Candy manufacturer Jelly Belly is to lay off 69 employees, roughly 18 per cent of its workforce, and close its corporate-commercial operations facility in Fairfield, California. The move was disclosed in a document filed with county and state officials and shared on Facebook by Fairfield Mayor Catherine Moy.
The redundancies will occur over 11 months, beginning on 1 June and ending on 14 January 2027. Roles affected include software developers, accountants, customer service representatives and e-commerce staff. The layoffs were planned by Ferrara Candy Company, which owns Jelly Belly as well as brands such as Trolli, Nerds and Laffy Taffy, following its acquisition in 2023.
The job cuts are part of a broader trend in the food and beverage industry. In October, Nestle announced it would cut 16,000 workers over two years, while Ferrero USA revealed plans to lay off 72 employees in Illinois by January 2027.
According to research firm IBIS World, candy producers have struggled to maintain consistent growth due to shifting consumer preferences, heightened competition and volatile economic conditions. The firm noted that candy is considered a discretionary good, and spending tends to decline when economic conditions are poor.
However, per-person disposable income rose in 2025, potentially boosting sweet treat purchases. The candy industry grew by 1.9 per cent in 2025, reaching an estimated $12.5 billion, although IBIS World forecasts a 1.9 per cent drop in revenue ahead.
