Tiger Brands sells Beacon, but these popular chocolates are staying
· The South African
For generations of South Africans, Beacon has been a fixture in sweet shops, supermarket aisles and Easter baskets. From chocolate slabs to festive treats, the brand has become deeply woven into local confectionery culture.
Now, that chapter is coming to an end.
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Tiger Brands has announced that it has reached an agreement to sell the iconic Beacon brand, marking one of the biggest changes to its confectionery business in years.
The deal, concluded in May 2026, includes the Beacon brand itself as well as equipment used to manufacture products such as chocolate slabs, Easter eggs and assorted chocolates.
While the company has not yet revealed the buyer, the sale signals a major shift for one of South Africa’s most recognisable chocolate brands.
Don’t panic – some favourite Beacon treats are staying
Before fans of TV Bar and Nosh start worrying, Tiger Brands has made it clear that several of its best-known chocolate and snack brands are not part of the deal.
The company will retain:
- TV Bar
- Nosh
- Wonder Bar
- Black Cat chocolate
- Jelly Tots chocolate
- Jungle Energy Bar
According to Tiger Brands, these products remain profitable and play an important role in its strategy to grow its snacks business.
In other words, while Beacon is leaving the portfolio, many of the chocolates South Africans have grown up with will remain exactly where they are.
A brand with nearly a century of history
Beacon’s story began in 1931 when Lithuanian immigrant Hymie Zulman bought Durban Confectionery and Spice Works.
Over the decades, the brand grew into one of South Africa’s largest confectionery names, becoming synonymous with everything from chocolate bars to holiday treats (yes, those famous marshmallow Easter eggs).
Tiger Brands first bought a 50% stake in Beacon in 1990 before taking full ownership in 1998.
Nearly three decades later, the company is now preparing to hand the brand over to a new owner.
Why is it being sold?The sale forms part of Tiger Brands’ broader effort to reduce its exposure to the chocolate sector and focus on areas where it sees stronger growth opportunities.
The company is also in the process of selling Chococam, its chocolate business in Cameroon, as it streamlines its operations.
At the same time, Tiger Brands is doubling down on snacks and convenience products, categories that have seen growing consumer demand in recent years.
For now, shoppers are unlikely to notice any immediate changes on store shelves.
Beacon products are expected to continue being sold while the transaction is finalised, and Tiger Brands has indicated that the sale aligns with its long-term business strategy rather than any issues with the brand itself.
Still, for many South Africans, the news marks the end of an era.