands as well as through own-label products. The company produces goods including chocolate assortments, bars and traditional English toffees.

Baronie said that the acquisition  provided a point from which it could further expand both its customer and product portfolio in the UK.

Fons Walder, owner of Baronie, commented: "We are very pleased to add the Ashbury product and portfolios to our existing business operations. It fits in our long-term strategic objectives. The transaction marks another important milestone in our group’s history".

According to a report in Confectionery Production, Ashbury had recently been affected by a decline in share for own label chocolate, as well as rising raw material prices.

Source: Baronie / Confectionery Production