Panda (Finnish company)

Panda was founded in 1920 by the Finnish confectioner Karl Fazer, who established the company as a separate entity to produce licorice and other candies. The company's name 'Panda' was chosen to evoke the gentle and beloved image of the giant panda, which was a popular symbol of peace and friendship at the time.¹

In 1927, Panda introduced its first licorice product, which quickly became a staple in Finnish households. Over the decades, the company expanded its product line to include chocolates, pastilles, and other confections, while maintaining a strong focus on licorice as its signature offering.

Panda has changed ownership several times: it was part of the Fazer Group until 1996, then became independent, and in 2013 it was acquired by the Norwegian conglomerate Orkla ASA. Despite these changes, Panda has retained its Finnish identity and continues to produce its candies in Vaajakoski, where the main factory is located.

Panda's product range includes a wide variety of licorice, such as the classic Panda Original Licorice, salty licorice, and flavored varieties like mango and strawberry. The company also produces chocolate bars, pralines, and pastilles, often combining licorice with chocolate in innovative ways.

The manufacturing process at Panda emphasizes natural ingredients and traditional recipes. For example, Panda's licorice is made with wheat flour, molasses, and licorice extract, and the company avoids artificial colors and flavors in many of its products. The factory in Vaajakoski is one of the largest confectionery plants in the Nordic countries, producing over 10,000 tonnes of candy annually.

Panda is also known for its seasonal and limited-edition products, such as Christmas-themed licorice and special collaborations with Finnish designers.

Panda is a market leader in Finland, with a strong presence in the Nordic and Baltic countries. The brand is particularly popular in Sweden, where it is sold under the same name, and it has a growing foothold in other European markets.

In recent years, Panda has expanded its exports to Asia and North America, capitalizing on the global interest in Nordic licorice. The company's products are available in specialty stores and online retailers worldwide.

Panda's marketing often highlights its Finnish heritage and the quality of its ingredients, appealing to consumers who value authenticity and tradition.

One lesser-known fact is that Panda was the first company in Finland to produce licorice in the 1920s, and it holds the oldest licorice recipe in the country. The company's original licorice recipe has remained unchanged for nearly a century, a point of pride for the brand.

Panda has a unique product called 'Panda Lakritsi' that is often used as an ingredient in Finnish baking and cooking, not just as a candy. For example, licorice is used in some traditional Finnish desserts and even in savory dishes.²

Another interesting detail is that Panda's factory in Vaajakoski is powered by renewable energy, and the company has implemented several sustainability initiatives, such as reducing water usage and packaging waste.

Panda also produces a line of sugar-free licorice, which is popular among health-conscious consumers, and it was one of the first confectionery companies in Finland to offer such options.

Licorice

A confectionery made from the root of the licorice plant, known for its distinctive sweet and slightly bitter flavor.

Salty licorice

A type of licorice flavored with ammonium chloride, popular in Nordic countries.

Orkla ASA

A Norwegian conglomerate that owns Panda since 2013.