What Carletti does

Carletti A/S is a Danish confectionery manufacturer founded in 1918 as Brdr. Jakobsen, headquartered in Skødstrup near Aarhus. The company produces a broad portfolio of chocolate and candy products spanning iconic Danish classics (P-tærter and Skumbananer, both launched 1953; Brazil, 1958; Big Ben caramels, 1939; Kæmpeplade chocolate bars), seasonal items (Juleskum, Påskeskum), chocolate spreads (Pålægschokolade), premium variants (Jakobsen, Evers), and acquired brands (Dansk Chokoladefabrik, Støvring Bolcher, Heede Bolcher, Makulaku Lakritsa). Manufacturing involves chocolate enrobing, foam/confectionery molding, and dragé coating across three production facilities in Skødstrup (Denmark), Vejle (Denmark), and Poland, with a Finnish sales/licorice subsidiary via the 2021 Makua Foods acquisition.

The company operates a dual B2C/B2B model. Consumer revenue is generated through branded retail distribution in Danish chains (Nemlig.com, Rema 1000, Bilka) and Northern Europe, supported by content marketing, recipes, and competitions. B2B revenue comes from private-label manufacturing and dragé products sold to food industry customers for use in cakes, ice cream, and dairy products. The company is 100% owned by the family-owned Danish Givesco group (since 2006) and holds IFS Food and BRCGS certifications, with validated sustainability commitments (SBTi 42% CO2 reduction by 2030, 50% food waste reduction by 2030). All cocoa is sourced through Barry Callebaut under Fairtrade and Rainforest Alliance certifications, and palm oil is RSPO-certified.

Name

Carletti

Legal name

Carletti A/S

Website

https://carletti.dk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1918

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Carletti is a Danish confectionery manufacturer founded in 1918, producing iconic chocolate and candy brands (P-tærter, Skumbananer, Brazil, Kæmpeplade) for Danish and Northern European retail, plus private-label and B2B dragé products for the food industry.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Confectionery Manufacturing

NAICS

Sugar and Confectionery Product Manufacturing (3113), Confectionery Manufacturing from Purchased Chocolate (311352)

SIC

Food And Kindred Products (2000), Cookies & Crackers (2052)

akta.pro primary industry

Chocolate & Chocolate Confectionery (CRADABAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Baking Ingredients & Desserts (Flour, Mixes, Frosting, Gelatin) (CRADAAAD), Chocolate, Sweet Spreads & Syrups Manufacturing (AFAKADAK)

Keywords

• Confectionery manufacturing
• Chocolate production
• Private label candy
• Seasonal confectionery
• Danish chocolate brands

Headquarters

HQ city

Skødstrup

HQ country

Denmark

HQ region

Europe

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Branded Confectionery Retail Sales: Carletti develops and produces chocolate and confectionery products marketed and sold through retail channels to private consumers, primarily in Denmark and Northern Europe. Brands include P-tærter, Skumbananer, Brazil, Kæmpeplade, Big Ben, and others.
2. Private Label Manufacturing: Carletti produces goods for other market players under private labels. Also manufactures dragé products sold to other food industry companies for use in cakes, ice cream, and dairy products.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Carletti manufactures and sells chocolate and confectionery products under iconic Danish brands such as P-tærter and Skumbananer (launched 1953), plus a broader portfolio including Kæmpeplade chocolate bars, Brazil, Big Ben caramels, Pålægschokolade spreads, and seasonal items (Juleskum, Påskeskum). The company also operates contract/private label manufacturing and produces dragé ingredients sold to other food industry businesses for use in cakes, ice cream, and dairy products. Products reach Danish and Northern European consumers primarily through supermarket chains and online grocery retailers.

Product overview

Carletti is a Danish confectionery manufacturer offering a broad portfolio of chocolate and candy products primarily to private consumers in Denmark and Northern Europe. The company operates as both a consumer packaged goods manufacturer (B2C) and a B2B supplier. The core product lineup centers on iconic Danish classics including P-tærter (launched 1953), Skumbananer (1953), Brazil (1958), and the Kæmpeplade chocolate bar series with various cocoa percentages including dark 70%, organic, and white variants. The portfolio includes spreads (Den Lyse and Den Mørke Pålægschokolade), thick-slice chocolate for bread (Tykke Skiver), seasonal Easter products (Påskeskum, Påskeæg, Påskemix), Christmas products (Juleskum, Konfekt), and specialty items like Bridge Blanding and Maritza. The company also manufactures private label products and dragé products for the food industry. Carletti owns several acquired brands including Jakobsen (premium chocolate), Evers (Flødetabletter), and operates Finnish subsidiaries Makulaku Lakritsa and Impuls Tukku through Makua Foods.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Carletti: Main brand for chocolate and confectionery products
• Evers
• Jakobsen
• Skumbananer
• P-tærter
• Brazil
• Kæmpeplade
• Big Ben
• Den Runde
• Makulaku Lakritsa

