Jelly Belly
Jelly Belly History
Jelly Belly jelly beans have a rich and fascinating history that traces back to the late 1800s. The story begins with Gustav Goelitz, a young German candy maker who immigrated to the United States in 1866. In 1869, he opened a candy business in Belleville, Illinois, which eventually became known as the Goelitz Confectionery Company.
The Goelitz family continued to run the candy business, specializing in various types of candies over the years. However, it wasn't until the 1960s that the iconic Jelly Belly jelly beans as we know them today came into existence. It was David Klein, a Los Angeles candy distributor, who played a significant role in their creation.
In 1965, David Klein came across a technique known as "flavor mixing," which involved infusing a candy shell with a variety of flavors. Inspired by this concept, he partnered with the Herman Goelitz Candy Company, a descendant of Gustav Goelitz's candy business, to develop a new type of jelly bean that would revolutionize the candy industry.
The collaboration between David Klein and the Goelitz family resulted in the launch of Jelly Belly jelly beans in 1976. These jelly beans featured an array of true-to-life flavors, made possible through the use of natural ingredients and a unique manufacturing process. The flavors were meticulously crafted to capture the essence of fruits, spices, sodas, and other delightful tastes.
Jelly Belly jelly beans quickly gained popularity for their exceptional flavor profiles and high-quality ingredients. They became a favorite among candy connoisseurs, and their reputation for excellence spread rapidly. The company's commitment to innovation, craftsmanship, and creativity allowed them to introduce new and exciting flavors, making each jelly bean a miniature taste adventure.
Over the years, Jelly Belly jelly beans have become a staple in popular culture, making appearances in movies, television shows, and even the hands of U.S. Presidents. Their distinctive packaging, featuring a clear bag with a logo and flavor imprints on each bean, became iconic and instantly recognizable.
Today, Jelly Belly remains a leading brand in the jelly bean industry, continually expanding its flavor offerings and engaging consumers with new and inventive creations. They have expanded their product line to include a wide range of gourmet candies, including chocolate, gummies, and sour treats, while still maintaining the beloved status of their original jelly beans.
The success of Jelly Belly jelly beans can be attributed to the dedication of the Goelitz family and their commitment to producing high-quality confections. Their enduring legacy and commitment to innovation have made Jelly Belly a household name, bringing joy and deliciousness to candy lovers worldwide.
Jelly Belly Memories
The first Jelly Belly jelly beans were sold by Mr. David Klein in a small ice cream parlor in Alhambra, California in 1976. The first flavors were Very Cherry, Tangerine, Lemon, Green Apple, Grape, Licorice, Root Beer, and Cream Soda. In the 1980s they were made famous nationwide by President Ronald Reagan who always had a jar of Jelly Bellies on his desk in the oval office and on Air Force One.
These Jelly Belly trips have not only become a tradition between my cousin and myself, but also a guaranty that no matter how old we both get, or how much is going on in our lives we will still find time to spend with each other and enjoy ourselves, even if its just eating a bag of Jelly Belly's. ~Jenna from Ontario, Canada
I remember back when I was a kid my mom would buy the big boxes of assorted Jelly Belly Beans when she had me for the weekend. The ones that were done where the different flavors were in separate little squares like assorted chocolates come in. My mom would always eat the reds ones because I was allergic to red food coloring and I would eat the Pina' Colada, Roasted Marsh-mellow and Blue Raspberry. These are the times that I miss and are some of my most vibrant memories. ~Candy from Louisiana
