Look out candy companies! Some of you are getting gobbled up by other candy companies like Pac Man.

After its seventh acquisition since January 2014, BBX Sweet Holdings has made its debut in the North American Sweet 60. BBX’s most recent acquisition was Kencraft Candy/Dynamic Confections, of Utah, after the first of the year. The Fort Lauderdale subsidiary of BBX Capital also snatched Jer’s Chocolates, Hoffman’s Chocolates, William & Bennett, Helen Grace Chocolates, The Toffee Box and Anastasia Confections over the last 18 months.

This isn’t the only change in Candy Industry’s North American Sweet 60 lineup, which names top confectioneries headquartered in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

For one, last year’s No. 7 Russell Stover Candies Inc., of Kansas City, Mo., which posted annual sales of $640 million, was bought out during the summer by Chocoladenfabriken Lindt & Sprungli of Switzerland. Since the North American Sweet 60 only includes companies headquartered on the continent, Russell Stover, a subsidiary of Lindt & Sprungli, will now only appear in the Global Top 100.

The same is true for last year’s No. 49 SweetWorks, of Buffalo, N.Y., which had projected sales of $37 million. It was acquired last year by Chocolat Frey, of Buchs, Switzerland. SweetWorks is famous for such brands as Nerds, Oak Leaf Gum and Niagara Chocolates.

Other acquisitions, which didn’t change the line-up, include the purchase of Harry & David last fall by 1-800-Flowers.Com, of Carle Place, N.Y., which also owns Fannie May andHarry London candies. This has increased their workforce to 2,800 in the confectionery segment of the business, as well as more than doubled sales to $325 million.

Hershey Foods Corp. significantly increased its workforce by acquiring Ontario’s Allan Candy Co., Shanghai Gold Monkey Food Joint Stock, and Krave Pure Foods to 20,000 this year, up from 14,000. Even with its divesture of Mauna Loa Macadamia, Hershey increased sales to almost $7.4 billion.

Novelty and licensed-candy company CandyRific purchased HILCO Corp., outside of Philadelphia in 2014, and expects to increase its sales this year, although by how much it was hesitant to say. HILCO, which sells its novelty candy products to discount stores, had annual sales of around $12 million. Projections call for the company’s sales to rise to nearly $20 million this year.

This represents the second year for the North American Sweet 60, a resource that provides a benchmark for analysis. It’s also a way to get some of the smaller companies from North America to be recognized, given the higher sales entry point in Candy Industry Magazine’s Global Top 100 listing, published each January.

Editor’s Note: All sales, plant and employee estimates are for confectionery operations only, unless otherwise noted. In addition, Candy Industry Magazine has attempted to factor out industrial chocolate sales and plants. All estimates come from a combination of manufacturer surveys, annual reports, media reports, private and published research, and analyst interviews. The North American Sweet 60 is a “work in progress,” one that many times involves making estimates when companies refuse to share their specific data. If there are any oversights or incorrect estimates, please fill free to contact Candy Industry Magazine’s editor Bernie Pacyniak at pacyniakb@bnp.com so we can adjust the listing for next year.


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North 

American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

60. Palmer Candy Co., Sioux City, Iowa

Plants: 2

Employees: 100

Chief Officer: Marty Palmer, CEO

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $19

Chocolate Bars, Biscuits & Wafers, Covered Pretzels/Chips; Truffles, Pralines & Filled Chocolates; Panned Chocolates; Toffee & Caramel; Nuts/Seed Candies, Bars, Bark, Brittles & Marzipan, Nougat; Hard Candies (includes Lollipops, Mints, Lozenges & Cough Drops); Gummies, Jellies, Licorice, Chews, Fruit Snacks & Jelly Beans; Other (Marshmallows, Yogurt-Covered, Interactive, Pressed Candy, Powders & Spreads); Gum;


North 

American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

59. Madelaine Chocolate Co., Rockaway Beach, N.Y.

Plants: 1

Employees: 100

Chief Officer: Jorge Farber, pres. & CEO

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $20

Truffles, Pralines & Filled Chocolates; Moulded Chocolate Figures & Shapes; Panned Chocolates;


