Fairfield's iconic Jelly Belly company swallowed up by Ferrara Candy of Chicago
Jelly Belly jelly beans exemplify so-called American ingenuity: They took what had basically been colorful but boring sugar balls ubiquitous in the bottom of Easter Baskets and made them into a flavor empire hailed by at least one president of the United States, Ronald Reagan.
In many ways, Jelly Belly also put Fairfield on the map. Its corporate office became a tourist stop for people wanting to take the tour and a community meeting place for locals celebrating holidays or holding business luncheons.
Now the nearly 50-year-old jelly bean confectioning juggernaut has announced that it is being sold to another giant American sweets company, Chicago-based Ferrara Candy Company. Ferrara announced Wednesday that it would acquire Jelly Belly for an undisclosed amount of money.
The privately-owned Ferrara already churns out Nerds, Lemonheads and SweeTarts, along with gummy brands Trolli and Black Forest.
Herman Rowland, Jelly Belly chairman of the board of directors, said in a statement that Ferrara is a "like-minded" candy company that will grow the brand. Rowland also mentioned that it would be a "win-win" for employees.
According to a news release about the acquisition, once the deal closes, nearly 800 Jelly Belly employees globally and in California and Illinois will join the Ferrara organization.
When reached for comment, Fairfield Mayor Catherine Moy released the following statement:
"We expect nothing to change when ownership of Jelly Belly changes hands. The current Vice President told me employees' jobs are being maintained. We've enjoyed a great relationship with the Rowland family and I'm saddened that they've decided to step back from operating Jelly Belly. I will meet as soon as possible with the new CEO to ensure a smooth transition. The city aims to maintain Jelly Belly 's iconic place in Fairfield and will work with the new owners to do that."
Jelly Belly was founded in 1869 near St. Louis as the Goelitz Confectionery Company, which was known for its candy corn. In 1976 the company began its jelly bean endeavors.