Ford Gum Enters into Licensing Agreement with Jelly Belly® Candy Company for Line of Sugar-Free Gum!
June 2019
Ford Gum, a leading manufacturer of retail confectionery and gift products, has entered into an agreement with iconic candy company, Jelly Belly®, to produce a line of sugar-free gum based on popular Jelly Belly® jelly bean flavors.
“Jelly Belly is a powerhouse brand recognized around the globe for their fun and unique jelly bean flavors,” said Steve Greene, Sr. Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Ford Gum. “We’re thrilled to expand our product options for consumers of all ages while remaining committed to our other specialty products including Big League Chew®, Carousel gumball machines, and our line of Smarties® bubble gum and candy.”
Ford Gum will premiered the new product line at the 2019 Sweets & Snacks show in Chicago, Illinois held May 21-23. Shipments will begin in the first quarter of 2020. The sugar-free gum line will initially include four of the most popular flavors based on consumer research - Island Punch, Watermelon, Very Cherry, and Berry Blue – and be sold in 12-count blister packs with a suggested retail price of $1.49.
“We’re excited that consumers will be able to experience our amazing flavors in a new way,” said Rob Swaigen, Vice President of Global Marketing at Jelly Belly. “As a leader in the gum industry with manufacturing based in the United States, Ford Gum is an ideal partner to bring the authentic flavors of Jelly Belly beans to this new category.”
“Purchase interest for a Jelly Belly sugar-free gum was very high among both Jelly Belly fans and gum enthusiasts. We’re honored to team up with such a creative and well-respected brand to create a product that candy consumers of all kinds can enjoy,” added Brian Heiser, Director of Marketing at Ford Gum. The bright, bold, and clean package design incorporates the iconic Jelly Belly® logo and Jelly Belly® jelly beans with an emphasis on the gum’s flavor and sugar-free quality.
About Ford Gum & Machine Co.
Ford Gum & Machine Co. is a leading U.S. manufacturer of retail confectionery and gift products, private label gum, and bulk vending confections and toys. Ford Gum specializes in both sugar and sugar-free products including Big League Chew®, Carousel gumball machines, and Smarties® bubble gum and candy. Visit www.FordGum.com for more information and follow along on LinkedIn and Twitter.
About Jelly Belly Candy Company
Jelly Belly Candy Company was founded in 1898, and began making Jelly Belly® jelly beans in 1976. Today, Jelly Belly products are sold all over the world and the company remains family owned and operated by the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh generations of the candy-making family. For more information about Jelly Belly and its confections, visit www.jellybelly.com, or consumers can call (800) 522-3267.
Big League Chew® Adds Softball-Inspired Character to Iconic Bubble Gum Roster
March 2019
Big League Chew® is proud to announce the newest member to its iconic bubble gum roster with the addition of a softball player-inspired shredded bubble gum pouch. The new character will be featured on its top-selling flavor, Outta Here OriginalTM and available online beginning February 1, 2019 - National Bubble Gum Day. Big League Chew is currently accepting pre-order requests at www.BigLeagueChew.com.
“Big League Chew is bubble gum fun for everyone, which is why we are so excited to introduce our newest character to the world,” said Rob Nelson, inventor of Big League Chew. “We often draw inspiration for future products from our dedicated fans and customers. Whether it is fun alternative name suggestions for our bubble gum flavors or new characters to feature, we hear you and we appreciate you. This new pouch is inspired by the girls who play hard and dream big. Welcome to the Big League Chew family.”
The new player was brought to life by Amanda MacFarlane, an accomplished freelance character designer and the daughter of former Major League shortstop Bobby Bonner. A self-taught artist, MacFarlane drew design inspiration for the new character from her softball-playing niece.
“Our plans to feature a softball player on the front of Big League Chew has been in the works for many years. We are thrilled that our customers and retailers are as enthusiastic as we are. We look forward to continuing to grow our team of characters and product line, while engaging with our loyal fans and new customers,” added Steve Greene, Sr. Vice President, Sales & Marketing at Ford Gum.
The Big League Chew softball pouch comes in a 4/12ct open stock case, a 2/12ct clip strip case, and will be featured in 60ct powerwings and 120ct floor displays along with the other top selling Big League Chew flavors. The item has a suggested retail of $1.49.
The complete line-up of Big League Chew shredded bubble gum includes Outta Here OriginalTM, Ground Ball Grape®, Big Rally Blue RaspberryTM, Swingin’ Sour AppleTM, Wild Pitch WatermelonTM, Slammin’ StrawberryTM, and Curveball Cotton CandyTM. Big League Chew products are available in retailers across the country, including DICK’S Sporting Goods, Dollar General, Five Below and more.
Announcing the Big League Chew/National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum Contest!
March 2018
Iconic bubble gum brand Big League Chew and the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum are giving fans a chance to be a part of history. In 108 words or less (the number of stitches on a baseball), these baseball institutions want to know about fans' "Best Baseball Day Ever" for a chance to win a trip to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York where the Hall of Fame's Class of 2018 will be formally inducted on Sunday, July 29, 2018.
The chosen finalist and up to three guests will receive round trip airfare and accommodations in Cooperstown from Friday, July 27 through Monday, July 30 as well as an Induction Weekend VIP Package which includes tickets to all public events. The winner will also receive a one-year Hall of Fame Benefactor Membership and a $250 gift certificate to the Baseball Hall of Fame store, terms and conditions apply.
Fans can enter the contest online at www.bigleaguechew.com/essaycontest. Entries open on Thursday, Jan. 18 and close on Friday, May 1, 2018.
The contest is promoted on pouches of Big League Chew Original, Grape and Sour Apple as well as on Big League Chew shippers and powerwings. This special packaging began shipping at the beginning of the month and will ship through March 2018. We will also be heavily promoting the contest on our social media channels.
The "Best Baseball Day Ever" contest is a part of a multi-year licensing and sponsorship deal between the two legendary brands, including Big League Chew products branded as "The Hall of Fame Bubble Gum," as well as fan interactions through the Hall of Fame's Youth Discovery Tours and various signature events, like the Hall of Fame Classic legends baseball game held each Memorial Day Weekend in Cooperstown, New York.
Introducing a Brand New Partnership with Ford Gum!
Members of RBG now have access to Big League Chew® Bubblegum!
January 2018
RBG Club Services is very excited to announce our brand-new partnership with Ford Gum & Machine Company! We are very excited about being able to offer the classic favorite, Big League Chew® Bubblegum to our members.
Ford Gum has been around for over 100 years. They are a leader in the manufacture and distribution of gum balls and gum ball machine banks as well as private label manufacturer of assorted confections and health-related products for leading American brands.
One of Ford Gum's signature products is Big League Chew®, the iconic shredded bubble gum brand. It is the #1 shredded bubble gum brand in the world, with over 800 million pouches sold. They also manufacture Smarties® licensed confections and Carousel® gumball machines. Members of RBG can earn a special rebate program for purchasing Ford Gum product.
Make sure you stock up today!
