The Uruguayan company Chocolates Haas, which bought the brand, announced the return of the historic candy to local shelves.
The traditional candy Ricardito prepares its return to the newsstands Uruguay since May 13, with new features and from the hand of a national company, after a year of leaving the local market.
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After the Bimbo group will close the production plant Richard —which the multinational acquired in 2008 but was founded in the ’50s by Hans Eichin— The famous and traditional candy Ricardito disappeared from the shelves. In May of last year, the news generated commotion and sadness among fans of the sweet made of waffle base, Italian meringue and chocolate coating, so iconic that even the bollards on the corners are informally called “ricarditos” because of their similarity.
Now, the Uruguayan company Haas Chocolates, which acquired the brand last year, announced the return of the candy that sold 3 million units per year and has more than 60 years of history. The novelty is the renewed recipe that not only “enhances its flavor,” but also makes it possible to reach a wider audience: a Haas chocolate coating is added to the classic Italian meringue, and it will be a product suitable for celiacs.
The renewed Ricardito will be available from next Monday the 13th in stores throughout the country, as confirmed by the manager of Chocolates Haas. Gerardo Lapetina.
On the other hand, May 5 was declared by the company as the “Ricardito Day”since last Sunday the official return of the traditional candy began with the launch of a campaign on public roads, media and social networks.
Bimbo’s businesses
Grupo Bimbo, a Mexican business conglomerate, bought the historic Ricard chocolate factory in Uruguay in 2008. The decision to close it in mid-2023 – with an end date of May 31 of last year – was due to its global strategy of focusing on grain-based foods, specifically in the baking and snacks categories.
This did not mean, however, the displacement of Bimbo in the country. Not only because it is dominant in the local market, but also because in February of this year—and in line with its new business strategy—the conglomerate acquired the Uruguayan company Pagnify, which was owned by the investment fund Linzor Capital. The operation is subject to the approval of the Commission for the Promotion and Defense of Competition (Coprodec) of the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF)according to a statement from Bimbo.
