Idilia Foods

What Idilia Foods does

Idilia Foods is a Spanish family-owned food company founded in 1945 and headquartered in Barcelona, with a legal registered office in Valencia. It manufactures and distributes branded consumer packaged goods including cocoa powder (ColaCao, in market since 1945), chocolate hazelnut spreads (Nocilla), cookies, snack bars, and Paladín-branded products, from a single manufacturing plant in Parets del Vallès (Barcelona) that has been operational since 1981. Following the June 2024 formation of a 50% joint venture with Damm for the Cacaolat milkshake business and the November 2025 acquisition of UK-based premium milkshake brand Shaken Udder, the Idilia group now spans cocoa beverages, chocolate spreads, cookies, and milkshakes across Spain, the UK, and more than 30 additional international markets.

The company generates revenue through one-time sales of branded packaged food to consumers, distributed via major retail chains (Carrefour in Spain, Tesco in the UK), broader food retail, and direct channels including ColaCao e-commerce and a factory-visit experience. Its product portfolio addresses multiple consumption occasions and dietary needs, with variants for gluten-free, vegan, and no-added-sugar requirements. FY2023 Idilia standalone revenue was reported at €204 million with 335 employees; the Cacaolat JV brought in €82 million of 2023 revenue (12.8% year-over-year growth) under 50% ownership, and Shaken Udder is projected at €40 million for 2025. Operational differentiation rests on a sustainability program including a 25,000 m² on-site solar park, AENOR Zero Waste and zero carbon footprint (Scopes 1 & 2 since 2025) certifications, FSSC 22000 and ISO 9001 quality systems, and social initiatives including the Fundación ColaCao anti-bullying program (267,000+ students registered) and a 30+ year partnership with the Spanish Food Bank Federation. The company has stated a target of 20% international revenue contribution and is repositioning itself as a multi-brand, multi-category food platform.

Name

Idilia Foods

Legal name

IDILIA FOODS S.L.U.

Website

https://www.idilia.es

Company type

Private

Founded year

1945

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Idilia Foods is a Spanish family-owned branded food company (founded 1945) that manufactures and distributes cocoa (ColaCao), chocolate spreads (Nocilla), cookies, and milkshakes (Cacaolat JV, Shaken Udder) to consumers across Spain, the UK, and 30+ international markets through major retail and direct channels.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Consumer Packaged Foods (Cocoa, Chocolate Spreads & Milkshakes)

NAICS

Chocolate and Confectionery Manufacturing from Cacao Beans (311351), Sugar and Confectionery Product Manufacturing (3113), Snack Food Manufacturing (31191), Ice Cream and Frozen Dessert Manufacturing (31152), Food Manufacturing (311)

SIC

Food And Kindred Products (2000), Cookies & Crackers (2052), Sugar & Confectionery Products (2060), Beverages (2080)

akta.pro primary industry

Breakfast Foods & Cereals (Cereal, Granola, Oatmeal) (CRADAAAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Cookies, Biscuits & Crackers (CRADABAD), Snack Bars (Granola, Protein, Cereal Bars) (CRADABAG)

Keywords

• Cocoa powder products
• Chocolate spread manufacturing
• Breakfast beverages
• Snack cookies bars
• Milkshake beverages

Headquarters

HQ city

Valencia

HQ country

Spain

HQ region

Europe

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Food and Beverage Product Sales: Idilia Foods generates revenue primarily through the sale of branded food and beverage products including cocoa powder (ColaCao), chocolate spreads (Nocilla), cookies (Nocilla Cookies, ColaCao Bañadas), milkshakes (Shaken Udder), and other consumer packaged goods. Products are sold through retail channels across Spain, the UK, and international markets.

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Idilia Foods is a Spanish family-owned food manufacturer and brand owner that produces and sells consumer packaged food and beverage products, including cocoa powder (ColaCao), chocolate hazelnut spreads (Nocilla), cookies, snack bars, and milkshakes (Cacaolat, Shaken Udder). The company manufactures at its own production facilities in Parets del Vallès and Santa Coloma de Gramanet (Spain), and Tiptree (UK), distributing through major retail chains and international channels in 30+ countries.

