Ferrara Candy Company is acquiring the Jelly Belly Candy Company, expanding its existing sugar candy portfolio. The financial details of the agreement have not been revealed, and finalization is set for the end of 2023, as stated by Jelly Belly's official announcement.
Around 800 Jelly Belly employees from California, Illinois, and Thailand facilities will be integrated under the Ferrara brand pending acquisition. Jeff Brown, Jelly Belly's current Executive Vice President of Global Operations and Distribution, will become Chief Executive Officer. Ferrara, recognizing synergy between their products, views prospects for their future as promising.
In 1869, Jelly Belly was established in Illinois. The Rowland family, through six generations, has maintained the brand's successful operation. Jelly Belly's signature jelly beans were launched in 1976, and the company's expanded product line includes BeanBoozled jelly beans and Sport Beans Energizing jelly beans. The Jelly Belly brand has achieved global recognition and is available in over 60 countries.
Mr. Herman Rowland, Sr., Chairman of the Board of Directors at Jelly Belly, expressed optimism for the company's future under Ferrara's wing. "When I met with the Ferrara team, I recognized 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 worldwide," Rowland said.
Ferrara, residing in Chicago for over a century, has a commanding position in the U.S. sugar confectionery sector. It features an impressive lineup to including Black Forest, NERDS, SweeTARTS, and Trolli. The company is a subsidiary of Ferrero, a confectionery giant, ensuring solid support for Jelly Belly's future endeavors.
Noting the acquisition's potential, Jelly Belly's President and CEO Lisa Brasher expressed enthusiasm. "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're pleased to become a part of this leading company."
Ferrara's CEO, Marco Capurso, shares Brasher's enthusiasm. "Our dedication to creating high-quality, innovative sugar confections for the world aligns perfectly with Jelly Belly's track record and passion for quality, reliability, and customer service. We are excited to collaborate and expand the success of our brands," Capurso said.
