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Arcor Group, a confectionery titan based in Argentina, has enthralled sweet-toothed consumers across the globe for well over half a century. With an extensive portfolio of beloved brands including Bon o Bon, Butter Toffees, and Bigtime, Arcor Group has embedded itself into the very fabric of society and has successfully situated itself as a chocolate maker with panache and an indulgent candy manufacturer of distinction.
What is the history of Arcor candy?
Arcor Group’s journey commenced in 1951, in the Argentine town of Arroyito, spurred on by the entrepreneurial spirit of five friends Fulvio Pagani, Renzo Pagani, Amos Pagani, Luigi Saguí, and Juan Saguí. From its humble beginnings in a modest 1,200 square metre building, the company has grown exponentially to become Argentina’s leading food company, and the world’s primary hard candy manufacturer.

Committed to delivering supreme confectionery products, Arcor made monumental strides in the seven decades that followed its inception. To date, Arcor Group has set an impressive trail in the confectionery sector with its pioneering work in innovative and diverse candies, chocolates, ice creams, biscuits, and other confectionery products. It exports its products to more than 120 countries, making it a truly global player in the candy industry.
In terms of its financial performance, Arcor Group has consistently maintained an upward trajectory. In 2020, the company reported revenues of $2.5 billion, with profits soaring by 14.7% compared to the previous year. Arcor Group’s resilience and steady financial performance allowed it to maintain its footing as a leader in the confectionery industry, standing tall amidst a global pandemic and numerous economic challenges.
Not Just Gummi Bears: A Universe of Beloved Brands and Products
Contrary to the misconception that Arcor is solely a candy company, the Arcor Group’s product line extends much beyond gummi bears. Its diverse range of products includes everything from cookies and wafers to ice creams and chocolates. The brands that Arcor champion include products like Bon o Bon; a range of chocolates that have become synonymous with love and affection, and Butter Toffees; the creamy indulgence desired by consumers worldwide.

Bagley, another brand under Arcor, is one of the leading companies in the market for cookies, crackers and cereal in Latin America. With other brands like Topline, Arcor and Cabsha, the group offers a variety of sweets and chocolates, showcasing their versatility and commitment to satisfy every preconditioned taste bud.
Global Giant, Local Focus: How does Arcor cater to different markets?
Despite its global reach, Arcor Group has maintained a distinct local focus in its operations and branding strategies. The company is well aware of the unique preferences and tastes associated with confectionery in diverse markets and tailors its products to meet these needs. From flavor variations to package designs, Arcor Group ensures a feeling of uniqueness and individuality in each market where it is present.

Arcor’s intuitive market strategy and its ability to localise its products have greatly contributed to its ascending trajectory on the global confectionery stage. This dual approach fuels the company’s growth, allowing it to reach consumers with the promise of local flavors and global quality standards.
Clearly, Arcor Group’s enduring success is not just due to its eminent brands and products, but also owing to a rich history, flourishing financial status, and a strategy that prioritises local needs. Arcor is a household name when it comes to confectionery products. With an impressive portfolio that spans from chocolates to biscuits.
Arcor Group Company Strategy
From the early days of its inception, Arcor’s goal has been unabated to produce food that generates moments of pleasure and joy. Driven by this core principle, the company has formulated a successful business strategy that includes a diversified product portfolio, a pursuit of innovation, efficient distribution networks, and a strong commitment to corporate sustainability.

Consistently expanding its product offering, Arcor ensures it has something for everyone. It has broadened its portfolio to include chocolates, candies, ice cream, cookies, and even food products like pasta – each product crafted to meet global quality standards, thus enabling the company to thrive in various markets.
Arcor’s commitment to innovation is demonstrated by its continual investment in research and development. It was one of the first confectionery companies to invest in its own biotechnology research center, as iterated in a Food Navigator article from 2018.
Additionally, the company’s technique of distributing products through various channels, including supermarkets, drugstores, and convenience stores, catalyzes its extensive reach. According to a report from Hoovers, Arcor’s vast distribution channels have played a critical role in reaching consumers worldwide.
Sustainability is also a significant aspect of Arcor’s business strategy. The company is conscious of its environmental footprint and prioritizes sustainable practices across production processes. In fact, it was recognized as one of the most sustainable companies in Argentina, as reported by Grupo Arcor in 2018.
Global Challenges and How Arcor Group Solved Them
Arcor’s global presence comes with its fair share of challenges. One such challenge was complying with different regulatory requirements of countries it operates in. Arcor tackled this by establishing the Directorate of Technical and Regulatory Affairs, responsible for ensuring that Arcor’s products fulfill the requirements of consumers and meet different countries’ regulatory standards.

Another major challenge for Arcor was managing fluctuations in international trade due to political, social, and economic changes. To weather these uncertainties, Arcor developed its own International Trade area that is committed to analyzing global market conditions and providing the necessary strategies and solutions.
What social initiatives does Arcor support?
Being a global corporate entity, Arcor has been participative in various social initiatives. In line with its corporate social responsibility, the company has established initiatives focused on promoting nutrition education, protecting children’s rights, and supporting the development of local communities.
The Arcor Foundation, instituted in 1981, promotes comprehensive childhood development, science, and culture within communities. It has various programs like the Primera Infancia (Early Childhood) program and the Educando en Nutrición (Educating in Nutrition) program, as noted in their 2019 Sustainability Report.
Moreover, Arcor is a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact Initiative, which confirms its commitment to human rights, labor, the environment, and anti-corruption measures. Ultimately, Arcor Group is not just about creating delicious confectionery, it is also about creating value and making a difference in the world.
What cultural impact does Arcor have?
Arcor Group holds a significant cultural and economic imprint not just in its home country, but across the globe. Fondly known as “the candy for every child’s pocket“, this corporate entity has been a part of millions of households worldwide and is intrinsically woven into many people’s sweetest childhood memories. Beyond these emotional associations, Arcor has made major societal contributions through job creation and community engagement. As per data from recent reports, Arcor Group is the main employer in over 40 Argentine communities and supports over 20,000 jobs in total.
Beyond employment, Arcor maintains a strong commitment to social responsibility. The Arcor Foundation, established in 1981, aims to improve the quality of education and promote children’s rights. Over the years, the foundation has reached out to more than 6 million children and adolescents through various social initiatives.
What are Arcor’s plans for continued growth?
Arcor Group’s development strategy hinges upon business diversification and continued global expansion. They continuously strive to introduce new products that cater to the diverse preferences of their multinational customer base, reserving a significant portion of their annual turnover for product innovation.
In recent years, the company has shown a keen interest in expanding in the Asian market, particularly in China, Indonesia, and Thailand. Despite some of the challenges posed by the current global climate, Arcor Group remains steadfast in its plan to boost exports by 50% over the next five years.
Furthermore, Arcor aims to enhance its sustainability profile. Recently, they signed an agreement with the Inter-American Investment Corporation to finance renewable energy projects, reduce their carbon footprint, and promote sustainable agribusiness practices.