Lotus Biscoff biscuits

Lotus Biscoff is an iconic caramelised biscuit with a rich history dating back to 1932. It was originally created by the Belgian baker Jan Boone Sr. in the village of Lembeke. The name 'Lotus' was chosen to symbolize purity, and the biscuit itself is based on the traditional Belgian 'speculoos' recipe. The brand gained international fame in the 1980s when it was introduced to the US market as an in-flight snack on Delta Air Lines, leading to the creation of the 'Biscoff' name—a portmanteau of 'biscuit' and 'coffee.'

Manufacturing remains deeply rooted in its hometown of Lembeke, Belgium, where the majority of production still takes place. To support global demand, Lotus Bakeries expanded its manufacturing footprint with a facility in Mebane, North Carolina (USA) in 2019, and a third major production site in Thailand which became fully operational in 2026 to serve the Asian and Australasian markets. Despite this global reach, the core 'premix' of secret ingredients is still produced in Belgium to ensure consistent flavor worldwide.

Ownership has remarkably remained within the founding families for nearly a century. Lotus Bakeries NV is a public company listed on Euronext Brussels, but the Boone and Stevens families maintain majority control through a holding structure. This long-term family stewardship is often credited for the brand's consistent quality and strategic focus on natural ingredients. While the company has entered into significant strategic partnerships, such as a 2024 agreement with Mondelēz International to expand into the Indian market and develop co-branded chocolate products, Lotus Bakeries remains an independent entity.