Voortman Cookies Limited is a Canadian company specializing in the production and sale of cookies. Based in Burlington, Ontario, Voortman brand cookies are sold at retail locations across Canada, the United States, Puerto Rico, and over 70 other countries worldwide.
Orrville, Ohio-based Smucker acquired Voortman in 2023 as part of its US$5.6-billion takeover of Hostess Brands. Hostess had purchased Voortman in 2019 from private equity company Swander Place Capital for US$320-million in cash, meaning the cookie maker has lost some value over the past five years. On Oct 22, 2024 Smucker sold Voortman to Michigan's Second Nature Brands for US$305-million.
History
Voortman Cookies Limited was founded in 1951 by Dutch immigrant brothers William and Harry Voortman. In the 2010s, Voortman Cookies makes over 60 varieties of cookies, including lines of creme wafers, sugar free and seasonal products. The Burlington plant remains the sole production facility, where over 200 full-time workers are employed. Voortman's cookies are distributed throughout North America by a network of over 500 independent distributors. In 2015, Voortman's sales were over $100 million.
In 2015, a majority stake in Voortman Cookies was acquired by private equity firm Swander Pace Capital.[1][2] At that time, chief executive officer Harry Voortman stepped away from daily management but remains on the board of directors.