North American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

58. Anthony-Thomas Candy Co., Columbus, Ohio

Plants: 1

Employees: 180

Chief Officer: Joe Zanetos, pres., Greg Zanetos & Tim Zanetos, VP

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $21

Chocolate Bars, Biscuits & Wafers, Covered Pretzels/Chips; Truffles, Pralines & Filled Chocolates; Moulded Chocolate Figures & Shapes; Panned Chocolates; Toffee & Caramel; Nuts/Seed Candies, Bars, Bark, Brittles & Marzipan, Nougat; Hard Candies (includes Lollipops, Mints, Lozenges & Cough Drops); Gummies, Jellies, Licorice, Chews, Fruit Snacks & Jelly Beans; Other (Marshmallows, Yogurt-Covered, Interactive, Pressed Candy, Powders & Spreads); Reduced-Sugar Confections;


North American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

57. Asher's Chocolates, Sudenton, Pa.

Plants: 2

Employees: 200

Chief Officer: Robert Asher & John Asher, co-chair; Jeff Asher & David Asher, partners

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $22

Chocolate Bars, Biscuits & Wafers, Covered Pretzels/Chips; Truffles, Pralines & Filled Chocolates; Moulded Chocolate Figures & Shapes; Toffee & Caramel; Nuts/Seed Candies, Bars, Bark, Brittles & Marzipan, Nougat; Other (Marshmallows, Yogurt-Covered, Interactive, Pressed Candy, Powders & Spreads); Reduced-Sugar Confections; Energy & Cereal Bars


North 

American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

56. Astor Chocolate, Lakewood, N.J.

Plants: 2

Employees: n/a

Chief Officer: David Grunhut

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $23

Chocolate Bars, Biscuits & Wafers, Covered Pretzels/Chips; Truffles, Pralines & Filled Chocolates; Moulded Chocolate Figures & Shapes; Toffee & Caramel; Nuts/Seed Candies, Bars, Bark, Brittles & Marzipan, Nougat; Hard Candies (includes Lollipops, Mints, Lozenges & Cough Drops);


North American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

55. Enstrom Candies Inc., Grand Junction, Colo.

Plants: 1

Employees: 150

Chief Officer: Doug Simons, pres.

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $25

Chocolate Bars, Biscuits & Wafers, Covered Pretzels/Chips; Truffles, Pralines & Filled Chocolates; Toffee & Caramel; Nuts/Seed Candies, Bars, Bark, Brittles & Marzipan, Nougat; Reduced-Sugar Confections;


North American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

54. Atkinson Candy Co., Lufkin, Texas

Plants: 1

Employees: 225

Chief Officer: Eric Atkinson, pres.

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $35

Chocolate Bars, Biscuits & Wafers, Covered Pretzels/Chips; Toffee & Caramel; Nuts/Seed Candies, Bars, Bark, Brittles & Marzipan, Nougat; Hard Candies (includes Lollipops, Mints, Lozenges & Cough Drops); Reduced-Sugar Confections;


North American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

53. KLN Family Brands, Perham, Minn.

Plants: 2

Employees: 200

Chief Officer: Kurt Nelson, COO

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $36

Chocolate Bars, Biscuits & Wafers, Covered Pretzels/Chips; Panned Chocolates; Gummies, Jellies, Licorice, Chews, Fruit Snacks & Jelly Beans;


North American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

52. Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Durango, Colo.

Plants: 1

Employees: 160

Chief Officer: Franklin Crail, chair & CEO

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $36

Chocolate Bars, Biscuits & Wafers, Covered Pretzels/Chips; Truffles, Pralines & Filled Chocolates; Moulded Chocolate Figures & Shapes; Toffee & Caramel; Nuts/Seed Candies, Bars, Bark, Brittles & Marzipan, Nougat; Gummies, Jellies, Licorice, Chews, Fruit Snacks & Jelly Beans; Other (Marshmallows, Yogurt-Covered, Interactive, Pressed Candy, Powders & Spreads); Reduced-Sugar Confections; Energy & Cereal Bars


North American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

51. Ganong Bros., Ltd., St. Stephen, New Brunswick

Plants: 1

Employees: 370

Chief Officer: Bryana Ganong, pres. & CEO

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $37

Chocolate Bars, Biscuits & Wafers, Covered Pretzels/Chips; Truffles, Pralines & Filled Chocolates; Moulded Chocolate Figures & Shapes; Toffee & Caramel; Nuts/Seed Candies, Bars, Bark, Brittles & Marzipan, Nougat; Hard Candies (includes Lollipops, Mints, Lozenges & Cough Drops); Gummies, Jellies, Licorice, Chews, Fruit Snacks & Jelly Beans; Other (Marshmallows, Yogurt-Covered, Interactive, Pressed Candy, Powders & Spreads); Reduced-Sugar Confections;


North American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

50. Adams & Brooks, Los Angeles, Calif.

Plants: 3

Employees: 200

Chief Officer: John Brooks Sr., pres.

