Outcry Forces Chicago Candy Company Not to Discontinue Popular Sweet

When a Chicago-based candy company announced that they would be discontinuing a popular candy, known for being kosher and particularly famous in the Jewish community, the outrage was loud and started immediately.

Last week, the Ferrara Candy Company announced they would be discontinuing Sunkist Fruit Gems. The news was first reported by eJewishPhilanthrophy, which noted that the jelly candies are staples at Jewish celebrations like bar and bat mitzvahs and other functions. The backlash against the move was ferocious.

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Ferrara Announced They Were Reversing Course:

Not long after Ferrara announced they were discontinuing Sunkist Fruit Gems, and outrage flooded social media, the company reversed course with an Instagram post on September 26th:

We hear you, Sunkist Fruit Gems fans. The good news: Sunkist Fruit Gems are not going anywhere. We've been working with a new trusted family owned candy maker to help us bring back the same great flavor, quality, kosher certification, and fruit-forward goodness you know and love - per Sunkist Citrus' Instagram

The Ferrara Candy Company purchased the firm that manufactures Sunkist Fruit Gems and planned to "streamline the portfolio," which prompted the initial move to discontinue the product.

USA Today notes that the Jewish community has a strong connection to the confection. Kosher gelatin must be approved by a recognized rabbinic authority. It can be made from properly processed cattle, certain fish or plant-based ingredients such as agar-agar and pectin.

Sunkist Fruit Gems can be found at Jewish weddings, nonprofit galas, candy drives, and Purim gift baskets.

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You can find out more about the Ferrara Candy Company's decision to reverse course on discontinuing Sunkist Fruit Gems on USA Today's website.