Jelly Belly state of the union

by Emily Matchar, Posted Jun 26th 2008 @ 5:00PM

Despite the recession, people are buying Jelly Bellys like never before, reports the New York Times. Why? Because they blow other jelly beans out of the water in terms of taste, consumers say. And, as we've already seen, consumers are loathe to give up their little treats in the middle of stressful financial times.

While other candy companies are experiencing flat sales, the Jelly Belly Candy Company is producing 300,000 pounds of beans a day and rising. Sales are up 25 percent since 2006, for a total of $160 million a year. The company continues to expand its reach, with niche products like the "every flavor beans" from Harry Potter (try the dirt, stay away from the ear wax), the JBz, which are like flavored M&Ms, and electrolyte-infused sports beans.

Some marketers wonder if Jelly Bellys increased availability in stores like Wal-Mart will kill their appeal with higher end consumers (I remember when the only place I could find them was at a gourmet store). I personally doubt that any amount of snobbery will keep people away from their chocolate pudding- and cinnamon-flavored treats.

Source

Filed Under: Business, Newspapers, Ingredients
Tags: candy, economy, jelly beands, jelly belly, JellyBelly

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Reader comments (Page 1 of 1)

6-26-2008 @6:21PM rainey said... I have to completely disagree that Jelly Bellys blow other beans out
of the water. I think pectin jelly beans are infinitely superior.
It's true they don't have the variety of flavors but they have
excellent vibrant fruit flavors and those wonderful soft centers.

Personally, although I have to try a buttered popcorn or whatever
when it crosses my path, those unusual flavors don't really have
all that much appeal beyond novelty for me. So, in the end, it's the
excellence of the candy that counts and, for me, that's pectin.

Pectin jelly beans aren't all that available. I can only get them at
Easter and, even then, I have to go looking for them. When I find
them I stock up. Fortunately, they keep very well and the ones I but
in the Spring are still yummy and soft in the Winter.

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6-27-2008 @12:34AM david klein said...

interesting article. by the way just for the record I created the Jelly Belly bean in 1976. It has brought a lot of pleasure to a lot of people and for this I give thanks.....A documentary is being made on my life by Costa Botes and should be out soon.
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