Theo Chocolate to Merge with American Licorice Company

July 12, 2023

Seattle-based organic and fair-trade chocolate maker will join ALC and shut down Seattle manufacturing facility in the third quarter of 2023.

Andy Hanacek

Theo Chocolate announced its intent to merge with LaPorte, Ind.-based American Licorice Co. (ALC), according to a release from the Seattle-based organic and fair-trade chocolate confectioner. The move comes as part of Theo’s wider restructuring of its operations, which include the closure of its Seattle manufacturing site and reduction in office staff.

Since 2006, Theo products grew into national distribution from being a local Seattle product, and the company believes joining ALC’s portfolio of organic and better-for-you brands will ensure a strong future. The company cited industry-wide rising manufacturing and supply chain costs as the catalyst for these changes.

The closure of the Seattle facility and relocation of business operations will result in approximately 60 employees losing their jobs in the second half of 2023, the release stated. However, Theo will maintain its headquarters, Confection Kitchen and store in Seattle. The operational changes and the merger are expected to close in the third quarter of 2023.

Theo joins ALC, a family-owned and operated confectioner that was founded in 1914 and produces brands such as Red Vines, Sour Punch, Torie & Howard, and Zing Bars.

About the Author

Andy Hanacek | Senior Editor

Andy Hanacek has covered meat, poultry, bakery and snack foods as a B2B editor for nearly 20 years, and has toured hundreds of processing plants and food companies, sharing stories of innovation and technological advancement throughout the food supply chain. In 2018, he won a Folio:Eddie Award for his unique "From the Editor's Desk" video blogs, and he has brought home additional awards from Folio and ASBPE over the years. In addition, Hanacek led the Meat Industry Hall of Fame for several years and was vice president of communications for We R Food Safety, a food safety software and consulting company.