Ownership
and Brands

Toms Group provides sweets and chocolate experiences through well-known brands and unique products. We originated in Denmark and today, our presence extends across large parts of the world.

The Beginning

Toms was founded in 1924 by two industrious pharmacists, Hans Trojel and Victor H. Meyer. They already operated a business with vending machines placed at stations and in front of stores. These machines allowed Danes to grab a little treat when they craved something sweet, and that led Trojel and Meyer into the sweets and chocolate industry. They decided to produce the goods for the machines on their own, instead of buying from other factories, so they invested in a factory on Amager and got started.

In the founding document from January 30, 1924, the name was registered as ‘Toms Fabrikker A/S’. In everyday language the name became ‘Toms,’ and it appeared in various forms on signs and packaging in the early years. Both ‘Toms Fabrikker’, ‘TOM’, ‘Tom’, ‘Tom’s’, and ‘Toms’ recur, and as the term “tom” in Danish means “empty” it has likely led to the anecdote that the ‘s’ not until later was added to the company name.

The Foundation

In 1942, Toms was purchased by wholesaler Victor B. Strand, a sharp trader with experience in manufacturing through his ownership of the company Tørsleff. During World War II, ingredients like cocoa beans and sugar were hard to come by for sweets and chocolate producers.

However, Victor B. Strand viewed these as opportunities rather than obstacles, and his trust in skilled employees made a significant difference. He hired competent directors to oversee progress and day-to-day operations. By the 25th anniversary in 1949, as the chairman of the board for Toms Fabrikker A/S, he was able to report profits, technological advancements, new products, and talented staff. The foundation for the future was firmly in place.

The Future

In 1974 the ownership of Toms Factories was passed on. Victor B. Strand transferred all shares to a foundation, which was intended to secure the best future for the company. The foundation was named ‘Gerda og Victor B. Strands Fond,’ and in its charter, one can read that the primary purpose is to ensure effective and rational operation of the business and development of Toms Factories and its affiliated companies.

Toms Group Foundation – Board of Directors 2023

With this purpose, Gerda og Victor B. Strands Fond—now known as the Toms Group Foundation – has since owned all shares and they bear the responsibility to guide Toms into the global market and towards a future with responsible production and sustainable consideration.

Following this commitment, every year the Toms Group Foundation supports various initiatives and partnerships that benefit people and environment—both in local communities and in the supply chain.

The Brands

Today, Toms Group owns a diverse range of strong brands with the potential to shape the future of the sweets and chocolate industry. Robust knowledge and strong traditions, experiences, and innovations to put into play.

All our brands have roots tracing back to the early beginnings of the confectionery production and have been shaped through decades of industrialisation, societal development, globalisation, and a focus on quality.

Directors throughout the Years

Anders N. Neergaard was the first director responsible for the entire company. He was hired in 1942 by Victor B. Strand, who had recently acquired the majority of shares in Toms Fabrikker A/S.

Several competent directors have followed Neergaard, and today, Annette Zeipel is the CEO of Toms Group.

Directors

1942 – Anders N. Neergaard
1970 – Ehlers Friis-Mikkelsen
1991 – Michael Olufsen
2000 – Per Harkjær
2004 – Jesper E. Møller
2014 – Carsten L. Thomsen
2021 – Annette Zeipel