UNIVERSAL SWEET INDUSTRIES S.A.

Author: Melissa Guaranga

Is mainly dedicated to the manufacture, distribution,
commercialization, import, export and representation
of brands of products from the confectionery,
chocolate, biscuit and snack industry in Ecuador, with
a history of more than 130 years in the Ecuadorian
market, for what their brands are widely known and
positioned. It is backed by the holding company Bia
Snacks Investments S.L, which acquired the company
in 2018.
Universal Sweet Industries, currently called La
Universal, is an Ecuadorian candy industry. It was
founded in 1889 in the city of Guayaquil, Ecuador, by Emilio Segale, Juan Bautista and
Domingo Norero.1 It was the pioneer company in candy products in 1911.
In 1926 a fire consumed its factory and a new factory had to be installed on Eloy Alfaro and
Gómez Rendón streets, where it is currently located.1 Universal would successfully launch
the Manicho, Huevitos and Cocoa brands of chocolate, and later, In 1927 the company would
start exporting products throughout Latin America, with the absolute command of Emilio
Segale.
In 1990, during the economic crisis, La Universal was declared bankrupt and economically
it would be out of the market. In 2005, Isabel Noboa bought the company, changed its name
to Universal Sweet Industries and returned to the market with all its brands. However,
commercially the company continues to maintain the name of La Universal. In 2018, La
Universal became part of BIA BRANDS, a multi-Latin food holding company.

Bibliografía
Global Ratings. (10 de Julio de 2022). Obtenido de Global Ratings:
http://www.globalratings.com.ec/site1/Adjuntos/173-2022-RESUMEN-UNIVERSAL-6EO-
JUN.pdf