Salon du Chocolat to Return to NYC in November 2024
The largest world-renowned celebration of chocolate and cocoa, Salon du Chocolat, is set to return to the heart of New York City on Nov. 8-10, 2024 at the Javits Center.
Globally recognized by its Parisian origin,Salon du Chocolat is a remarkable international gathering of chocolatiers, artisans, pastry chefs, experts, and businesses from around the world, united by their unwavering passion for everything chocolate. Together, they create an awe-inspiring array of delectable offerings while showcasing their craftsmanship, diverse cultures, and extensive knowledge in a thoughtfully curated and immersive setting.
Attendees will have the opportunity to explore exclusive vendors, partake in delectable tastings, demonstrations, and educational seminars, shop for chocolate treasures, and most importantly, revel in the joy of chocolate in all its delightful forms.
The November 2024 edition of Salon du Chocolat New York City marks an exciting new chapter with globally recognized event organizer, Messe Frankfurt. This collaboration is poised to elevate the trade show to new heights, offering an even more premium, immersive experience for attendees, building on the strong foundation established in 2019.
“Celebrated for its diverse gastronomic landscape and culinary innovation, New York City provides the perfect backdrop for an event that celebrates the art of chocolate in all its forms. We look forward to continuing Salon du Chocolat’s legacy of excellence,” said Sharona Sandberg, operations manager, Messe Frankfurt Inc.
Save the date and prepare your taste buds for a sumptuous adventure at Salon du Chocolat New York City 2024.
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Ferrara to Acquire Jelly Belly Candy Company
Ferrara Candy Company will acquire Jelly Belly Candy Company through CTH Invest, the lead holding company of Ferrara. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
The proposed acquisition would combine Jelly Belly Candy Company’s more than 100 flavors of Jelly Belly jelly beans and gourmet specialty confections with Ferrara’s broad portfolio of sugar candies. Once the acquisition closes, nearly 800 global Jelly Belly employees and its facilities in California, Illinois and Thailand will join the Ferrara organization.
Jeff Brown, who is the executive vice president of global operations and distribution of Jelly Belly, will become its chief executive officer.
Jelly Belly Candy Company’s roots date back to its founding in Illinois in 1869 and it has continued to be family-owned and operated by the fourth, fifth, and sixth generations of the Rowland candy-making family. Its signature brand of Jelly Belly jelly beans has been one of the most loved and recognizable candy products in the world since its introduction in 1976. Its extensive portfolio includes more than 100 flavors of its well-known jelly beans and a wide variety of other candies.
The company is also well-known for its specialty retail confections, including jelly bean lines such as BeanBoozled jelly beans and Sport Beans Energizing jelly beans. Today, Jelly Belly distributes its products in more than 60 countries across five continents and has a strong track record of sustained and profitable growth.
Headquartered in Chicago for more than 115 years and privately owned, Ferrara is the leading U.S. sugar confections company and the manufacturer of 20 beloved brands such as Black Forest, NERDS, SweeTARTS and Trolli. Ferrara is a Ferrero related company.
“As we considered the future of Jelly Belly Candy Company, 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 of Jelly Belly. “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.”
“Since our inception almost a century and a half ago, Jelly Belly Candy Company has been focused on providing exciting new flavors and continuous innovation, and we are extremely proud of the deep affinity we’ve built with our fans around the world,” said Lisa Brasher, President and Chief Executive Officer of Jelly Belly. “Ferrara’s interest reflects the substantial value of our storied brand, built on our team’s many successes, and the opportunity to drive continued growth. We look forward to being a part of this impressive company.”
“We are excited to bring Jelly Belly’s imaginative products and talented team into the Ferrara community,” said Marco Capurso, Chief Executive Officer of Ferrara. “Our dedication to creating high-quality, innovative sugar confections for the world and our deep relationships with retailers aligns perfectly with the Jelly Belly track record and passion for quality, reliability, and customer service. We look forward to working together to build on the success of all our brands.”
The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2023 and is subject to certain closing conditions.
Raymond James acted as exclusive financial advisor and Foley & Lardner LLP served as legal counsel to Jelly Belly. Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP served as legal counsel to Ferrara Candy Company.
