Chicago’s Ferrara Candy Company purchases Jelly Belly – NBC Chicago

Chicago’s Ferrara Candy Company is expected to purchase California-based Jelly Belly later this year under an undisclosed agreement, according to a joint announcement from both companies.

Offering more than 100 flavors of jelly beans, Jelly Belly was founded in 1869 in Belleville, Illinois as the Goelitz Confectionery Company. The company moved to North Chicago in 1913 and about a decade later relocated to northern California, where its headquarters remain.

Jelly Belly’s nearly 800 employees in California, Illinois and Thailand will become a part of Ferrara once the deal is finalized, according to the companies.

“As we considered the future of Jelly Belly Candy Company, we have been steadfast in our commitment to create a win-win situation for our employees, consumers, and products,” Herman Rowland, Sr., chairman of the board of directors of Jelly Belly…