Just Born, Inc. exemplifies a perfect combination of history and innovation.  Its candy brands PEEPS^®, MIKE AND IKE^®, HOT TAMALES^® and PEANUT CHEWS^®, tell the story.  Steeped in tradition and ingrained in American culture, Just Born’s candy brands maintain their iconic status through much hard work and dedication by the company’s 500 associates, who are always bringing great new products to market.

While innovation is integral, so is staying true to the company’s roots.  Just Born is an 86 year-old, family-owned business based in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.  The Just Born candy tradition began in 1910 when Sam Born emigrated from Russia.  A candy maker by trade, Born was responsible for many innovations including the technology to produce chocolate sprinkles, known as Jimmies; the hard chocolate coating used for Eskimo Pies; and the machine that mechanically inserted sticks into lollipops. 

Opening a candy-making and retail store in New York in 1923, Born marketed the freshness of his daily-made candy with a sign declaring, “just born.”  Born invited his brothers-in-law, Irv and Jack Shaffer, to join him in the business. In 1932, the company moved to an empty printing factory in Bethlehem.

Sam’s son Bob helped mechanize the marshmallow forming process in 1954, enabling Just Born to become the world’s largest manufacturer of novelty marshmallow treats. Today, more than 4.2 million PEEPS^® Marshmallow Brand Candies are produced daily.

Just Born’s growth has been aided by several key acquisitions including the prestigious Maillard Corporation in 1935; the Rodda Candy Company in 1953, makers of jelly beans and Easter PEEPS^®, and the Goldenberg Candy Company in 2003, makers of PEANUT CHEWS^®. 

Leading Just Born today are cousins and co-CEO’s Ross Born and David Shaffer who joined the company in 1978, and in 1992, took over from their fathers, Bob Born and Jack Shaffer.  However, one does not have to be family to succeed at Just Born, as Matt Petronio exemplifies, having become COO and Executive Vice President in 2007.

Just Born strives to be a strong supporter of community activities and a good environmental citizen.  The company recently became a sponsor for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation by creating MIKE AND IKE® Lemonade Blends™ and donating proceeds.  In addition to making monetary and candy contributions to other local nonprofit and charitable organizations, Just Born also encourages its associates to give of their time to the community.

Just Born is proud that all of its brands are made in the U.S.A. and that over 45 countries enjoy these candies!