For more than 115 years, Ferrara has created sugar confections that enable moments of sweetness, celebration, and connection for candy lovers of all generations. Today, the company is a leading sugar confectioner in the United States with its broad portfolio of Ferrara products and a leader in Brazil through its Dori Alimentos products.
Ferrara boasts a passionate team of more than 7,500 employees creating and delivering hundreds of products sold under 20 popular brands like NERDS, SweeTARTS, Laffy Taffy and Trolli to more than 66 million U.S. households annually and popular Dori snacking products under brands such as Dori, Gomets, Pettiz and Yogurte 100 in Brazil.
Ferrara’s innovation success has been driven by deep consumer insights, strong retailer co-creation and partnerships, and a dedication to diversity of thought, experience, and people. A privately held company, Ferrara has its global headquarters in Chicago and an operational network of more than 27 locations in North America, Brazil and China that includes manufacturing, distribution, sales, and R&D facilities. Ferrara is a privately held Ferrero related company.
With candy-making roots dating back to 1869, Jelly Belly Candy Company began making Jelly Belly jelly beans in 1976. Today, Jelly Belly confections are sold all over the world and the company has remained family-owned and operated by the fourth, fifth, and sixth generations of the candy-making family.
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Big League Chew Becomes Official Bubblegum of USA Baseball
USA Baseball and USA Baseball Sports Properties within LEARFIELD have partnered with Big League Chew, baseball’s favorite bubble gum, to become an official partner of the organization as the Official Bubble Gum of USA Baseball.
Rooted in baseball culture for over four decades, Big League Chew has been a staple for generations of players and fans of America’s pastime. The partnership unites one of America’s most beloved and iconic bubble gum brands with the nation’s premier amateur baseball organization.
“USA Baseball looks forward to teaming up with Big League Chew on and off the diamond,” said USA Baseball COO David Perkins. “Big League Chew has become an iconic part of the game of baseball, and we are excited about this new relationship that will help to elevate the two brands in the amateur baseball realm.”
Big League Chew and USA Baseball are excited to team up in various capacities, such as USA Baseball branding being featured on every pack of Big League Chew, product placement in dugouts during USA Baseball events, and collaborative social media content showcasing how the country’s top young talent has fun with the gum as they chase their big league dreams. Additionally, Big League Chew will provide product to participants at USA Baseball events and to USA Baseball national team athletes annually.
“Joining forces with a prestigious organization like USA Baseball to help promote amateur baseball across the country is something Big League Chew and I can get behind completely,” said Rob Nelson, founder of Big League Chew.
“The momentum for the Big League Chew brand is accelerating rapidly, and our new partnership with USA Baseball will only help us round the bases faster. We are excited to work with the amazing USA Baseball team in 2024 and beyond.” said CEO of Ford Gum Scott Lerner.
USA Baseball Sports Properties within LEARFIELD is dedicated to representing USA Baseball by developing and managing sponsor relationships with brands looking to align with USA Baseball and its events and programming.
Sitting in a bullpen in Oregon in the summer of 1977, Portland Maverick lefthander Nelson came up with an idea that has had a lasting impact on the game of baseball: shredded bubble gum in a stay-fresh pouch. Since hitting the shelves in 1980, Big League Chew has produced and sold more than one billion pouches and is designated as the “Hall of Fame Bubble Gum” by the National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum.
Big League Chew is made in the USA by Ford Gum, a top manufacturer and co-manufacturer of assorted gums, confections, and health-related products for leading American brands.
USA Baseball is the national governing body for baseball in the United States and is committed to serving, protecting, and supporting the game of baseball and its 15.6 million participants. Founded in 1978, USA Baseball fields six national teams annually and is a member of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee and the World Baseball Softball Confederation.
On the diamond, USA Baseball is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and its national teams have won 67 gold medals in international competition. Off the field, the organization is dedicated to the proliferation and health of the sport through the creation and management of numerous development initiatives including BASE (Baseball Athlete Safety Education), Fun At Bat, Pitch Smart, PLAY BALL and the Prospect Development Pipeline.
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