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $38

Chocolate Bars, Biscuits & Wafers, Covered Pretzels/Chips; Nuts/Seed Candies, Bars, Bark, Brittles & Marzipan, Nougat; Hard Candies (includes Lollipops, Mints, Lozenges & Cough Drops); Gummies, Jellies, Licorice, Chews, Fruit Snacks & Jelly Beans; Other (Marshmallows, Yogurt-Covered, Interactive, Pressed Candy, Powders & Spreads); Reduced-Sugar Confections; Energy & Cereal Bars


North 

American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

49. Zachary Confections, Frankfort, Ind.

Plants: 1

Employees: 250

Chief Officer: Jack Zachary, pres.

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $39

Truffles, Pralines & Filled Chocolates; Moulded Chocolate Figures & Shapes; Panned Chocolates; Toffee & Caramel; Nuts/Seed Candies, Bars, Bark, Brittles & Marzipan, Nougat; Gummies, Jellies, Licorice, Chews, Fruit Snacks & Jelly Beans; Other (Marshmallows, Yogurt-Covered, Interactive, Pressed Candy, Powders & Spreads);


North American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

48. Ford Gum & Machine Co., Akron, N.Y.

Plants: 1

Employees: 90

Chief Officer: George Stege, pres.

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $40

Hard Candies (includes Lollipops, Mints, Lozenges & Cough Drops); Other (Marshmallows, Yogurt-Covered, Interactive, Pressed Candy, Powders & Spreads); Gum; Reduced-Sugar Confections;


North 

American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

47. Sarris Candies Inc., Canonsburg, Pa.

Plants: 2

Employees: 500

Chief Officer: Athena Sarris, CEO & Bill Sarris, pres.

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $45

Chocolate Bars, Biscuits & Wafers, Covered Pretzels/Chips; Truffles, Pralines & Filled Chocolates; Moulded Chocolate Figures & Shapes; Panned Chocolates; Toffee & Caramel; Nuts/Seed Candies, Bars, Bark, Brittles & Marzipan, Nougat; Hard Candies (includes Lollipops, Mints, Lozenges & Cough Drops); Gummies, Jellies, Licorice, Chews, Fruit Snacks & Jelly Beans; Other (Marshmallows, Yogurt-Covered, Interactive, Pressed Candy, Powders & Spreads); Reduced-Sugar Confections;


North American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

46. Original Gourmet Food Co., Salem, N.H.

Plants: 2

Employees: 150

Chief Officer: Richard Alimenti, CEO

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $45

Chocolate Bars, Biscuits & Wafers, Covered Pretzels/Chips; Truffles, Pralines & Filled Chocolates; Toffee & Caramel; Hard Candies (includes Lollipops, Mints, Lozenges & Cough Drops); Gummies, Jellies, Licorice, Chews, Fruit Snacks & Jelly Beans;


North American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

45. BBX Sweet Holdings, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

Chief Officer: Jarett Levan, CEO

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $48

Chocolate Bars, Biscuits & Wafers, Covered Pretzels/Chips; Truffles, Pralines & Filled Chocolates; Toffee & Caramel; Nuts/Seed Candies, Bars, Bark, Brittles & Marzipan, Nougat; Hard Candies (includes Lollipops, Mints, Lozenges & Cough Drops); Other (Marshmallows, Yogurt-Covered, Interactive, Pressed Candy, Powders & Spreads);


North 

American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

44. Justin's, Boulder, Colo.

Chief Officer: Justin Gold, founder

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $49

Truffles, Pralines & Filled Chocolates; Other (Marshmallows, Yogurt-Covered, Interactive, Pressed Candy, Powders & Spreads);


North American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

43. Arway Confections / Long Grove Confectionery, Chicago

Plants: 2

Employees: 125

Chief Officer: Craig Leva, pres.

