Dive Brief:
- Great news for fans of Sunkist Fruit Gems! The beloved kosher candies, a staple at Jewish celebrations, will continue to be produced despite initial reports of discontinuation that sparked a nationwide outcry on social media.
- Sunkist Growers has secured a new manufacturing partner for the fruit gems in CandyRific, a reputable confectionery company based in Kentucky. The gems are set to make a comeback in early 2027.
- Following its acquisition of the Jelly Belly portfolio, Ferrara, the maker of Nerds, decided to discontinue the individually packaged candies that are popular at bar and bat mitzvahs.
Dive Insight:
After receiving overwhelming support for the return of Sunkist Fruit Gems, the company took action to find a new manufacturing partner. The candies, known for their soft texture, fruit flavors, and kosher certification, have been a part of Jewish celebrations for over 50 years.
Sunkist chose CandyRific as its new partner due to their expertise in the confectionery industry. CandyRific is known for producing popular products like popping candies for Warheads and Kool-Aid.
While Ferrara made the decision to discontinue the gems to focus on other aspects of its business, the move was met with disappointment from fans of the iconic candy.
The kosher market in the U.S. continues to grow, appealing not only to those following Jewish dietary laws but also to consumers with dietary restrictions and health-conscious individuals.