Just Born facts for kids
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| Industry | Confectionery production |
| Founded | 1923 in New York City, New York, United States |
| Founder | Sam Born |
| Headquarters |
1300 Stefko Boulevard, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
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United States
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Area served
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United States |
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Key people
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David Shaffer (Chairman & Co-CEO) Gardner Jett, Jr. (Co-CEO) |
| Products | Candies |
| Revenue | US$301 million (2021) |
| Owner | Shaffer family |
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Number of employees
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600 (2021) |
Just Born, Inc. is a company in the United States that makes delicious candies. It is a family-owned business located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
Some of the popular candies they make include Goldenberg's Peanut Chews, Hot Tamales, Mike and Ike, Peeps, Teenee Beanee jelly beans, and Zours. The company's fun slogan is: "a great candy isn't made... it's Just Born!" In 2013, Just Born was one of the top 10 largest candy companies in the U.S.
Contents
The Sweet History of Just Born
How Sam Born Started His Candy Journey
The story of Just Born begins with Sam Born (1891–1959). He was an immigrant from Russia who came to the United States in 1909. In 1916, Sam was honored in San Francisco for inventing the Born Sucker Machine. This amazing machine could automatically put sticks into lollipops!
In 1917, Sam opened a small candy shop in Brooklyn, New York. He made fresh candy every day. To show how fresh it was, he put a sign in his window that said Just Born. The company's first symbol was a baby resting in a candy scale. Sam Born also invented chocolate sprinkles, which are sometimes called "jimmies. He also created the hard coating you find on ice cream bars.
Moving to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
In 1923, Sam Born started his own candy manufacturing company in New York City. His brothers-in-law, Irv and Jack Shaffer, joined him. They helped sell and market the candies.
In 1932, the company moved its operations to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. They bought a large, four-story building that used to be a printing company. This new space helped them make even more candy!
The Next Generation of Candy Makers
Sam Born's son, Bob Born, joined the company in 1945. He later became the company's president for over 30 years. Bob was a key part of a team that created a machine to make Peeps candies. This invention greatly increased how many Peeps could be made. It helped Just Born become the biggest maker of marshmallow candies for holidays in America. Bob Born passed away in January 2023 at the age of 98.
Adding More Favorite Candies
In 1953, Just Born bought the Rodda Candy Co. This company, located in Lancaster County, made jelly beans. They also made a special marshmallow candy for Easter called Peeps. Just Born then found a way to make Peeps using machines. They also started advertising Peeps so people would buy them all year round, not just at Easter!
In 2003, Just Born bought the Goldenberg Candy Company. This company made Goldenberg's Peanut Chews. At first, Just Born changed the name of Peanut Chews to be a Just Born product. But later, they brought back the Goldenberg name because people loved it.
Images for kids
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The Just Born building in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