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $50

Chocolate Bars, Biscuits & Wafers, Covered Pretzels/Chips; Panned Chocolates; Toffee & Caramel; Nuts/Seed Candies, Bars, Bark, Brittles & Marzipan, Nougat; Other (Marshmallows, Yogurt-Covered, Interactive, Pressed Candy, Powders & Spreads);


North American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

42. CandyRific, Louisville, Ky.

Plants: n/a

Employees: 17

Chief Officer: Robert Auerbach, Paul Roberts & Mike Roberts, owners

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $52

Hard Candies (includes Lollipops, Mints, Lozenges & Cough Drops); Other (Marshmallows, Yogurt-Covered, Interactive, Pressed Candy, Powders & Spreads);


North American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

41. Elmer Chocolate, Ponchatoula, La.

Plants: 1

Employees: 175

Chief Officer: Robert Nelson, pres. & CEO

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $53

Truffles, Pralines & Filled Chocolates; Moulded Chocolate Figures & Shapes; Toffee & Caramel; Other (Marshmallows, Yogurt-Covered, Interactive, Pressed Candy, Powders & Spreads);


North American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

40. Sweet Candy Co., Salt Lake City, Utah

Plants: 1

Employees: 140

Chief Officer: Richard Kay, pres. & CEO

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $54

Truffles, Pralines & Filled Chocolates; Panned Chocolates; Nuts/Seed Candies, Bars, Bark, Brittles & Marzipan, Nougat; Gummies, Jellies, Licorice, Chews, Fruit Snacks & Jelly Beans; Reduced-Sugar Confections;


North American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

39. Impact Confections, Littleton, Colo.

Plants: 1

Employees: 200

Chief Officer: Jeff Rome, CEO

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $55

Hard Candies (includes Lollipops, Mints, Lozenges & Cough Drops); Gummies, Jellies, Licorice, Chews, Fruit Snacks & Jelly Beans; Other (Marshmallows, Yogurt-Covered, Interactive, Pressed Candy, Powders & Spreads);


North American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

38. Turin Chocolates, div. of Grupo Turin, Mexico City, Mexico

Plants: 1

Employees: 225

Chief Officer: Octavio Penaloza Sandoval, CEO

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $56

Truffles, Pralines & Filled Chocolates; Moulded Chocolate Figures & Shapes; Panned Chocolates;


North American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

37. Brown & Haley, Tacoma, Wash.

Plants: 1

Employees: 300

Chief Officer: Pierson Clair, CEO; John Melin, pres. & COO

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $69

Chocolate Bars, Biscuits & Wafers, Covered Pretzels/Chips; Toffee & Caramel; Nuts/Seed Candies, Bars, Bark, Brittles & Marzipan, Nougat;


North American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

36. New England Confectionery Co., Revere, Mass.

Plants: 1

Employees: 300

Chief Officer: Michael McGee, CEO

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $70

Chocolate Bars, Biscuits & Wafers, Covered Pretzels/Chips; Truffles, Pralines & Filled Chocolates; Panned Chocolates; Toffee & Caramel; Other (Marshmallows, Yogurt-Covered, Interactive, Pressed Candy, Powders & Spreads); Reduced-Sugar Confections;


North American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

35. R.C. Purdy Chocolates Ltd., Vancouver, British Columbia

Plants: 1

Employees: 150

Chief Officer: Karen Flavelle, CEO, & Peter Higgins, pres.

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $75

Chocolate Bars, Biscuits & Wafers, Covered Pretzels/Chips; Truffles, Pralines & Filled Chocolates; Moulded Chocolate Figures & Shapes; Toffee & Caramel; Nuts/Seed Candies, Bars, Bark, Brittles & Marzipan, Nougat; Gummies, Jellies, Licorice, Chews, Fruit Snacks & Jelly Beans; Other (Marshmallows, Yogurt-Covered, Interactive, Pressed Candy, Powders & Spreads); Reduced-Sugar Confections;


North American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

34. The Warrell Corp., Camp Hill, Pa.

Plants: 2

Employees: 300

Chief Officer: Lincoln Warrell, CEO, & Kevin Silva, pres.

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $76

Chocolate Bars, Biscuits & Wafers, Covered Pretzels/Chips; Panned Chocolates; Toffee & Caramel; Nuts/Seed Candies, Bars, Bark, Brittles & Marzipan, Nougat; Gummies, Jellies, Licorice, Chews, Fruit Snacks & Jelly Beans;


North American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

33. Pearson Candy Co., div. of Brynwood Partners, St. Paul, Minn.

Plants: 1

Employees: 210

Chief Officer: Michael Keller, pres. & CEO

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $78

Chocolate Bars, Biscuits & Wafers, Covered Pretzels/Chips; Moulded Chocolate Figures & Shapes; Toffee & Caramel; Nuts/Seed Candies, Bars, Bark, Brittles & Marzipan, Nougat; Gummies, Jellies, Licorice, Chews, Fruit Snacks & Jelly Beans; Other (Marshmallows, Yogurt-Covered, Interactive, Pressed Candy, Powders & Spreads); Energy & Cereal Bars