Products and services

• P-tærter Original Carletti's iconic product consisting of a French nougat base topped with roasted peanuts and a chocolate coating; targeted at Danish consumers and confectionery enthusiasts for snacking and sharing.
• P-tærter Karamel P-tærter variant combining French nougat base with caramel and salted peanuts, coated in chocolate; aimed at consumers seeking a caramel variation of the original P-tærter.
• P-tærter Extra Dark P-tærter variant with French nougat, salted peanuts, and extra dark chocolate coating; targeted at consumers preferring dark chocolate.
• Skumbananer Original The original banana-flavored marshmallow coated in dark chocolate, introduced in 1953 and Carletti's most recognizable product; targeted at Danish consumers as a classic snack.
• Brazil Soft vanilla-flavored marshmallow coated with milk and dark chocolate, introduced in 1958; targeted at consumers seeking a classic Danish foam confection.
• Kæmpeplade Chocolate Bar Series Classic chocolate slab with Danish flags available in multiple variants (Mørk dark, Lys milk, Mørk 70% dark, Mørk Økologisk organic, Hvid white); suitable for baking, desserts, and coating. Aimed at Danish home bakers and dessert makers.
• Pålægschokolade Chocolate Spread Chocolate spreads for bread in milk (Den Lyse) and dark (Den Mørke) variants, plus thick slices (Tykke Skiver Lys/Mørk); part of every purchase supports Danske Hospitalsklovne. Targeted at Danish families as a daily bread topping.
• Maritza Soft raspberry jelly coated with dark chocolate; targeted at consumers seeking a fruity confectionery option.
• Bridge Blanding Classic assortment of chocolate, nuts, almonds, licorice, mint, brittle, and raisins; aimed at consumers wanting a mixed confectionery assortment.
• Seasonal Confectionery (Juleskum and Påskeskum) Seasonal Christmas foam (Juleskum) in vanilla and strawberry flavors shaped as Christmas trees, snowmen, and bells, and seasonal Easter foam (Påskeskum) in orange, peach, and salted caramel flavors shaped as rabbits, chicks, and eggs; targeted at Danish consumers for holiday gifting and traditions.
• Påskeæg Easter Egg and Påskemix Easter egg shell (Påskeæg) containing assorted Carletti products (Påskeskum, Skumbananer, Brazil, P-tærter Original, P-tærter Karamel, Cubabar with caramel, Big Ben caramels) and Easter mix (Påskemix) of foam and gummy confectionery with fruit flavors; targeted at gifting and family Easter celebrations.
• Konfekt and Romtoppe Soft and sweet fruit jelly confectionery (Konfekt) in fruit and apricot flavors sprinkled with crunchy sugar and classic Danish rum-flavored confectionery (Romtoppe); classic Christmas items for Danish households.
• Carletti Brand Legacy Confectionery Legacy Carletti brand products including Wienerlinser, Lakridspinde, Chokoladerosiner, Conditorplader, and Conditorknapper; aimed at consumers seeking classic chocolate and licorice confectionery.
• Big Ben Caramels Caramel candy brand launched in 1939; targeted at Danish consumers as a traditional caramel confection.
• Jakobsen Premium Chocolate Products Premium dessert and bread chocolate products under the acquired Jakobsen brand, including Jakobsen Pålægschokolade Lys (at least 41% cocoa, Ecuador cocoa mass), Jakobsen Pålægschokolade Mørk (at least 73% cocoa), and Jakobsen Dessertchokolader with classic and exciting fillings (marzipan, mint, caramel, ginger, key lime); targeted at quality-conscious consumers.
• Evers Brand Confectionery Classic Evers brand products including Flødetabletter and Schweizerdrops; acquired brand known for traditional Danish confectionery aimed at nostalgic consumers.
• Makulaku Lakritsa Finnish Licorice Finnish licorice products from the Makulaku Lakritsa factory, part of the Makua Foods subsidiary acquired in 2021; targeted at licorice consumers in Finland and Northern Europe.
• Private Label and Contract Manufacturing B2B contract manufacturing service producing chocolate and confectionery products for other market players under private labels; aimed at food industry customers seeking co-manufacturing partners.
• Dragé Ingredients for Food Industry Dragé confectionery products sold to other food industry companies for use as ingredients in cakes, ice cream, and dairy products; targeted at food manufacturers seeking high-quality coated ingredients.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 8 out of 10 Danes know the P-tærten and Skumbananen products
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Danske HospitalsklovnecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCarletti supports Danske Hospitalsklovne (Danish Hospital Clowns), which creates safety and good moments for sick and vulnerable children and young people in Danish hospitals. Carletti donates a minimum of 125,000 kr annually. Carletti Pålægschokolade (chocolate spread) packaging specifies that purchases support this initiative.
• Barry CallebautcoreTechnology or IntegrationCarletti purchases chocolate from Barry Callebaut. Through this relationship, comprehensive aid programs are carried out in West Africa as part of the World Cocoa Foundation membership. This partnership ensures sustainable cocoa sourcing.
• World Cocoa FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCarletti is a member of the World Cocoa Foundation. Through chocolate purchases from Barry Callebaut, aid programs in West Africa are funded.
• Danmark mod madspildminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCarletti has committed to reducing food waste by 50% by 2030 as part of the 'Danmark mod madspild' (Denmark Against Food Waste) initiative.
• Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)coreOthersCarletti has joined SBTi and committed to reducing CO2 emissions by 42% by 2030, covering both direct and indirect emissions. The 2030 targets have been validated by SBTi.
• EcoVadisminorOthersCarletti conducts annual sustainability assessments through EcoVadis, evaluating environmental, social, and governance practices.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Cloetta: Swedish-listed confectionery group producing chocolate, pastilles, and chewing gum brands (Kexchoklad, Plopp, Center) across the Nordics. Comparable as a multi-brand Nordic confectionery manufacturer with overlapping categories (filled bars, foam candies) and similar retail channels, though operating at significantly larger scale.
• Marabou: Swedish chocolate brand owned by Mondelez, producing filled chocolate bars (Marabou, Duplo) for the Nordic market. Comparable in product category (chocolate bars and filled confectionery) and Nordic retail presence, though owned by a global multinational.
• Fazer: Finnish confectionery and bakery group producing chocolate (Fazer Blue, Karl Fazer) and bakery products. Comparable given Carletti's Finnish subsidiary operations (Makua Foods) and overlapping chocolate and confectionery categories in Nordic retail.

