b'MEMBER SPOTLIGHTA Heritage of Sharing DelightIt all started in 1908, when an Italian immigrant brought the joy of his homelands traditional candy Anna Olsen to Chicago and began testing new techniquesSenior Director of Research & DevelopmentFerrara Candy For more than 115 years, Ferrara hasIn 2023, Ferrara acquired created sugar confections that pushanother classic candy company, innovation boundaries. It all startedCalifornia-based Jelly Belly Candy in 1908, when an Italian immigrantCompany (founded in Illinois in brought the joy of his homelands tra- 1869) as well as Dori Alimentos, one ditional candy to Chicago and beganof Brazils leading manufacturers and testing new techniques. Today, thedistributors of sweets and snack-privately held company that createsing products. Both brands support more than 30 recognizable brands isFerraras international growth as they the nations top-selling sugar confec- springboard from Illinois roots to tions company, employing more thanshare products with international 8,200 people throughout the world,consumers, carrying the message that across 17 facilities and offices in theour state is a global food innovation US, Mexico, and Thailand. Ferrarashub. headquarters remains in Chicago,GETTING NERDYcontinuing the city and states legacy as Americas candy capital. A 2020 innovation, NERDS Gummy BRANDS YOU KNOW Clustersa multi-sensorial and AND LOVE poppable combination of a gum-my center surrounded by crunchy From iconic products that bringtart Original NERDS candyhas back childhood memories to todaysrocketed to the top of the US candy innovations that are bestsellers market, propelling NERDS from $40 NERDS, Trolli, SweeTARTS, Lem- million in annual sales to more than onheads, Laffy Taffy Black Foresthalf a billion dollars in annual retail and BRACHS Ferraras sugar con- sales in just six years. Today, Ferrara fections push innovation boundariessells NERDS Gummy Clusters in the while also sparking nostalgia. U.S., Canada, and the UK.14ILLINOIS BUSINESS LEADER'