Product overview

Idilia Foods is a Spanish family-owned food company managing a portfolio of iconic Spanish brands focused on breakfast, snacks, and beverages. The core portfolio includes ColaCao (cocoa powder with iconic 'grumitos'), Nocilla (chocolate hazelnut spreads), and Paladín (snacking brand). Following strategic acquisitions, the company expanded into milkshakes through Shaken Udder (UK premium milkshakes acquired November 2025) and a 50% stake in Cacaolat (June 2024), creating Spain's largest milkshake group. The company has also expanded into new categories including cookies (ColaCao Bañadas, Nocilla Cookies) and snacks (Nocilla Barritas). Idilia Foods operates from headquarters in Barcelona and Valencia, with manufacturing in Parets del Vallès since 1981, employing approximately 335 people and generating 204 MM€ in revenue.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ColaCao: Leading cocoa powder brand known for its iconic 'grumitos', including variants like ColaCao Original, ColaCao Turbo, ColaCao Noir, ColaCao Crispy Rocks, ColaCao Sin Gluten, ColaCao Puro, and ColaCao Bañadas (cookies)
• Nocilla
• Paladín
• Shaken Udder
• Cacaolat
• Mesura

Products and services

• ColaCao Spain's leading cocoa powder brand with iconic 'grumitos' (cocoa clusters) texture. Includes Original, ColaCao Turbo, ColaCao Noir, ColaCao Sin Gluten (gluten-free), ColaCao Puro (no added sugar), ColaCao Crispy Rocks, ColaCao Energy, and ColaCao Shake variants. Consumed at over 50 glasses per second in Spain. Targeted at families and children for breakfast occasions.
• Nocilla Spain's leading chocolate hazelnut spread brand. Includes variants such as Nocilla Original, Chocoleche, Noir (intense, no palm oil, suitable for celiacs and vegans), 0% azúcares añadidos, Cookies&Cream, Crunchy (with crispy wafer pieces), and Booms Rellenas (mini cookies). Extended into cookies (Nocilla Cookies) and snack bars (Nocilla Barritas). Targeted at families, teens, and adults for breakfast and snacking.
• Paladín
• Shaken Udder UK-based premium milkshake brand acquired by Idilia in November 2025, operating as an independent business unit with 20 product references. The leading premium milkshake brand in the UK market, distributed through Tesco and other UK retailers. Includes Fibre Milkshakes variants (Mint Choc, Banana).
• Cacaolat Spain's most relevant milkshake brand since 1933, managed via 50% joint venture with Damm. Includes Cacaolat, Letona, Laccao, ColaCao Energy, ColaCao Shake, and Okey brands. Present in over 30 countries internationally. €82 million revenue in 2023 with 12.8% growth year-over-year.
• Mesura Sweetener brand available in the Idilia Foods portfolio, targeted at consumers seeking controlled-sweetness food and beverage options.
• ColaCao Bañadas ColaCao Bañadas are ColaCao-branded cookies featuring ColaCao coverage and chocolate chips. ColaCao's first cookies in over 75 years. Available in Original and Mini formats. Targeted at families and children for snacking.
• Nocilla Barritas Nocilla snack bars — the brand's first entry into the snacking category. Wafer-based bars filled with Nocilla cream, coated in chocolate with cereal topping. Available in Original and Cookies & Cream varieties, in 2-bar and 6-bar packs. Targeted at teens, young adults, and on-the-go consumers.
• ColaCao Crispy Rocks ColaCao Crispy Rocks combines classic ColaCao cocoa with vanilla flavor and crispy cookie balls coated in chocolate. Targeted at children and families for snacking occasions.
• Nocilla Booms Rellenas Nocilla Booms Rellenas are crispy mini cookies with more chocolate hazelnut cream filling than any other competitor product in the market. Targeted at children, teens, and families for snacking.
• Shaken Udder Fibre Milkshakes Shaken Udder Fibre Milkshakes are high-fiber milkshakes with a thick, creamy texture. Available in Mint Choc and Banana flavors. Distributed through Tesco stores in the UK. Targeted at health-conscious UK consumers seeking indulgent yet functional dairy beverages.

