Lollipop Powerhouses Announce Strategic Alliance

BRYAN, Ohio and BARCELONA, Spain - The worldwide leader in lollipops, Chupa Chups, SA, Barcelona, and one of the U.S. category leaders, Spangler Candy Company, announced that they have formed an alliance to join their experience and portfolios to strengthen their role in the North American candy market.

The existing U.S. sales, marketing and distribution teams of both companies will be consolidated under the leadership of Spangler, while Chupa Chups will provide leadership in Mexico. Plans are underway for the companies to coordinate production efforts and resources among their various manufacturing facilities located in the U.S., Mexico, Russia and Spain.

Effective July 1, 2004, the Chupa Chups brand will be integrated into the Spangler Candy portfolio in the United States. Chupa Chups is the number one lollipop brand worldwide, producing more than 4 billion each year in more than 40 flavors. Chupa Chups brands include SMINT Sugar Free Mints, Chupa Chups Lollipops, Crazy Dips and Whistle Pops. Spangler will also add Chupa Chups' new healthier vitamin fortified lollipops and sugar-free Cremosa lollipops to their line.

Also effective on that date, Spangler brands including Dum Dum Pops, Spangler Candy Canes, Saf-T-Pops and Astro-Pops will become part of the Chupa Chups portfolio in Mexico. Additionally, Chupa Chups will begin to market some Spangler items in other markets around the world.

Dean L. Spangler, President and c.e.o. of Spangler said, "We are pleased to add Chupa Chups brands to the Spangler portfolio in the United States. The brands and products are complementary to our own and allow us, for the first time, to offer a full line of lollipop products to all classes of trade. We are especially excited about the opportunity to bring exciting new products to the U.S. lollipop market including a new generation of lollipops developed by Chupa Chups that we believe will have great appeal in the United States."

Xavier Bernat, chairman of the board of Chupa Chups, SA added, "Both of our companies are long-time family businesses and worldwide market leaders in lollipops. Our association with Spangler will enhance and advance our joint US market penetration benefiting both of us. Additionally, we are excited to be able to bring several Spangler brands to consumers in other global markets."
X
This ad will auto-close in 10 seconds