The Terry’s Chocolate brand was/is a quintessential British confectionery originally established in the 19th century and currently part of CPK, which itself was formed in 2017 (via the acquisition of Mondelēz International brands and a merger with Lamy Lutti).
CPK also manages iconic names like Carambar, Lutti, Krema, Michoko, as well as chocolate brands Terry’s Chocolate Orange, Poulain, and 1848.
CocoaRadar understands that the transaction is expected to close in Q4 2025 and is subject to consultations with union bodies, regulatory clearances, and standard closing conditions.
French media and industry stakeholders have welcomed Ferrara’s assurance that CPK will remain headquartered and operational in France, and is seen as a vote of confidence in the local workforce and manufacturing capabilities.
Still some trade union voices, while supporting job stability, told CocoaRadar that the emphasise should be on the importance of safeguarding collective bargaining rights during the pending consultation phase.
The CocoaRadar view is that we see this as a positive for the European confectionery landscape—merging global scale with local brand identity.
Confectionery Production magazine said: “The move comes at a particularly testing moment for the sector, amid wider economic uncertainty, with companies facing significant global tariffs under the present US government administration.
"This has left a notably unpredictable trading environment that has seen confectionery companies in America face significant additional importing costs that are being passed on to consumers.”
Ferrrero's Kellogg takeover
Analysts also note the deal follows Ferrero’s contemporaneous $3.1 billion acquisition of WK Kellogg Co., signaling ambitious expansion by Ferrero-affiliated units.
Terry’s Cultural Legacy: British Identity, French Custodianship
Special report
Though no longer produced in York, Terry’s remains a powerful symbol of British chocolate history.
Sophie Jewett, Managing Director at York Cocoa Works, said: “Exploring the history of chocolate in York it’s been inspiring to learn the heritage, role and impact that an iconic brand like Terry’s has had not just in creating products like the Chocolate Orange, All Gold and York Fruits that many have childhood memories of.
"Terry’s played a pivotal role in industrialisation, quality and standards, with a history dating back to 1767, they pioneered the development and scaling of many confectionery products that are replicated now by brands around the world.
“Personally, I’ve always been inspired and fascinated by how these companies evolved from cottage industries like our own to iconic brands that we become nostalgic over. It’s disappointing that growth often seems to come at the expense of quality and prestige.
“With a history of more than 250 years, I hope that the future for these brands can draw on the reasons they are regarded as highly as they have been.”
While French ownership via CPK has brought fresh investment, UK consumers still associate Terry’s Chocolate Orange (‘known as la boule’, or ‘the ball’ in France) with Christmas nostalgia and British heritage. Still, a Ferrara-led global push could see Terry’s reclaim a broader market presence, perhaps even a return to UK manufacturing or innovation in the coming years.
Terry’s Chocolate: Brand Takeover Timeline
A 250-Year Legacy of Sweet Transitions
Brand Origins
- Founded: 1767 in York, England (as Bayldon & Berry)
- Became Terry & Sons: 1850, under Joseph Terry
- Famous Products: Chocolate Orange (1932), Chocolate Apple (now discontinued)
- Factory Landmark: Terry’s Chocolate Works, York (1926–2005)
Ownership Timeline
Current Status (2025)
- Owner: CPK Group (pending sale to Ferrara)
- Manufacturing: Poland (formerly York, UK)
- Markets: UK, France, export to EU & select global markets
- Brand Focus: Heritage positioning under CPK; potential expansion under Ferrara
Strategic Outlook
- Under CPK: Revitalised packaging, product focus on nostalgia and premium gifting
- Under Ferrara (proposed): Potential UK relaunch, stronger distribution in US/EU, synergies with Ferrero Group chocolate brands
Fun Facts
- Terry’s Chocolate Orange is sold every 2.5 seconds in the UK during peak holiday periods
- The original York factory clock tower still stands as a city landmark
- Terry’s joins other iconic European brands under CPK, like Poulain, Lutti, and Carambar
CocoaRadar Summary
Terry’s journey from a family-run York business to a multinational chocolate brand reflects the evolving landscape of the global confectionery industry. From British roots to French stewardship—and now potentially American-Italian expansion—Terry’s remains a powerful name with deep consumer loyalty.
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