Beginning of Kelsen
Founded in 1933 by Marinus and Anna Kjeldsen, Kelsen has deep roots in Danish tradition and heritage. Marinus, a Danish carpenter, and Anna, the daughter of a master baker, combined their passion for cookies and entrepreneurial spirit to establish the company in Nørre Snede, Denmark. Despite its international renown, Kelsen remains firmly rooted in Denmark, with production facilities in Nr. Snede and Ribe, exporting its beloved Danish butter cookies to over 67 markets worldwide. The company's commitment to quality and expertise , established by its founders, continues to drive its success today, honoring the legacy of Marinus and Anna Kjeldsen's vision and dedication.
Kelsen Group today
Today, Kelsen Group is known all over the world for our butter cookies – especially the iconic brands, Kjeldsens and Royal Dansk. In addition to the highly appreciated brands, Kelsen supplies a variety of House Brands, Designer Tins and Private Label products to customers across the world. The development and production of all our cookies take place in our two factories in Denmark according to the highest international quality standards.
Timeline:
1933 – Foundation and Birth of Kjeldsen & Co
The company is founded by Anna and Marinus Kjeldsens under the name of Kjeldsen & Co Home Bakery, and the Kjeldsens brand is born.
1950s – First Export
Kjeldsens Butter Cookies are exported for the first time to USA in the 1950’s. In the following years, the overseas business grows, and by 1963, consumers in Hong Kong SAR, PRC could enjoy a Kjeldsens Butter Cookie for the first time.
1966 – Royal Dansk is born
The first ever Royal Dansk butter cookies to be baked in the Danish village of Helsingør. The cookies are packed in an iconic blue tin and the brand soon becomes known as “The Blue Tin”.
Kjeldsen & Co. is sold to an external shareholder Incentive A/S, ending the era as a family-owned business.
1980’s - INTERNATIONAL EXPANSION
The business expands internationally. Kjeldsens Limited (Hong Kong SAR, PRC) is established in 1982 and Kelsen Inc. (USA) in 1987.
2000 - FIRST CUSTOMISED DESIGNER TIN
The concept of “Designer Tins” is born, and customers were able to develop cookie products with customised tin designs.
2003-2004 - ACQUISITION OF QUEENS AND RIPENSA
Kelsen acquires the brands Queens (2003) and Ripensa (2004).
2009 - NEW COMPANY NAME “KELSEN GROUP A/S“
Following various shifts in ownerships, mergers and acquisitions, the company name changes to the current name Kelsen Group A/S.
2009 - APPOINTED AS PURVEYOR TO THE ROYAL DANISH COURT
Kelsen is granted the Royal Warrant and can now use the designation “By Appointment to The Royal Danish Court”.
2013 - JOINING CAMPBELL SOUP COMPANY
Kelsen Group is acquired by Campbell Soup Company (USA) and becomes the EMEA sales hub for Campbell’s.
2019-2020 - STARTING A NEW CHAPTER WITH FINE BISCUITS COMPANY (FBC) GROUP
Kelsen Group is acquired by CTH Invest S.A. in 2019 and becomes a part of Fine Biscuits Company S.A. in 2020 together with our sister company Biscuits Delacre S.A. (Belgium).
