The acquisition of the Dutch chocolate company Droste, established 161 years ago, has been called off. Omroep Gelderland reports that layoffs have been requested for the company’s 27 employees.
Last year, the Belgian company Pauwels Engineering, which acquired the iconic Koetjesreep in 1997, announced plans to buy the Droste factory in Vaassen, Gelderland. However, last month it was revealed that the acquisition had failed.
FNV representative Eric Brouwer stated that all employees have been informed, but the reason for the failed acquisition remains unknown. Droste faced significant challenges in recent years.
The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted its exports, and crucial sales channels, such as in-flight and airport sales, diminished. The energy crisis and rising cocoa prices further exacerbated the company’s difficulties.
The future of the Droste brand remains uncertain, and the company’s lawyer was unavailable for comment.
Source: NOS