Gold Brick Eggs and Heavenly Hash Eggs from Elmer Chocolate are a tradition in Louisiana Easter baskets. Now the 170-year-old Ponchatoula candy company has new owners. Elmer recently sold to Florida-based, Hoffman Family of Companies. Geoff Hoffman with HFC says they’re not looking to change Elmer Chocolate, and the Nelson Family will continue to run it.
“Our firm specializes in partnering with legacy businesses, so businesses that have been around for multiple generations of family ownership that are looking not to really change anything other than unlock opportunities and avenues of growth,” Hoffman explained.
Having been a long-time fan of gold brick toppings on his ice cream, Hoffman says he was excited to partner with Elmer and when he toured the facility, he knew it was a company they wanted to partner with.
“What got us most excited, is when we came in and met the team and saw the manufacturing capability and facility. The culture that the Nelson’s have built within the Elmer candy facility is really best in class,” Hoffman said.
Hoffman says it will be business as usual, and he wants to introduce Elmer Chocolates to new areas of the country. Elmer CEO, Robert Nelson says the family wants to grow the company and keep it in Ponchatoula for another 170 years.
“We know we need to grow, and we know that there are things that we want to do to grow this company and provide more opportunity for people in our community. The Hoffmans can help us get there, and we’re really excited about it,” Nelson said.
