Dutch chocolate firm Droste, founded in 1863, acquired by Belgian Chocolate Group

Droste is being acquired by the Belgian chocolate group Pauwels Engineering, Hosta International, the parent company of the Dutch chocolate firm founded in 1863, announced this week. The move will bring the Droste product lines under the same ownership as the brands The Belgian, Koetjesreep, and aviation-inspired chocolatier Starbrook Airlines.

Hosta International announced in July that it was looking for a buyer for Droste who would continue the company and all associated activities. According to the parent company, Pauwels Engineering is that company. “Thanks to the acquisition, Droste, the taste of real Dutch chocolate since 1863, will continue to exist.”

The Belgian family holding company already has several chocolate companies in its portfolio, including The Belgian Chocolate Group, Caluwé Artisan, and LoveChoc. It also owns the Dutch Koetjesreep, which it acquired in 1997 to preserve its existence.

Droste has been struggling since the pandemic. The energy crisis and extreme increase in cocoa prices in 2023 and 2024 put further pressure on the already struggling chocolate firm and prompted Hosta International to start looking for a buyer.

According to Hosta International, the new owner will take over the activities in Vaassen under the leadership of the current management team. Pauwels Engineering will resume the production of regular Droste products, including its chocolate letters, as soon as possible. Production will continue in the factory in Vaassen.