Jan 17, 2018 - Economy & Business

Nestle is selling its U.S. candy business to Italy's Ferrero

Nestle Crunch bars. Photo: Joe Raedle / Getty Images

Nestle is selling its U.S. candy business to Italy's Ferrero for $2.8 billion, the company said Tuesday. The move follows a push from the Swiss giant's CEO Mark Schneider to keep up with the increasing U.S. demand for healthy snacks.

Why it matters: Nestle said its candy business made up just 3% of its U.S. sales, lagging behind Mars, Hershey and Lindt, reports Reuters, and a sale would help it focus on its many other sectors from around the world. Meanwhile for Ferrero, which will become the U.S.'s third biggest confectionery maker, the deal creates an opportunity for the company to build greater scale in the U.S. market.

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