Switzerland-based Heidi Chocolat Group has bought Germany’s Bavaria-based chocolatier Schwermer Dietrich Stiel for an undisclosed sum.

Heidi Chocolat , which is owned by Romania-based Kex Confectionery, part of Austria’s Meinl group, said the move will allow it to “expand its production capacities into the premium praline sector and increase its presence in Germany and internationally”.

Under the terms of the deal, Schwermer becomes “an independent subsidiary within the Heidi group”, the companies said in a statement. Existing products under the Heidi and Schwermer brands will continue “and in the future, new products will be available” in Germany and internationally, the statement said.

Schwermer said its Café Schwermer business in Bad Wörishofen, Bavaria, is not included in the takeover. However, the companies said the deal would see continued production at Schwermer’s Bad Wörishofen facility, from where Heidi products will also be produced. 

Heidi Chocolat chairman Gerald Neumair said: “Through the inclusion of Schwermer in the Heidi family and the reinforcement of the Heidi Chocolat teams with the experienced employees of Schwermer, our customers will receive additional high-quality confectionery products.”

Heidi Chocolat, which has production sites in Vienna, Austria and Bucharest in Romania, was founded in 1994 by the Swiss family Laederach, the owners of Swiss premium chocolates maker Confiseur Läderach. The Heidi brand includes chocolate bars, pralines and tablets, had a workforce of 400 at the time of the acquisition.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Heidi was acquired by Kex in April 2013. Kex also owns Austria’s Niemetz Schwedenbomben marshmallow confectionery brand and Romanian candy maker Kandia Dulce.

Schwermer was founded in 1894 and currently employs 100. The company said it exports to more than 25 countries.