Tri d'Aix International

What Tri d'Aix International does

Tri d'Aix International (legal entity: tri d'Aix GmbH) is a German confectionery sales and distribution company headquartered in Alsdorf near Aachen, at the German-Belgian-Dutch border triangle. Founded in 1991 by Evelyn and Günter Bartz as a family-owned business, the company built one of the broadest confectionery assortments in the German-speaking market by combining three proprietary brands — Yummi Yummi (over 80 fruit gum and liquorice variants including the Sturmwarnung sub-line), Mellow Mellow (over 40 marshmallow variants including Mädelsabend gift sets and Belgian chocolate pralinés), and Sweet Stories (over 90 hard candy variants plus sugar-free Süße Naschwatte cotton candy) — with exclusive DACH distribution rights for five international partner brands (Fini, Zeta Espacial / Magic Gum / Pop Rocks, Confiserie du Nord / Head Bangers, Au'some / Flic'n'Lic, Casa del Dolce / Trinketto). The company's value proposition targets boredom and undifferentiated merchandising at supermarket confectionery shelves, using Pick'n'Mix bulk concepts, themed counter displays for kiosks and convenience stores, and bespoke category-refresh programs for retail chains.

Operationally, Tri d'Aix runs a 7,400 sqm site with a 4,000+ sqm warehouse, approximately 3,000 pallet spaces, scanner-controlled MDE devices integrated with a modern ERP system, and IFS Broker plus IFS Logistics certifications (valid through July 2027). The company exports to roughly 20 European countries and combines B2B wholesale (minimum order value €750, quote-based pricing, drop-ship and central-warehouse fulfillment to national trading partners) with a direct-to-consumer channel launched in 2021 via mellowcompany.de and a dedicated 'Mellowfriends' Instagram community. Marketing relies on annual presence at the ISM Cologne trade fair, CleverReach email newsletters, downloadable product catalogs, and seasonal co-branded promotions such as the Weber grill sweepstakes tied to BBQ marshmallow SKUs.

In February 2026, Tri d'Aix was acquired by Spain-based The Fini Company — its 30+ year distribution partner — for an undisclosed sum, with the company retaining its existing management and organizational structure. The Fini ownership is positioned to support international expansion and broader commercial reach, while Tri d'Aix continues to operate its hybrid B2B/DTC model from Alsdorf with a team of approximately 40–48 employees.

Name

Tri d'Aix International

Legal name

tri d'Aix GmbH

Website

https://tri-d-aix.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1991

Operating status

Acquired

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Tri d'Aix International is a German confectionery distributor selling own-brand (Yummi Yummi, Mellow Mellow, Sweet Stories) and partner-brand sweets via B2B wholesale to European supermarkets, kiosks, and convenience stores, plus direct-to-consumer online sales through mellowcompany.de.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Alsdorf

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. B2B Wholesale Distribution: Wholesale distribution of confectionery products (own brands and partner brands) to retailers, supermarkets, kiosks, and convenience stores across approximately 20 European countries. Minimum order value of €750 per delivery. Products supplied under exclusive distribution arrangements with branded manufacturers.
2. Direct-to-Consumer Online Retail (Mellowcompany.de): Online shop selling own-brand confectionery (Yummi Yummi, Mellow Mellow, Sweet Stories) directly to end consumers in Germany. End consumers purchase individually packaged products at retail prices.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Tri d'Aix International (tri d'Aix GmbH) is a German confectionery sales and distribution company offering one of the widest confectionery assortments in the German-speaking market. The company develops and supplies its three proprietary brands — Yummi Yummi® (fruit gums and liquorice), Mellow Mellow® (marshmallows) and Sweet Stories® (hard candies, retro sweets and sugar-free cotton candy) — alongside five distributed partner brands (Fini®, ZETA®/Magic Gum®/Pop Rocks®, Confiserie du Nord®/Head Bangers®, Au'some®/Flic'n'Lic® and Casa del Dolce®/Trinketto®) to supermarkets, kiosks and convenience retailers across approximately 20 European countries, with a direct-to-consumer online shop at mellowcompany.de.

