Just Born
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Confectionery |
| Founded | 1923 in New York City, United States |
| Founder | Sam Born |
| Headquarters | Bethlehem, Pennsylvania , United States |
Key people | David Shaffer (Chairman and Co-CEO), Gardner Jett, Jr. (Co-CEO) |
| Products | Goldenberg's Peanut Chews, Hot Tamales, Mike and Ike, Peeps, Teenee Beanee jelly beans, Zours |
Number of employees | 600 (2021) |
Just Born, Inc. is a privately held American candy manufacturer based in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. It is known for producing and distributing well-known confectionery brands such as Goldenberg's Peanut Chews, Hot Tamales, Mike and Ike, Peeps, Teenee Beanee jelly beans, and Zours. The company's motto, "a great candy isn't made... it's Just Born," highlights its commitment to quality. By 2013, Just Born was recognized as the tenth-largest candy manufacturer in the United States.
History
The company was established by Russian-Jewish immigrant and inventor Sam Born (1891–1959), who created the Born Sucker Machine in 1916, a device that automated the insertion of sticks into lollipops. In 1917, Born opened a retail shop in Brooklyn, New York, selling freshly made candies under the name Just Born. He is also credited with inventing chocolate sprinkles, commonly called "jimmies," as well as the hard candy coating used on ice cream bars.
In 1923, Sam Born formalized Just Born as a manufacturing enterprise in New York City. His brothers-in-law, Irv and Jack Shaffer, joined the company to assist with marketing and sales efforts. The business relocated to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, in 1932, acquiring a large production facility to support growth.
Bob Born, Sam’s son, became involved in 1945 and led the company as president for more than three decades. Under his leadership, production of Peeps was mechanized, establishing Just Born as the leading producer of seasonal marshmallow treats in the United States. Bob Born passed away in 2023 at age 98.
Just Born expanded its portfolio through acquisitions including Rodda Candy Co. of Lancaster County in 1953—famous for jelly beans and Peeps—and Goldenberg Candy Company in 2003. The latter purchase preserved the Philadelphia manufacturing site and eventually reinstated the Goldenberg's Peanut Chews brand after initially rebranding it under Just Born.
Employing around 600 people and generating $301 million in revenue as of 2021, Just Born remains a significant player within the U.S. confectionery sector. The company continues to pursue growth and innovation under the guidance of Chairman and Co-CEO David Shaffer alongside Co-CEO Gardner Jett, Jr.
Union and pension disputes
On September 2, 2016, Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union Local 6 members voted to strike following rejection of the company’s contract proposal. Despite no conclusive agreement being reached at that time, most employees returned to work by September 30.
The core issue involved Just Born’s effort to remove future hires from participation in the multi-employer Bakery and Confectionery Union and Industrial International Pension Fund. This action would entail a $60 million payment to cover obligations for retirees going forward—a fee that Just Born has challenged through legal channels.