KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Hoffmann Family of Companies acquires Elmer Chocolate in Ponchatoula, Louisiana
- Elmer will continue to operate independently under family leadership
- The company produces over 40 million Valentine’s chocolates annually
- Acquisition supports Elmer’s plans for innovation and year-round expansion
Florida-based Hoffmann Family of Companies, a private equity firm, has acquired Ponchatoula-based Elmer Chocolate, one of the nation’s leading seasonal chocolatiers known for its iconic Valentine’s Day candy hearts and Easter egg confections.
The acquisition, announced August 5, brings Elmer under the umbrella of the family-owned investment group, which operates more than 120 brands across 30 countries. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Elmer Chocolate will continue to operate independently under the leadership of third-generation family members Rob and Michael Nelson, who will retain partial ownership. Rob Nelson will remain president and CEO, while Michael Nelson will continue as president and COO.
“This partnership marks a major milestone for Elmer as we expand our reach beyond seasonal offerings and invest in long-term innovation,” said Rob Nelson. “We’re maintaining the quality and heritage our customers love while positioning the brand for year-round engagement.”
Founded in 1855 by New Orleans pastry chef Christopher Henry Miller, Elmer has evolved into a national player in the confectionery industry. The company is the largest U.S. producer of small, heart-shaped chocolate boxes and distributes over 40 million of its Valentine’s assortments annually across North America.
Elmer’s product portfolio also includes Gold Brick Eggs and Heavenly Hash Eggs—Easter staples in the Gulf South for over a century. The company’s 400,000-square-foot facility in Ponchatoula is one of the most technologically advanced chocolate production plants in the country, following a major expansion in 2016.
Geoff Hoffmann, co-CEO of the Hoffmann Family of Companies, praised Elmer’s legacy and leadership, calling the Nelsons “exceptional stewards of a beloved brand.” He added that the acquisition aligns with the firm’s strategy of backing high-quality, family-run businesses with growth potential.
The deal was led by Clayton Jones, EVP of Business Development at Hoffmann, with legal and due diligence support from Berger Cohen & Brandt and FORVIS, respectively. Elmer was advised by NextGen Capital Markets.
Headquartered in Florida, the Hoffmann Family of Companies operates across multiple sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, real estate, hospitality, and transportation, employing more than 17,000 people worldwide.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