North American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

32. Georgia Nut Co. Skokie, Ill.

Plants: 1

Employees: 325

Chief Officer: Dave Drehobl, CEO and Rick Drehobl, president

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $100

Chocolate bars; panned chocolates; toffee and/or caramel; nut and/or seed candies, bars and brittles, marzipan and nougat; other (Marshmallows, Yogurt-Covered, Interactive, Pressed Candy, Powders & Spreads)


North American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

31. Albanese Confectionery Group Inc., Merrilville, Ind.

Plants: 1

Employees: 300

Chief Officer: Scott Albanese, pres.

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $100

Chocolate Bars, Biscuits & Wafers, Covered Pretzels/Chips; Panned Chocolates; Nuts/Seed Candies, Bars, Bark, Brittles & Marzipan, Nougat; Gummies, Jellies, Licorice, Chews, Fruit Snacks & Jelly Beans; Other (Marshmallows, Yogurt-Covered, Interactive, Pressed Candy, Powders & Spreads); Reduced-Sugar Confections;


North American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

30. Spangler Candy Co., Bryan, Ohio

Plants: 1

Employees: 430

Chief Officer: Kirkland B. Vashaw, CEO

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $100

Hard Candies (includes Lollipops, Mints, Lozenges & Cough Drops); Gummies, Jellies, Licorice, Chews, Fruit Snacks & Jelly Beans; Other (Marshmallows, Yogurt-Covered, Interactive, Pressed Candy, Powders & Spreads);


North American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

29. Laura Secord, Quebec, Quebec

Plants: 1

Employees: 1,000

Chief Officer: Jean Leclerc, pres. & CEO

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $104

Chocolate Bars, Biscuits & Wafers, Covered Pretzels/Chips; Truffles, Pralines & Filled Chocolates; Moulded Chocolate Figures & Shapes; Panned Chocolates; Toffee & Caramel; Nuts/Seed Candies, Bars, Bark, Brittles & Marzipan, Nougat; Hard Candies (includes Lollipops, Mints, Lozenges & Cough Drops); Gummies, Jellies, Licorice, Chews, Fruit Snacks & Jelly Beans; Other (Marshmallows, Yogurt-Covered, Interactive, Pressed Candy, Powders & Spreads); Reduced-Sugar Confections;


North American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

28. World's Finest Chocolate, Chicago, Ill.

Plants: 1

Employees: 285

Chief Officer: Eddie Opler, chair & CEO

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $110

Chocolate Bars, Biscuits & Wafers, Covered Pretzels/Chips; Truffles, Pralines & Filled Chocolates; Moulded Chocolate Figures & Shapes; Panned Chocolates; Toffee & Caramel; Nuts/Seed Candies, Bars, Bark, Brittles & Marzipan, Nougat; Other (Marshmallows, Yogurt-Covered, Interactive, Pressed Candy, Powders & Spreads); Reduced-Sugar Confections;


North American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

27. American Licorice Co., Bend, Ore.

Plants: 2

Employees: 400

Chief Officer: John Kretchmer, CEO

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $114

Gummies, Jellies, Licorice, Chews, Fruit Snacks & Jelly Beans; Reduced-Sugar Confections;


North American 

Sweet 60 Candy Companies

26. Doumak Inc., Elk Grove Village, Ill.

Plants: 2

Employees: 195

Chief Officer: Mark Schuessler, pres. & COO

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $115

Other (Marshmallows, Yogurt-Covered, Interactive, Pressed Candy, Powders & Spreads);


North 

American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

25. Kind Healthy Snacks, New York

Plants: n/a

Employees: n/a

Chief Officer: Daniel Lubetzky, founder & CEO

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $125

Energy & Cereal Bars


North American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

24. Standard Functional Foods Group, Nashville, Tenn.

Plants: 1

Employees: 600

Chief Officer: James Spradley Jr., CEO

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $139

Chocolate Bars, Biscuits & Wafers, Covered Pretzels/Chips; Toffee & Caramel; Other (Marshmallows, Yogurt-Covered, Interactive, Pressed Candy, Powders & Spreads); Energy & Cereal Bars


