Panda Oy is a Finnish confectionery company based in Vaajakoski, Jyväskylä. The company was founded in 1920 by SOK (Suomen Osuuskauppojen Keskuskunta).[2] Panda is known for its liquorice and chocolate products, with both categories having been produced at its main Vaajakoski facility for several decades.
In 2005, the company was sold to Felix Abba, which is part of the Norwegian Orkla Group.[3]
History
The early stages
SOK founded Panda in 1920. The name then was simply SOK's confectionery factory. In 1929, it moved to an extension built next to the margarine factory. In the early years, the product selection consisted only of hard candies and marmalade. The production of chocolate began in the new building, and liquorice began to be produced in the following decade.