Ferrera Candy Co. to Acquire Jelly Belly Candy Co.

Chicago-based Ferrera Candy Co. is acquiring the Jelly Belly Candy Co., according to media reports.

Food Business News reports the acquisition would include more than 100 flavors of Jelly Belly jelly beans along with the company’s gourmet specialty confections and facilities in California, Illinois and Thailand.

Fairfield, CA is home to one of these facilities. Fairfield Mayor Kathrine Moy told the East Bay Times this week the company told local employees their jobs were safe and the facility would remain in Fairfield.

“As we considered the future of Jelly Belly Candy Co., 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. “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 around the world. I am confident of the continued success of Jelly Belly as part of the Ferrara portfolio.”

The company was founded by the Rowland family in Illinois in 1896 and has been family owned since then.

Ferrera is a business unit of the multinational confectionery and chocolate company Ferrero SpA and is a maker of popular candy brands like Black Forest and SweeTARTS.