North American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

23. Bazooka Candy Brands, Div. of Topps Co., New York

Plants: 1

Employees: 275

Chief Officer: Tony Jacobs, global gen. manager, Bazooka Candy Brands

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $146

Hard Candies (includes Lollipops, Mints, Lozenges & Cough Drops); Gummies, Jellies, Licorice, Chews, Fruit Snacks & Jelly Beans; Other (Marshmallows, Yogurt-Covered, Interactive, Pressed Candy, Powders & Spreads); Gum; Reduced-Sugar Confections;


North American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

22. Gertrude Hawk Chocolates Inc., Dunmore, Pa.

Plants: 1

Employees: 500

Chief Officer: Bill Aubrey, pres. & CEO

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $155

Chocolate Bars, Biscuits & Wafers, Covered Pretzels/Chips; Truffles, Pralines & Filled Chocolates; Moulded Chocolate Figures & Shapes; Panned Chocolates; Toffee & Caramel; Nuts/Seed Candies, Bars, Bark, Brittles & Marzipan, Nougat; Other (Marshmallows, Yogurt-Covered, Interactive, Pressed Candy, Powders & Spreads); Reduced-Sugar Confections;


North American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

21. R.M. Palmer Candy Co., West Reading, Pa.

Plants: 3

Employees: 850

Chief Officer: Richard Palmer Jr., pres., & Mark Schlott, COO

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $171

Chocolate Bars, Biscuits & Wafers, Covered Pretzels/Chips; Truffles, Pralines & Filled Chocolates; Moulded Chocolate Figures & Shapes; Toffee & Caramel; Other (Marshmallows, Yogurt-Covered, Interactive, Pressed Candy, Powders & Spreads); Gum; Reduced-Sugar Confections; Energy & Cereal Bars


North American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

20. Jelly Belly Candy Co. Ltd., Fairfield, Calif.

Plants: 3

Employees: 725

Chief Officer: Lisa Brasher, pres. & CEO

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $190

Panned Chocolates; Hard Candies (includes Lollipops, Mints, Lozenges & Cough Drops); Gummies, Jellies, Licorice, Chews, Fruit Snacks & Jelly Beans; Other (Marshmallows, Yogurt-Covered, Interactive, Pressed Candy, Powders & Spreads); Reduced-Sugar Confections;


North American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

19. Sunrise Confections, div. of Mount Franklin Foods LLC, El Paso, Texas

Plants: 3

Employees: 3,000

Chief Officer: Gary A. Ricco, pres. & CEO

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $200

Toffee & Caramel; Hard Candies (includes Lollipops, Mints, Lozenges & Cough Drops); Gummies, Jellies, Licorice, Chews, Fruit Snacks & Jelly Beans; Other (Marshmallows, Yogurt-Covered, Interactive, Pressed Candy, Powders & Spreads); Reduced-Sugar Confections;


North American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

18. Dulces De la Rosa, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico

Plants: 4

Employees: 6,500

Chief Officer: Enrique Michel Velasco, pres.

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $210

Chocolate Bars, Biscuits & Wafers, Covered Pretzels/Chips; Nuts/Seed Candies, Bars, Bark, Brittles & Marzipan, Nougat; Hard Candies (includes Lollipops, Mints, Lozenges & Cough Drops); Gummies, Jellies, Licorice, Chews, Fruit Snacks & Jelly Beans; Other (Marshmallows, Yogurt-Covered, Interactive, Pressed Candy, Powders & Spreads); Gum;


North American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

17. Hearthside Food Solutions, Downers Grove, Ill.

Plants: 7

Employees: 1,023

Chief Officer: Richard Scalise, chair & CEO

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $215

Chocolate Bars, Biscuits & Wafers, Covered Pretzels/Chips; Hard Candies (includes Lollipops, Mints, Lozenges & Cough Drops); Gummies, Jellies, Licorice, Chews, Fruit Snacks & Jelly Beans; Energy & Cereal Bars


North American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

16. Just Born Inc., Bethlehem, Pa.

Plants: 2

Employees: 600

Chief Officer: Ross Born & David Shaffer, co-CEOs

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $231

Chocolate Bars, Biscuits & Wafers, Covered Pretzels/Chips; Gummies, Jellies, Licorice, Chews, Fruit Snacks & Jelly Beans; Other (Marshmallows, Yogurt-Covered, Interactive, Pressed Candy, Powders & Spreads);


North American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

15. U.S. Nutrition Inc., div. of NBTY Inc., Ronkonkoma, N.Y.

Plants: 3

Employees: 13,500

Chief Officer: Steve Cahillane, CEO

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $259

Energy & Cereal Bars


North American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

14. Abbott Nutrition, div. of Abbott Laboratories, Columbus, Ohio

Plants: *100

Employees: *70,000

Chief Officer: John Landgraf, exec. VP, Nutritional Products

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $290

Reduced-Sugar Confections; Energy & Cereal Bars


North American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

13. Canel's SA de CV, San Luis Potosí, Mexico

Plants: 3

Employees: 2,300

Chief Officer: Robert Garcia Navarro, pres.

