Favorite Wraps Dae Julie Buy
vorite Brands International here has completed its acquisition of Dae Julie, a confectionery manufacturer and importer based in Des Plaines, Ill.
The acquisition brings annual sales for Favorite Brands, the nation's fourth largest candy maker, to more than $750 million. Dae Julie is well known for its gummy confections, particularly its bulk items, as well as individual packages bearing the Dae Julie name. The company's annual sales exceed $40 million.
Amurol, Nickelodeon Team
YORKVILLE, Ill. -- Amurol Confections Co. here, in conjunction with Nickelodeon, New York, has launched a line of bubble gum.
"Green Slime," "Chewology" and "AAAHH!! Real Monsters" feature Nicktoon characters and other branded concepts from the Nickelodeon kids' television network.
Introduced last month, the items carry a suggested retail price of $1.29.
As an added incentive, an on-pack coupon for 50 cents off Mattel's line of Nickelodeon activity toys is available on each flavor.
Liberty Offers Sugar-Free Line
SEATTLE -- Liberty Orchards Co. here has introduced a line of sugar-free candies called "Fruit Softees." Positioned as soft alternatives to hard candies and gummies, the new confections are said to meet the demand of health-conscious and diabetic consumers.
The products are available in four fat-free and low-fat assortments: Orchard Fruits, Tropical Fruits, Berry Fruits and Sour Fruits.
Fruit Softees are packaged in 3.65-ounce to 4-ounce bags that retail for about $1.99.
Hershey Reports Sales Increase
HERSHEY, Pa. -- Hershey Foods U.S.A. here announced record consolidated net sales for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, 1996.
Fourth-quarter net sales increased to $1.189 billion compared with $1.119 billion for the fourth quarter of 1995. Year-end net sales in 1996 amounted to a little more than $3.9 billion, up from $3.6 billion in 1995.
Including a before- and after-tax loss of $35.4 million on the disposal of two European businesses, net income for the quarter was $78.7 million, down from $105.8 million for the same period last year. Excluding the loss on disposal, net income was $114.1 million.
In other news, Hershey has introduced Reese's Crunchy Cookie Cup, an extension of the current Reese's family. Each Crunchy Cookie Cup contains a chocolate cookie.
Packaged in a yellow and orange wrapper, the new product is available nationally in two-cup packages or in six-pack multipacks, which carry an approximate retail of 50 cents and $2.89, respectively.
Jelly Belly Sets Signature
FAIRFIELD, Calif. -- Herman Goelitz Candy Co. here announced plans to print the Jelly Belly name on each jelly bean to further distinguish the brand from competitors.
The company has been testing the production process during the past five months. All Jelly Belly beans are projected to show the company's signature by June.
