Ferrara acquires Jelly Belly Candy Company

October 19, 2023

Ferrara Candy Company recently announced an agreement to acquire Jelly Belly Candy Company through CTH Invest. The news follows its recent acquisition of Dori Alimentos, a Brazilian manufacturer of sweets.

The proposed acquisition will combine Jelly Belly Candy Company’s 100+ flavours of jelly beans and gourmet specialty confections with Ferrara’s wide-ranging portfolio of sugar candies. Once the acquisition closes, almost 800 Jelly Belly employees and its facilities based in California, Illinois and Thailand will join the Ferrara organisation.

Jeff Brown, who is currently the Executive Vice President of Global Operations and Distribution of Jelly Belly, will be appointed its Chief Executive Officer.

Jelly Belly Candy Company dates back to its founding in Illinois in 1869. Since then, it has been family-owned and operated by the fourth, fifth and sixth generations of the Rowland family. Its signature brand Jelly Belly jelly beans has been one of its most beloved candy products since its introduction in 1976.

Its portfolio includes more than 100 flavours of its jelly beans and other candies. It also has specialty retail confections including jelly bean lines such as BeanBoozled jelly beans and Sport Beans Energizing jelly beans.

Headquartered in Chicago for more than 115 years and privately owned, Ferrara is the a US-based sugar confections company and the manufacturer of 20 beloved brands such as Black Forest, NERDS, SweeTARTS, and Trolli. Ferrara is a Ferrero related company.

“As we considered the future of Jelly Belly Candy Company, we have been steadfast in our commitment to create a win-win situation for our employees, consumers, and products,” said Herman Rowland, Sr., Chairman of the Board of Directors of Jelly Belly. “When I met with the Ferrara team, I recognised a like-minded group that shares our knowledge and passion for the candy business and has the talent and resources to grow our products and the careers of our people around the world. I am confident of the continued success of Jelly Belly as part of the Ferrara portfolio.”

“Since our inception almost a century and a half ago, Jelly Belly Candy Company has been focused on providing exciting new flavours and continuous innovation, and we are extremely proud of the deep affinity we’ve built with our fans around the world,” added Lisa Brasher, President and Chief Executive Officer of Jelly Belly. “Ferrara’s interest reflects the substantial value of our storied brand, built on our team’s many successes, and the opportunity to drive continued growth. We look forward to being a part of this impressive company.”

“We are excited to bring Jelly Belly’s imaginative products and talented team into the Ferrara community,” concluded Marco Capurso, Chief Executive Officer of Ferrara. “Our dedication to creating high-quality, innovative sugar confections for the world and our deep relationships with retailers aligns perfectly with the Jelly Belly track record and passion for quality, reliability and customer service. We look forward to working together to build on the success of all our brands.”

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