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $306

Toffee & Caramel; Hard Candies (includes Lollipops, Mints, Lozenges & Cough Drops); Gummies, Jellies, Licorice, Chews, Fruit Snacks & Jelly Beans; Gum; Reduced-Sugar Confections;


North American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

12. Promotion in Motion Cos. Inc., Allendale, N.J.

Plants: 3

Employees: 550

Chief Officer: Michael Rosenberg, pres. & CEO

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $325

Chocolate Bars, Biscuits & Wafers, Covered Pretzels/Chips; Panned Chocolates; Hard Candies (includes Lollipops, Mints, Lozenges & Cough Drops); Gummies, Jellies, Licorice, Chews, Fruit Snacks & Jelly Beans; Other (Marshmallows, Yogurt-Covered, Interactive, Pressed Candy, Powders & Spreads); Reduced-Sugar Confections;


North American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

11. I-800-Flowers.Com Inc., Carle Place, NY

Plants: 3

Employees: 2,800

Chief Officer: Jim McCann, founder & CEO

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $325

Chocolate Bars, Biscuits & Wafers, Covered Pretzels/Chips; Truffles, Pralines & Filled Chocolates; Moulded Chocolate Figures & Shapes; Panned Chocolates; Toffee & Caramel; Nuts/Seed Candies, Bars, Bark, Brittles & Marzipan, Nougat; Other (Marshmallows, Yogurt-Covered, Interactive, Pressed Candy, Powders & Spreads); Reduced-Sugar Confections;


North American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

10. See's Candies, S. San Francisco, Calif.

Plants: 3

Employees: 1,500 ²

Chief Officer: Brad Kinstler, pres. & CEO

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $410

Chocolate Bars, Biscuits & Wafers, Covered Pretzels/Chips; Truffles, Pralines & Filled Chocolates; Moulded Chocolate Figures & Shapes; Panned Chocolates; Toffee & Caramel; Nuts/Seed Candies, Bars, Bark, Brittles & Marzipan, Nougat; Hard Candies (includes Lollipops, Mints, Lozenges & Cough Drops); Gummies, Jellies, Licorice, Chews, Fruit Snacks & Jelly Beans; Other (Marshmallows, Yogurt-Covered, Interactive, Pressed Candy, Powders & Spreads); Reduced-Sugar Confections;


North American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

9. Clif Bar & Co., Emeryville, Calif.

Plants: 373

Employees: n/a

Chief Officer: Kevin Cleary, CEO

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $508

Nuts/Seed Candies, Bars, Bark, Brittles & Marzipan, Nougat; Energy & Cereal Bars


North American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

8. Pepsico Americas Foods, div. of Pepsico Purchase, N.Y.

Plants: *700

Employees: *274,000

Chief Officer: Indra Nooyi, chair & CEO

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $530

Chocolate Bars, Biscuits & Wafers, Covered Pretzels/Chips; Gummies, Jellies, Licorice, Chews, Fruit Snacks & Jelly Beans; Other (Marshmallows, Yogurt-Covered, Interactive, Pressed Candy, Powders & Spreads); Energy & Cereal Bars


North American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

7. Tootsie Roll Industries, Chicago

Plants: 7

Employees: 2,200

Chief Officer: Ellen Gordon, chair

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $537

Chocolate Bars, Biscuits & Wafers, Covered Pretzels/Chips; Truffles, Pralines & Filled Chocolates; Panned Chocolates; Toffee & Caramel; Hard Candies (includes Lollipops, Mints, Lozenges & Cough Drops); Gummies, Jellies, Licorice, Chews, Fruit Snacks & Jelly Beans; Gum; Reduced-Sugar Confections;


