OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill. -- Following the launch of Black Forest Organic gummies in 2015, Ferrara Candy Co. is expanding its line of USDA-certified organic candies with four new offerings: Fruity Chews, Sour Heads, Candy Drops and Caramel Hard Candies.
“As the largest nonchocolate manufacturer in the U.S., we recognized the opportunity for organic confections based on consumer desires and retailer needs,” said Todd Siwak, CEO of Ferrara Candy, Oakbrook Terrace, Ill. “We invested more than $25 million in the development of a complete organic infrastructure to produce high-quality, delicious-tasting organic confections offered at a reasonable premium compared to nonorganic versions. This investment enables us to continue to innovate and expand our organic offering. These efforts and more will help us reach our goal of doubling sales to $2 billion by 2020.”
The company has expanded its Black Forest Organic portfolio to address the latest marketplace trends including sour, the fastest growing flavor profile; fruit chews, the largest segment in nonchocolate; and hard candy, which has a significant loyal following. The result is Black Forest Organic Sour Heads, Fruity Chews, Candy Drops and Caramel Hard Candies. These new offerings join the original lineup of Black Forest Organic Gummy Bears, Worms and Cherries.
“Our launch will be supported with a strong $10 million campaign, including new digital and social marketing and in-store activations,” said Jamie Mattikow, chief commercial officer. “We will continue to expand our line into new segments and flavors.”
All Black Forest Organic candy is certified USDA Organic by Quality Assurance International, an authorized certifying agent. The USDA Organic seal indicates that the candy contains at least 95% organic ingredients and is made without the use of toxic persistent pesticides and GMOs. The seal also requires organic candy to be made in its own dedicated manufacturing line to prohibit the comingling with nonorganic products. The candy is also gluten- and fat-free, with no artificial flavors and colors from natural sources such as carrots, turmeric and red beets.
Black Forest Organic candies are available in 4- and 6-ounce bags. Select products also will be available in a 2-ounce single pack, a two- and three-quarter-ounce share pack and 8-ounce stand-up pouch. The 4-ounce organic candies retail for $1.29 to $1.99 per pack. New Sour Heads are available in Mixed Fruit and Watermelon. New Fruity Chews and Candy Drops are available in Mixed Fruit.
Based in Oakbrook Terrace, Ill., Ferrara Candy is a leading general line candy manufacturer created by the merger of Ferrara Pan Candy Co. Inc. and Farley’s & Sathers Candy Co. Inc. in 2012. The company manufactures a portfolio of branded and private-label confections.
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