Ferrara Candy Company selects Orangeburg County for first South Carolina operation

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 expected to create 1,000 manufacturing and corporate jobs over the next decade.

Headquartered in Chicago for more than a century, Ferrara operates over 30 facilities worldwide and employs more than 9,400 people. Its products are sold in more than 60 countries and include a portfolio of more than 40 brands such as NERDS®, SweeTARTS®, Laffy Taffy®, Trolli®, Brach’s®, Jelly Belly® in the U.S., as well as Terry’s and Carambar in Europe and Dori in Brazil. Ferrara is a privately held, Ferrero-affiliated company.

The company’s new operation will be located at the intersection of Highway 21 and Rowesville Road in Orangeburg, where it plans to build a 750,000-square-foot facility. The site will include manufacturing for processing and packaging, a warehouse for raw and packaging materials, and administrative offices. The investment is intended to support growing consumer demand and further strengthen Ferrara’s position in the sugar confections market.

Initial production lines at the facility are expected to begin operating in the first quarter of 2029. Individuals interested in employment opportunities can visit readySC’s recruitment website, and companies interested in becoming suppliers or vendors are encouraged to complete the company’s online interest form.

Following a recommendation from the Joint Bond Review Committee, the State Fiscal Accountability Authority approved the issuance of General Obligation State Economic Development Bonds of up to $85 million to help offset the cost of site acquisition, site improvements and related infrastructure. The Coordinating Council for Economic Development also approved job development credits in support of the project.