About Gandour
Gandour (Arabic: غندور) is a privately owned multinational food manufacturing company that specializes in confectionery, bakery products, snacks, chocolates, chewing gum, and other packaged foods. Founded in 1857 in Beirut, Lebanon, Gandour is one of the oldest food companies in the Middle East. It has grown into a major fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) manufacturer serving markets across the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and beyond. Today, the company’s global headquarters are located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. 1
| Company Overview | |
|---|---|
| Trade name | Gandour |
| Native name | غندور |
| Type | Private company |
| Industry | Food processing / FMCG |
| Founded | 1857 |
| Founder | Mahmood Gandour |
| Headquarters | Jeddah, Saudi Arabia |
| Origin | Beirut, Lebanon |
| Products | Chocolates, biscuits, wafers, cakes, chewing gum, candies, snacks, dates, staple foods, edible oils |
| Markets served | Middle East, North Africa, Gulf region, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Europe, North America |
| Official website | Gandourgandour.com |
Early years (1857–1911)
Gandour traces its origins to 1857, when Mahmood Gandour opened a small sweet shop in Beirut. The shop produced traditional confectioneries such as lokum (Turkish delight) and handmade hard candies, earning a reputation for quality craftsmanship. 2
Industrial expansion (1912–1940)
In the early 20th century, the second generation of the family expanded the business beyond confectionery into food products including flour, pasta, and fats. In 1912, Gandour built its first modern factory in Lebanon, which was then considered one of the country’s largest confectionery manufacturing facilities. This transition marked the company’s evolution from a neighborhood sweet shop into an industrial food producer. 2
During the 1930s, Gandour diversified further by introducing:
- Wafers
- Biscuits
- Molded chocolates
These additions laid the foundation for Gandour’s future as a comprehensive snack manufacturer. 2
Regional growth (1940s–1980s)
After World War II, Gandour rapidly expanded across the Middle East. The company modernized its manufacturing operations and introduced a distinctive mascot known as the “Gandour Boy,” symbolizing hospitality and service.
Throughout the 1950s, Gandour launched several products that became household names, including:
- Gandour Gum
- Tarboosh
- Lucky 555
- Unica
The company also established operations in Saudi Arabia, becoming one of the country’s earliest manufacturers of chocolate and chewing gum. 2
Modern era
Today, Gandour operates multiple manufacturing facilities across countries including:
- Saudi Arabia
- Lebanon
- Egypt
- India
Its products are sold in more than 30 countries, and the company continues to expand through product innovation while maintaining its family-owned heritage. 3
Products
Gandour manufactures a broad portfolio of food products, including:
- Chocolate bars
- Chocolate-coated snacks
- Biscuits
- Wafers
- Cakes
- Candies
- Chewing gum
- Dates
- Snack foods
- Staple food products
- Edible oils
The company serves both retail consumers and commercial markets with products designed for different regional tastes. 2
Popular Brands
Among Gandour’s best-known brands are:
- Yamama – cakes and baked snacks
- Tarboosh – chocolate and biscuit products
- Unica – chocolate snacks
- Lucky 555 – confectionery
- Crave – chocolate products
- Kunuz – candies
- Gandour Gum – chewing gum available in classic and sugar-free varieties
These brands have become familiar names in many Middle Eastern households. 2
Manufacturing and Global Presence
Gandour maintains production facilities in several countries and distributes products throughout:
- Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries
- Middle East
- North Africa
- South Asia
- Southeast Asia
- Europe
- North America
The company combines regional manufacturing with international distribution to serve diverse consumer markets. 3
Company Philosophy
Gandour describes its mission as “Making Food, Making Moments™” and emphasizes three core values:
- Quality
- Service
- Pride
The company highlights its heritage as a sixth-generation family business while focusing on continuous innovation and product development. 2
Milestones
- 1857 – Founded in Beirut as a traditional sweet shop.
- 1912 – Opened the first large-scale confectionery factory.
- 1930s – Expanded into wafers, biscuits, and chocolates.
- 1940s – Introduced the “Gandour Boy” brand identity.
- 1950s – Launched several iconic confectionery products.
- 1956 onward – Expanded manufacturing into Saudi Arabia.
- 1980s–present – Expanded internationally with a diversified snack portfolio. 2
Legacy
With a history spanning more than 165 years, Gandour is recognized as one of the oldest and most influential confectionery companies in the Middle East. From a small Lebanese confectionery shop, it has evolved into a multinational food manufacturer whose products are enjoyed by millions of consumers worldwide, while remaining a family-owned enterprise rooted in its tradition of quality and innovation. 2
