Hershey to sell Mauna Loa Macadamia nuts business

15-Jan-2015 - Last updated on 15-Jan-2015 at 10:01 GMT

Hawaiian Host shells out for Hershey’s Mauna Loa Macadamia nuts business

Hershey plans to offload macadamia nut business Mauna Loa to Hawaiian Host for an undisclosed sum.

Hawaiian-based subsidiary Mauna Loa is one of the world’s largest macadamia nut processors with a seasonal capacity of around 40 million pounds of macadamias.

Hershey acquired the company, which has its own brand of chocolate-covered and flavoured macadamia products, in 2004.

Brands to operate separately

Hawaiian Host has produced chocolate covered macadamias since1927. It claims to be the world leader in chocolate-covered macadamias and sells its products in over 23 countries globally.

The company said it would operate its own products and Mauna Loa as separate brands.

“This acquisition will create a great opportunity for both companies, our employees and the community. It brings Mauna Loa back under Hawai‘i ownership, joins together two strong, local brands, and lays the foundation for continued success,” said Keith Sakamoto, president and CEO of Hawaiian Host

Manua Loa was founded in 1946 and is based nesar Kea‘au, just south of Hilo in Hawaii.

Hawaiian Host expects to complete the acquisition in the first quarter of 2015.