May 17--We want our candy and we want it organic, too.
Hoping to capitalize on rapid growth in the organic foods market, Ferrara Candy Co. has introduced four new varieties of USDA certified organic candy under its Black Forest brand.
The Oakbrook Terrace maker of Brach's, Trolli and Lemonhead is expanding its line of organic gummies launched last year. The new products include Black Forest Fruity Chews, Sour Heads, Candy Drops and Caramel Hard Candies, which will range in price from $1.29 to $1.99 a pack. Fruit chews are the largest candy category outside of chocolate, Ferrara says, and sour is the fastest-growing flavor profile. The fruit chews most closely resemble Starburst brand candy. The candy drops are individually wrapped hard candies.
Ferrara said it invested more than $25 million developing the infrastructure needed to produce the organic line. In order to be certified USDA organic, the candy needs to be made on a dedicated manufacturing line that doesn't also produce nonorganic products. The designation also means the candy contains at least 95 percent organic ingredients and is made without GMOs. Ferrara's new candy is also gluten-free, with colors from natural sources including carrots, turmeric and beets.
Ferrara said the expansion of its organic candy business supports its goal of doubling sales to $2 billion in four years.
sbomkamp@tribpub.com
