The 100 percent Hungarian-owned Cerbona buys the Boci, Melba and Párizsi kocka trademarks from Nestlé, which bought the brands together with Szerencsi Édesipari Vállalat during privatization in 1991.
According to the announcement of the two companies on Tuesday, in order to ensure continuity of supply, Nestlé will continue to manufacture the products during a transitional period, thereby guaranteeing that consumers can continue to buy the chocolates.
The transaction will close on May 22, 2024.
Tamás Mészáros, CEO of Cerbona, indicated: the 100 percent Hungarian-owned company ensures the further growth of brands with a history of almost 100 years.
Péter Noszek, managing director of Nestlé Hungária Kft., explained: the sale of Boci enables Nestlé Hungária's confectionery business to focus on its strengths such as KitKat and Balaton.
Nestlé has been present in Hungary for more than 30 years, and is currently the largest Swiss investor and employer. It employs more than 2,800 people in its three factories in Szerencs, Diósgyőr and Bük, as well as in its headquarters in Budapest. Together with the investment in Büki announced in February 2024, the company has already invested over HUF 382 billion in Hungary. The majority of Nestlé Hungária's suppliers are Hungarian companies, which sell a total of HUF 54 billion worth of products and services to Nestlé's global network.
Cerbona has more than four decades of experience in the Hungarian food industry. Initially, the milling company specialized in the production of muesli slices and muesli, as well as other grain-based foods, with more than 150 employees working in its factory.
MTI
Photo: Hungarian Trade and Hospitality Museum