Product overview

Tri d'Aix International is a German confectionery sales and distribution company offering one of the widest confectionery ranges in the German-speaking world. The portfolio is built on three proprietary brands — Yummi Yummi® (over 80 varieties of fruit gums and liquorice including the Sturmwarnung® sub-line), Mellow Mellow® (over 40 varieties of marshmallows in various formats, including Mädelsabend gift sets and Belgian chocolate pralinés), and Sweet Stories® (hard candies with nostalgic/Rock candy craftsmanship, chewing gums, and sugar-free cotton candy) — complemented by five partner brands (Fini®, ZETA/Magic Gum/Pop Rocks®, Confiserie du Nord/Head Bangers®, Au'some/Flic'n'Lic®, and Casa del Dolce/Trinketto®). The company distributes via wholesale to retailers, kiosks, convenience stores, and supermarkets, operates a consumer-facing online shop (MellowCompany.de), and exports to approximately 20 European countries.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Yummi Yummi®: Fruit gum brand offering over 80 varieties including special flavors like hot chilli, herbs, Cuba Libre, Mojito, and seasonal Christmas varieties. Also includes Sturmwarnung® liquorice line with varying strength levels.
• Mellow Mellow®
• Sweet Stories®
• MellowCompany

Products and services

• Yummi Yummi® Tri d'Aix's proprietary brand of fruit gums and liquorice spanning over 80 varieties in unusual flavours (chilli, mojito, Cuba libre, gin & tonic, ginger-honey, eucalyptus) and distinctive shapes. Includes the Sturmwarnung® liquorice sub-line with intensity levels Strength 5, Force 10 and Force 12. Distributed to retailers across Europe and via mellowcompany.de to German consumers.
• Mellow Mellow® Tri d'Aix's proprietary brand of marshmallows spanning over 40 varieties in unusual shapes and formats (XXL giant fruits, mini pieces on metre skewers, 3D creations including butterflies, bananas, strawberries and cones), plus Mädelsabend® themed gift collections and Mellow Mellow® Pralinés (marshmallows coated in Belgian milk, dark and white chocolate). Distributed to retailers across Europe and sold directly to consumers via mellowcompany.de.
• Sweet Stories® Tri d'Aix's proprietary brand of hard candies, retro sweets, chewing gums and cotton candy spanning over 90 varieties, featuring handcrafted filigree motifs such as Rocks candies, lollipops and gum machines in nostalgic packaging designed to evoke childhood memories.
• Fini® Spanish confectionery brand distributed by Tri d'Aix spanning fruit gums, marshmallows, chewing gums and innovative sugar items, including Spinner Battle (spinning-top candies) and Basketball Gum (with flavour burst). Produced by Fini Golosinas S.L.U., founded 1970, with which Tri d'Aix has a 30+ year distribution relationship.
• ZETA® / Magic Gum® / Pop Rocks® Spanish confectionery brands distributed by Tri d'Aix in the German and DACH market, including Magic Gum® (crackling bubble gum in blue bags), Pop Rocks® (crackling fizzy powder in sachets) and TwoToOne® brands. Produced by Zeta Espacial S.A., founded 1979, with operations in Spain, Mexico and the USA.
• Confiserie du Nord® / Head Bangers® French confectionery brands distributed by Tri d'Aix in Germany, including Head Bangers® (extremely sour hard candies and chewy sweets). Produced by Confiserie du Nord, part of the Sucralliance group, the third largest player in the French confectionery market with over 200 employees and two production sites.
• Au'some® / Flic'n'Lic® US confectionery brand distributed by Tri d'Aix in the German market, featuring Flic'n'Lic — innovative hinged lollipops that open and close for extended enjoyment in multiple fruit flavours. Produced by Au'some Candies Inc., founded 1998, known for toy-and-candy combinations.
• Casa del Dolce® / Trinketto® / Trinkola® Italian confectionery brands distributed by Tri d'Aix in the German market, including Trinketto® (bubble-gum flavoured drink in bottles) and Trinkola® (cola and lemonade drinks). Produced by Casa del Dolce S.P.A., an Italian family confectionery company founded in 1950 by Enrico Castellazzi.
• MellowCompany.de Online Shop Consumer-facing online shop operated by Tri d'Aix selling the company's own brands (Yummi Yummi, Mellow Mellow, Sweet Stories) and partner brands (Fini, Flic'n'Lic) directly to German end consumers in carefully selected assortments with unusual packaging.
• Sweet Stories® Süße Naschwatte (Sugar-Free Cotton Candy) Sugar-free cotton candy made with oligofructose (from chicory root), containing up to 90% less sugar than traditional cotton candy. Vegan, halal and kosher certified, free from flavour enhancers, colourings and gluten. Awarded at ISM 2023, Sweetie 2024 and Show-Star 2023.

