Iconic Hungarian Chocolate Brands in Hungarian Ownership Again: Cerbona Acquires Nestlé Trademarks

Tamás Mészáros (L) and Péter Noszek holding a bar of Boci chocolate.
PHOTO: Nestlé
According to the joint statement of the two companies released on Tuesday, Hungarian Cerbona has acquired the trademarks of Boci, Melba, and Párizsi kocka. The transaction will be finalized on 22 May 2024; until then, Nestlé will continue to manufacture the products to ensure the continuity of supply.

Cerbona has acquired the trademarks of Boci, Melba, and Párizsi kocka (Parisian Cube) from Nestlé, which, together with Szerencsi Édesipari Vállalat, purchased the brands during privatization in 1991.

According to the joint statement of the two companies released on Tuesday, Nestlé will continue to manufacture the products during a transitional period to ensure the continuity of supply, thus guaranteeing that consumers can continue to purchase the chocolates. The transaction will be finalized on 22 May 2024.

Cerbona CEO Tamás Mészáros indicated that

the 100 per cent Hungarian-owned company will ensure further growth for the brands

that have almost a century of history. Nestlé Hungária CEO Péter Noszek explained that 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 over thirty years and is currently the largest Swiss investor and employer. Employing more than 2,800 people in its three factories in Szerencs, Diósgyőr, and Bük, as well as its Budapest headquarters, the company has invested over 382 billion forints in Hungary, including the investment announced in Bük in February 2024. Most of Nestlé Hungary’s suppliers are Hungarian companies, selling products and services worth a total of 54 billion forints annually to Nestlé’s global network.

Cerbona has over four decades of experience in the Hungarian food industry. Initially specializing in the production of cereal bars and muesli, the company has grown to manufacture various cereal-based food products, employing over 150 workers in its factory.

Boci is a well-known Hungarian brand that specializes in confectionery and sweets. Founded in 1976, the brand has garnered a strong reputation for producing high-quality chocolates, candies, and other sweet treats. The name Boci itself carries a warm and familiar resonance, often associated with indulgence and comfort.

One of the brand’s most iconic products is the Boci chocolate bar, which has become a staple in Hungarian households and is beloved for its rich, creamy texture and indulgent flavour. Over the years, Boci has expanded its product range to include a variety of confectionery delights, including pralines, truffles, and assorted chocolates, each crafted with meticulous attention to detail and using only the finest ingredients.


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Sources: Hungarian Conservative/Nestlé

According to the joint statement of the two companies released on Tuesday, Hungarian Cerbona has acquired the trademarks of Boci, Melba, and Párizsi kocka. The transaction will be finalized on 22 May 2024; until then, Nestlé will continue to manufacture the products to ensure the continuity of supply.

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