Unraveling the sweet enigma: does jelly belly’s empire extend to candy corn?
What To Know
- Ferrara Candy is the largest producer of candy corn in the United States, with a market share of over 80%.
- While Ferrara Candy and Jelly Belly are the primary producers of candy corn, there are a number of other candy manufacturers that also produce the treat.
- The ownership of the candy corn trademark is likely to remain with Ferrara Candy for the foreseeable future.
The beloved candy corn, a staple of Halloween festivities, has sparked a lingering question: does Jelly Belly, the renowned candy manufacturer, hold ownership over this iconic confection? This blog post delves into the fascinating history and complexities surrounding this sweet debate.
A Brief History of Candy Corn
Candy corn’s origins trace back to the late 1800s when George Renninger, a candy maker from Philadelphia, first created the tri-colored treat. Initially marketed as “Chicken Feed,” it gained popularity as “Candy Corn” in the early 1900s.
Jelly Belly’s Acquisition of Goelitz Candy Company
In 2001, Jelly Belly purchased the Goelitz Candy Company, which had been producing candy corn since the 1950s. This acquisition raised the question of whether Jelly Belly now owned the rights to candy corn.
The Trademark Issue
The answer is not entirely straightforward. While Jelly Belly acquired the Goelitz Candy Company, they did not acquire the trademark for candy corn. The trademark remains with the Ferrara Candy Company, which was formed in 2012 from the merger of Farley’s & Sathers Candy Company with Ferrara Pan Candy Company.
Ferrara Candy’s Dominance in Candy Corn Production
Ferrara Candy is the largest producer of candy corn in the United States, with a market share of over 80%. They produce candy corn under the Brach’s, Ferrara, and Now and Later brands.
Jelly Belly’s Candy Corn Production
Despite not owning the trademark, Jelly Belly continues to produce candy corn under their own brand name. However, they must distinguish their product from the Ferrara Candy versions by using slightly different colors and packaging.
The Role of Other Candy Manufacturers
While Ferrara Candy and Jelly Belly are the primary producers of candy corn, there are a number of other candy manufacturers that also produce the treat. These include Brach’s, Necco, and Albanese Confectionery Group.
The Future of Candy Corn Ownership
The ownership of the candy corn trademark is likely to remain with Ferrara Candy for the foreseeable future. However, it is possible that Jelly Belly or another candy manufacturer could acquire the trademark in the future.
The Sweet Conclusion
The question of whether Jelly Belly owns candy corn has a complex answer. While they do not own the trademark, they continue to produce their own version of the treat. Ferrara Candy remains the dominant producer of candy corn, but other manufacturers also have a presence in the market. The future ownership of the candy corn trademark remains uncertain, but the sweet treat will undoubtedly continue to delight generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who invented candy corn?
A: George Renninger, a candy maker from Philadelphia, invented candy corn in the late 1800s.
Q: When did Jelly Belly acquire the Goelitz Candy Company?
A: Jelly Belly acquired the Goelitz Candy Company in 2001.
Q: Who owns the candy corn trademark?
A: Ferrara Candy Company owns the candy corn trademark.
Q: Does Jelly Belly produce candy corn?
A: Yes, Jelly Belly produces candy corn under their own brand name.
Q: Are all candy corn brands the same?
A: No, different candy corn brands may use slightly different colors and flavors.
