Just Born
Just Born, Inc. is a family-owned candy manufacturer that has been in business since 1923. It is headquartered in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and makes several well-known candy brands, including Minke and Ike, Hot Tamales, Goldenberg’s Peanut Chews, Teenee Beanee Jelly Beans, and Peeps.
The company was founded by Sam Born, who was awarded the "key to the city" of San Francisco in 1916 for inventing the Born Sucker Machine. This machine mechanically inserted sticks into lollipops. The company relocated to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, in 1932, during the height of the depression.
In 1953, Just Born acquired Rodda Candy Co., a jelly bean maker that produced marshmallow candies by hand. Bob Born, Sam Born's son, joined the company in 1945 and later became its president for over 30 years.
Bob Born is credited with mechanizing the process of making marshmallow candies, particularly Peeps, which significantly increased production and made Just Born the largest manufacturer of marshmallow confections in the United States.
Today, Just Born is the premier provider of marshmallow confections in the U.S., with Marshmallow Peeps and Bunnies as the top-selling non-chocolate Easter candy.
The company employs more than 600 associates, most of whom are at its world headquarters and candy factory in Bethlehem, PA. Just Born is ranked the 10th largest candy company in the United States and is well-known for its iconic brands.