Quantifiable outcome

• One of the widest confectionery ranges in the German-speaking world
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Fini Golosinas S.L.U.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSpanish confectionery manufacturer founded in 1970, now operating at several thousand pieces per minute production capacity. Products include fruit gums, marshmallows, chewing gum, and innovative sugar items. Fini and Tri d'Aix have a long-standing distribution relationship spanning over 30 years.
• ZETA ESPACIAL S.A.majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSpanish confectionery company founded in 1979, headquartered in Spain with operations in Mexico and the USA. Known for innovative products including Magic Gum (crackling chewing gum), Pop Rocks (fizzing candy), and TwoToOne. Tri d'Aix distributes Zeta Espacial brands in the German and DACH market.
• Confiserie du NordmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFrench family-owned confectionery company with over 200 employees, part of the Sucralliance group. Two production sites covering over 10% of total French confectionery production, making it the third largest player in the French market. Known for the 'Head Bangers' extremely sour candy brand. Tri d'Aix distributes Confiserie du Nord products in Germany.
• Au'some Candies Inc.minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUS company founded in 1998 in New Jersey as a subsidiary of Candy Novelty Works Ltd. (headquartered in Hong Kong). Known for innovative toy-candy combinations, particularly the Flic'n'Lic hinged lollipop brand. Tri d'Aix distributes Au'some products in the German market.
• Casa del Dolce S.P.A.minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorItalian family confectionery company founded in 1950 by Enrico Castellazzi. Modern production and distribution company with strict quality control and efficient logistics. Products include Trinketto (bubble gum drink) and Trinkola (cola/lemonade). Tri d'Aix distributes Casa del Dolce products in the German market.
• Weber (Weber-Stephen Products LLC)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerWeber-Stephen Products LLC partnered with Tri d'Aix for a Barbecue Marshmallow promotional campaign (March–August 2026), offering Weber grills as prizes via monthly sweepstakes. Activation tied to BBQ marshmallow product sales through retail channels.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Fini Golosinas S.L.U. Spanish fruit-gum, marshmallow, and chewing-gum manufacturer founded in 1970; long-standing distribution partner to Tri d'Aix for 30+ years and now its parent (Feb 2026 acquisition), with the most directly overlapping product mix in the peer set.
• Katjes Fassin GmbH + Co. KG: German manufacturer of fruit gums, liquorice and nonchocolate confectionery brands with a similar mid-market positioning; competes head-to-head in the same European retail aisles and overlaps with Tri d'Aix's fruit-gum and liquorice SKU portfolio.
• Cloetta AB: Swedish multi-brand confectionery group (Kexchoklad, Jenkki, Red Band) with a combined own-brand + acquired-brand distribution model that mirrors Tri d'Aix's structure of combining proprietary labels with licensed partner brands in adjacent markets.
• Stockheim GmbH & Co. KG: German confectionery manufacturer/distributor covering fruit gums, marshmallows, and hard candies with a B2B retail focus; competes for similar supermarket and kiosk shelf placements in Germany and adjacent European markets.
• Haribo GmbH & Co. KG: Germany's leading fruit-gum and sugar-confectionery manufacturer (Goldbears, etc.) and the most direct large-scale competitor to Tri d'Aix's Yummi Yummi fruit-gum franchise; same product category, same primary geography (DACH), and overlapping retail customers.
• Zeta Espacial S.A. Spanish confectionery company behind Magic Gum, Pop Rocks, and TwoToOne brands; a strategic distribution partner of Tri d'Aix with closely matched novelty/innovation-led product positioning and pan-European ambitions.
• Kalfany Süße Werbung GmbH & Co. KG: German promotional-confectionery company combining own brand manufacturing with multi-brand distribution and B2B retail/supply to supermarkets and convenience channels — a near-analog operating model to Tri d'Aix at a similar mid-market size in Germany.

Broad incumbents

• Perfetti Van Melle S.p.A. Global confectionery group owning Mentos, Chupa Chups, and other fruit-gum/candy brands with overlapping categories; materially larger and broader-portfolio than Tri d'Aix, but competes in the same European retail confectionery aisles.
• Mars Wrigley: Global mass-market confectionery incumbent (M&Ms, Skittles, Starburst, Maltesers, gum) operating across all of Tri d'Aix's product categories; not a niche competitor but exerts direct pressure on supermarket shelf space, pricing, and slotting in the same channel.

Emerging players

• Jelly Belly Candy Company: US specialty/novelty sugar-confectionery brand with a strongly differentiated, design-led, premium-priced positioning that avoids mass-market price competition; exhibits a comparable model of innovation-led own-brand candy sold through specialty and impulse channels.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/mellowfriends
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/tri-d-aix-international

Compliance7 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 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 Tri d'Aix International