COLUMBIA, S.C. — Ferrara Candy Company (Ferrara), a leading sugar confectioner in the United States, Brazil and Europe, announced plans to establish its first South Carolina operation in Orangeburg County. The company’s $675 million investment is projected to create 1,000 manufacturing and corporate jobs over the next 10 years.
Headquartered in Chicago for 118 years, Ferrara operates a network of more than 30 facilities worldwide and employs more than 9,400 people. Its products are sold in over 60 countries and span a portfolio of more than 40 iconic brands including NERDS®, SweeTARTS®, Laffy Taffy®, Trolli®, Brach’s®, Jelly Belly® in the U.S., Terry’s and Carambar in Europe, and Dori in Brazil.
Ferrara is a privately held Ferrero-affiliated company.
Ferrara’s new operation will be located at Highway 21 and Rowesville Road in Orangeburg, where the company plans to construct a 750,000-square-foot manufacturing facility including processing and packaging, a warehouse for raw and pack materials, and an administrative office.
The investment will support Ferrara’s high level of consumer demand and strengthen its position as a leader in sugar confections.
The first production lines in the new facility are expected to be operational in the first quarter of 2029.
After the Joint Bond Review Committee recommended approval, the State Fiscal Accountability Authority authorized the issuance of General Obligation State Economic Development Bonds in a principal amount not exceeding $85 million to offset the cost of acquiring the site, site improvements and related infrastructure.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development also approved job development credits related to the project.