Direct peers

• Nidar: Norwegian confectionery manufacturer producing chocolate and sugar confectionery brands including Nidar Plukkfisk and Stratos. Comparable as a Nordic regional chocolate manufacturer focused on domestic markets with iconic local brands.
• Toms Confectionery: Danish chocolate and confectionery manufacturer producing iconic domestic brands such as Toms Guldbarren and Anthon Berg liqueurs. Closely comparable to Carletti in terms of Danish heritage, branded confectionery portfolio, and retail distribution model.

Others

• Pharmax (Dragé manufacturer): European manufacturer of chocolate dragé products for the food industry (ice cream, dairy, bakery applications). Comparable to Carletti's B2B dragé business supplying confectionery coatings and inclusions to food manufacturers.
• Barry Callebaut: Global cocoa and chocolate manufacturer that supplies Carletti with chocolate for its branded and private-label production. Comparable as a chocolate manufacturer and value chain participant; also a key strategic supplier to Carletti.
• Private Label Confectionery Manufacturers (e.g., Natra): European private-label chocolate and confectionery manufacturers serving retailers. Comparable to Carletti's B2B private-label and dragé ingredient business, where Carletti supplies retailers and other food manufacturers under their own brands.

Emerging players

• Summerbird: Danish premium handmade chocolate manufacturer focused on luxury chocolate for gifting and specialty retail. Comparable as a Danish chocolate manufacturer serving premium retail and gifting occasions.
• Galerie au Chocolat: Danish premium chocolate brand producing specialty chocolate for retail and gifting. Comparable as a Danish-based chocolate manufacturer competing in the same retail channels and gifting occasion that Carletti targets.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/CarlettiDK
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/carletti-as

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about Carletti