Ferrero says it will maintain and further build Eat Natural’s brand authenticity, while supporting the company with distribution and expansion to new markets and category segments opportunities.

Fannie May, which was acquired by Ferrero Group in 2017, has refreshed several of its 55 stores and totally remodeled others, including locations in the Chicago suburbs of Park Ridge, La Grange and Aurora.

CTH Invest, a Belgian holding group associated with Ferrero Group, announced it will acquire Fox’s branded and retailer own-brand biscuit business from Northern Food Grocery Group Limited.

The Ferrero Group will buy Oakbrook Terrace, Ill.-based Ferrara Candy Co. from private equity firm L Catterton, the companies announced Wednesday.

What I find most interesting about these latest deals, however, is that this marks the first time that these two companies will be producing confections on U.S. soil, particularly since both of these involve giants who have production facilities scattered throughout the world.

But a week later, 1-800-Flowers.com, Fannie May’s New York-based parent company, announced it would sell the brand -- along with the Harry London brand, an Ohio manufacturing facility, two warehouses and 79 retail stores -- to Ferrero International for $115 million.

Italian group Ferrero International has announced a multimillion-dollar deal to purchase Fannie May Confections Brands, Inc., from 1-800-Flowers.com, Inc., a leading floral and gourmet gift provider.