Florida Firm Acquires Elmer Chocolate, Plans National Growth

Elmer Chocolate, a Ponchatoula candy company with a 170-year history, has sold a majority stake to the Florida-based Hoffman Family of Companies while maintaining its Louisiana roots and leadership by the Nelson family. Both companies emphasized that the partnership aims to expand Elmer's reach nationally without changing its iconic products like Gold Brick Eggs and Heavenly Hash, and assured there will be no job cuts but rather expansions at the Ponchatoula facility. CEO Robert Nelson highlighted the company's commitment to staying local and growing for another 170 years, while Hoffman expressed enthusiasm about preserving the company culture and leveraging Elmer's manufacturing capabilities. The deal is seen as a strategic move to unlock growth opportunities, including potentially introducing Elmer products to new markets such as the Hoffmans' ice cream chains. Elmer already manufactures candy for other major brands and plans to increase production to meet rising demand, benefiting the local community through job creation. Overall, the partnership is characterized as a collaboration to sustain tradition, grow the business, and support local employment.