Ferrara to invest EUR620m in new US confectionery plant

Ferrara Candy Company has announced plans to invest USD675m (approx. EUR620m) in a new manufacturing facility in Orangeburg, South Carolina, as it expands production capacity to meet rising demand for sugar confectionery.

The 750,000 sq ft site will be the company’s first in the state and is expected to include processing and packaging operations, as well as warehousing for raw and packaging materials and administrative offices. Initial production lines are scheduled to become operational in the first quarter of 2029.

The investment is aimed at strengthening Ferrara’s manufacturing footprint and supporting long-term growth. Marco Capurso, CEO of Ferrara, said the project represents a “major step forward” in scaling the company’s capabilities and reinforcing its global position.

Ferrara, a Chicago-based affiliate of Ferrero Group, operates more than 30 facilities worldwide and employs over 9,400 people. Its portfolio includes more than 40 brands across international markets, spanning products such as NERDS, SweeTARTS, Trolli and Brach’s in the US, alongside European brands including Terry’s and Carambar.

The Orangeburg project is expected to create around 1,000 manufacturing and corporate jobs over the next decade. To support the development, the state of South Carolina has approved up to USD 85m in economic development bonds to fund site acquisition and infrastructure improvements.