Norway-based food maker Orkla is to invest Skr20m ($1.8m) to expand its Bubs confectionery factory in Sweden.

The deal will see Orkla extending the Bubs factory in Jönköping “as early as this summer”.

Orkla said there is a demand from “both Swedish and international” customers for the products for the site.

Niclas Arnelin, business area manager for confectionery at Orkla and former Bubs CEO, said: "We are noticing the international trend through an increasing number of international visitors to the website, followers on social media and many new inquiries from international wholesalers.”

“Primarily, we are expanding to take care of all candy lovers and customers here in Sweden. But now that we are increasing capacity, both in the short term and in combination with our plans for the longer term, we also hope to be able to reach a more international market.”

Orkla acquired the family-founded confectioner Bubs in 2022. The brand’s Jönköping factory employs 50 people.

About 25% of the Bubs candies are exported, mainly to other Nordic countries. The investment is “part of a larger development plan”, Orkla said in a statement. The first phase, to be ready during the summer, will lead to capacity at the plant rising by around 20%.

One of Bubs popular candy products is Raspberry Licorice Skull.

Orkla owns other confectionery brands such as OLW, Smash and Göteborgs kex.

The company is present in Sweden with foods brands such as Grumme, Felix, Anamma, KronJäst and OLW.

Orkla has 3,000 employees and 15 production facilities in the country, mainly for food and hygiene products.