North American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

6. Barcel S.A., div. of Grupo Bimbo, Mexico City, Mexico

Plants: Barcel S.A., div. of Grupo Bimbo

Employees: 3,000

Chief Officer: Gabino Gomez, pres. of Barcel

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $694

Chocolate Bars, Biscuits & Wafers, Covered Pretzels/Chips; Truffles, Pralines & Filled Chocolates; Panned Chocolates; Toffee & Caramel; Nuts/Seed Candies, Bars, Bark, Brittles & Marzipan, Nougat; Hard Candies (includes Lollipops, Mints, Lozenges & Cough Drops); Gummies, Jellies, Licorice, Chews, Fruit Snacks & Jelly Beans; Other (Marshmallows, Yogurt-Covered, Interactive, Pressed Candy, Powders & Spreads); Gum; Reduced-Sugar Confections; Energy & Cereal Bars


North American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

5. Ferrara Candy Co., Chicago

Plants: 9

Employees: 800

Chief Officer: Todd Siwak, CEO

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $1,000

Chocolate Bars, Biscuits & Wafers, Covered Pretzels/Chips; Truffles, Pralines & Filled Chocolates; Moulded Chocolate Figures & Shapes; Panned Chocolates; Toffee & Caramel; Hard Candies (includes Lollipops, Mints, Lozenges & Cough Drops); Gummies, Jellies, Licorice, Chews, Fruit Snacks & Jelly Beans; Other (Marshmallows, Yogurt-Covered, Interactive, Pressed Candy, Powders & Spreads); Reduced-Sugar Confections; Energy & Cereal Bars


North American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

4. General Mills, Minneapolis, Minn.

Plants: *50

Employees: *43,000

Chief Officer: Ken Powell, chair & CEO

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $1,800

Gummies, Jellies, Licorice, Chews, Fruit Snacks & Jelly Beans; Energy & Cereal Bars


North American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

3. Hershey Foods Corp., Hershey, Pa.

Plants: 16

Employees: 20,800

Chief Officer: John Bilbrey, chair, pres. & CEO

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $7,422

Chocolate Bars, Biscuits & Wafers, Covered Pretzels/Chips; Truffles, Pralines & Filled Chocolates; Moulded Chocolate Figures & Shapes; Panned Chocolates; Toffee & Caramel; Nuts/Seed Candies, Bars, Bark, Brittles & Marzipan, Nougat; Hard Candies (includes Lollipops, Mints, Lozenges & Cough Drops); Gummies, Jellies, Licorice, Chews, Fruit Snacks & Jelly Beans; Other (Marshmallows, Yogurt-Covered, Interactive, Pressed Candy, Powders & Spreads); Gum; Reduced-Sugar Confections; Energy & Cereal Bars


North American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

2. Mondelez International, Deerfield, Ill.

Plants: *171

Employees: *110,000

Chief Officer: Irene Rosenfeld, chair & CEO

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $14,350

Chocolate Bars, Biscuits & Wafers, Covered Pretzels/Chips; Truffles, Pralines & Filled Chocolates; Moulded Chocolate Figures & Shapes; Panned Chocolates; Toffee & Caramel; Nuts/Seed Candies, Bars, Bark, Brittles & Marzipan, Nougat; Hard Candies (includes Lollipops, Mints, Lozenges & Cough Drops); Gummies, Jellies, Licorice, Chews, Fruit Snacks & Jelly Beans; Other (Marshmallows, Yogurt-Covered, Interactive, Pressed Candy, Powders & Spreads); Gum; Reduced-Sugar Confections; Energy & Cereal Bars


North American Sweet 60 Candy Companies

1. Mars, Inc., McLean, Va.

Plants: ¹ 70

Employees: 35,000

Chief Officer: Grant Reid, pres.

Confectionery Sales Estimates (in millions): $18,480

Chocolate Bars, Biscuits & Wafers, Covered Pretzels/Chips; Truffles, Pralines & Filled Chocolates; Panned Chocolates; Toffee & Caramel; Nuts/Seed Candies, Bars, Bark, Brittles & Marzipan, Nougat; Hard Candies (includes Lollipops, Mints, Lozenges & Cough Drops); Gummies, Jellies, Licorice, Chews, Fruit Snacks & Jelly Beans; Other (Marshmallows, Yogurt-Covered, Interactive, Pressed Candy, Powders & Spreads); Gum; Reduced-Sugar Confections; Energy & Cereal Bars


*this includes production of non-confectionery items
**company wouldn't disclose
***merger w/Leaf (Sept. 1, 2011 to Aug. 31, 2012)

¹ See's Candies has 550 employees year-round, 1,200 seasonally