Atkinson Candy Co. has announced an agreement with Laco Inc., a strategic partner of The Warrell Corp., to purchase Slo Poke, Black Cow and Sophie Mae brands. The three brands will become part of the Atkinson family of traditional made-in-America confections.
Lufkin, Texas-based Atkinson Candy Co. will have exclusivity on marketing and sales of the newly acquired brands, while manufacturing details are still in discussions. During this transition period, Atkinson Candy Co. and The Warrell Corp. plan to utilize the contract manufacturing capabilities of Warrell at its facility in York, Pa., as well as Atkinson’s facilities in Lufkin.
“This strategic transaction by Atkinson and the potential for additional product introductions represent new opportunities for both Warrell and Atkinson Candy Co. to work together and maximize existing capabilities of both companies to our mutual benefit,” says Pat Huffman, president of The Warrell Corp.
Eric Atkinson, president of Atkinson Candy Co., says, “We are proud to bring these three great items into our ever growing house of classic candy brands. This acquisition points to our continued strategic growth in the classic confections market and allows us to work more closely with other family owned U.S. businesses.”
The Sophie Mae brand, in particular, presents Atkinson Candy Co. with a unique opportunity to expand its existing peanut brittle business, which the company has been producing since 1938, according to a news release.
“This is a fantastic occasion for us to build line extensions for our peanut brittle by leveraging this well-known brand name,” adds Atkinson.
Atkinson Candy Co. will make further announcements regarding the marketing of the three brands as details become available.
Atkinson Candy Co.’s products are distributed worldwide and include Chick-O-Stick, Peanut Butter Bar, Long Boys Coconut, Chocolate Long Boys, Long Boys Juniors, Mint Twists, Fruitie Tootie Twists, Peco Coconut Peanut Brittle, Old Fashion Peanut Brittle, Rainbow and Neapolitan Coconut Bars, Christmas Tree Mint Twists, Family Favorites, Rainbow and Mint Sticks, Assorted Sours, and Gemstone Candies by Atkinson.
