Sunkist-brand Fruit Gems appear to be staying in production after the candy maker reversed course following a wave of public outcry.
Days after eJewishPhilanthropy first reported that the jelly candies had been discontinued, Sunkist announced plans to keep them going. “The good news: Sunkist Fruit Gems are not going anywhere,” the brand said in a Sept. 26 Instagram post.
Customers across the country rely on the kosher-certified sweets for bar and bat mitzvahs, weddings, Purim celebrations and other community events.
Ferrara Candy Company, which purchased the firm that makes Fruit Gems, told USA TODAY on Sept. 28 that it had planned to “streamline the portfolio.”
Sunkist said it is working with a new family-owned candy maker to preserve the flavor, quality and kosher certification customers expect.
Kosher certification matters to many fans. Kosher gelatin must be approved by a recognized rabbinic authority and can come from properly processed cattle, certain fish or plant-based ingredients such as agar-agar and pectin.
According to Sunkist Citrus, some remaining Fruit Gems are still available at small retailers and on Amazon.
Fans Celebrate the Change
Hundreds of customers welcomed the news, with some saying they had stockpiled candy after hearing it might disappear. One customer said she had panic-bought in bulk for her wedding next year.
Alicia Jo Rabins, a rabbi in Portland, Oregon, offered to share her extra supply with anyone who needed it for an upcoming celebration. Other customers said they were relieved the candy would remain available.
One parent planning a third child’s celebration called Fruit Gems “the best celebratory candy” and said she hoped production and distribution could be secured over the next year.
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