Quantifiable outcome

• ColaCao is consumed at a rate of more than 50 glasses of milk with ColaCao per second in Spain.
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Shaken Udder LtdcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 November 2025Idilia acquired Shaken Udder, a UK-based premium milkshake company, marking Idilia's first international acquisition. Shaken Udder is the leading premium milkshake brand in the UK with 20 product references and projected €40 million revenue in 2025. Founded in 2004 by Jodie and Andrew Howie in Tiptree, Essex, the company operates as an independent business unit within Idilia, retaining 100% of its current team. The acquisition supports Idilia's strategic expansion in the beverages sector and boosts its international business to ~20% of total revenue.
• DammflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 November 2024Idilia Foods and Damm entered into an agreement for Idilia to acquire 50% of Cacaolat, creating the largest milkshake group in Spain. The partnership manages iconic brands including Cacaolat, Letona, Laccao, ColaCao Energy, ColaCao Shake, and Okey. Cacaolat will continue operating independently under its current management team led by Director General Josep Barbena. The operation was pending CNMC approval as of June 2024. Cacaolat generated €82 million revenue in 2023 with 12.8% growth and 225 employees.
• EY-ParthenonminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEY-Parthenon acted as advisor to Idilia in the Shaken Udder acquisition process.
• Clifford ChanceminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerClifford Chance acted as legal advisor to Idilia in the Shaken Udder acquisition process.
• International Cocoa Foundation (ICI)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIdilia collaborates with the International Cocoa Foundation (ICI), which integrates farmers, governments, and civil society to promote socially responsible cocoa cultivation and advance human rights in cocoa-growing communities.
• World Cocoa Foundation (WCF)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIdilia collaborates with the World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) to support sustainable cocoa supply chains and respect human rights in cocoa-producing communities, aligning with its commitment to responsible sourcing.
• EcoembesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIdilia participates in Ecoembes Talks, a forum where companies, suppliers, and experts debate the major challenges of circularity including reuse, recyclability, innovation, and new regulatory frameworks for packaging sustainability.
• Federación Española de Bancos de Alimentos (FESBAL)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIdilia collaborates with the Spanish Food Bank Federation (FESBAL) through its Idilia Solidaria program, donating products to fill the pantries of families in vulnerable situations. This partnership has been ongoing for over 30 years.
• BeOn (Safety Consultancy)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerBeOn visited Idilia's plant in Parets del Vallès to share experiences and good practices in occupational safety and health, reinforcing Idilia's safety culture.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Valor Chocolates: Spanish family-owned chocolate manufacturer (founded 1881) producing chocolate bars, cocoa powder, and confectionery under the Valor brand. Direct domestic Spanish competitor to Idilia in cocoa and chocolate categories.
• Premier Foods: UK-listed packaged food company (Mr Kipling, Ambrosia, Batchelors, Angel Delight) operating in the same UK grocery channels as Shaken Udder. Comparable model as a multi-brand packaged food consolidator serving UK retailers like Tesco.
• Natra: Spanish chocolate and cocoa manufacturer supplying private label and branded products across Europe. Competes with Idilia in cocoa derivatives and chocolate confectionery manufacturing in Iberia and internationally.
• Müller UK & Ireland: UK dairy leader in yogurts, milk, and dairy-based desserts including milkshakes. Direct competitor to Shaken Udder in the UK premium milkshake category and shares key retail customers (Tesco, Sainsbury's, convenience).
• Ferrero: Italian global confectionery giant whose Nutella is the world's leading chocolate hazelnut spread, directly competing with Idilia's Nocilla. Ferrero also produces cocoa-based products (Kinder Bueno, Ferrero Rocher) competing in adjacent categories where Idilia operates.
• Pladis Global: Owner of McVitie's, Godiva, and Jacob's, producing biscuits and confectionery across Europe and the UK. Competes with Idilia's ColaCao Bañadas and Nocilla Cookies in the cookies/biscuits category and has UK retail distribution overlap with Shaken Udder.

Broad incumbents

• Nestlé: Global food and beverage incumbent whose Nesquik cocoa powder is the international benchmark for breakfast cocoa beverages, directly comparable to ColaCao. Nestlé's broader portfolio (KitKat, Smarties, Häagen-Dazs milkshakes/ice cream) overlaps with multiple Idilia categories.
• Mondelez International: Global snacks and confectionery leader (Cadbury, Milka, Toblerone, Oreo) with overlapping products in chocolate, cookies, and snack bars. Direct competitor in European retail shelves where Idilia's Nocilla and ColaCao Bañadas compete.
• Barry Callebaut: World's largest chocolate and cocoa manufacturer supplying industrial and specialty chocolate globally. Indirect competitor and supplier ecosystem participant — comparable in cocoa-processing expertise relevant to Idilia's ColaCao and Nocilla production.
• Mars, Incorporated: Global confectionery and food manufacturer (M&M's, Snickers, Mars bars, Dolmio, Uncle Ben's) with comparable chocolate, snack bar, and spreads product lines. Operates with similar brand-house strategy of iconic heritage names.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/idilia-foods

Compliance7 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A1 record

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Idilia Foods