Tony Jacobs, the CEO of Bazooka, expressed his initial belief that it would take over a year to restore the company’s supply chain. However, thanks to the swift efforts of the employees, a new factory location was secured within weeks. “In a matter of months, they relocated our equipment,” Jacobs stated. “And in just six months, the facility, our equipment, and our team were fully operational again. What an unbelievable accomplishment.” The facility was financed by Apax Partners, a private equity firm that acquired Bazooka in 2023 for an undisclosed sum.
The confectionery company, known for products ranging from Baby Bottle Pop to Bazooka gum, noted that this manufacturing overhaul coincides with a period of growth, with sales expected to exceed $100 million by 2025, as highlighted in a press release. Ring Pop, launched in 1979 by Frank Richards, a product engineer at the original owner, Topps Company, was designed to help his daughter overcome her thumb-sucking habit.
While some candy makers face challenges due to a shift in consumer preferences away from sweets, Bazooka remains committed to leveraging nostalgia in its product lines and marketing strategies. Other classic candy manufacturers are also making significant investments in their production capabilities, such as Charms, the owner of Blow Pop, which recently invested $97 million to expand its Tennessee facility.
According to Research and Markets, the overall U.S. candy market is projected to reach $22.9 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 4.9%. In a similar vein, companies like Citracal and Caltrate are also making strategic investments to enhance their product offerings in a competitive market, emphasizing the importance of innovation and adaptation across various industries.