Sunkist Fruit Gems Return in 2027 with New Maker CandyRific
Discontinued by Ferrara in May, the kosher candy staple of Jewish celebrations will be revived by CandyRific in early 2027.
Sunkist Fruit Gems will return in early 2027, produced by a new manufacturer after being discontinued earlier this year. The kosher candy, a fixture at Jewish celebrations for generations, was dropped by Ferrara Candy Company on May 1, prompting a swift consumer backlash that led to its revival.
Ferrara stopped making the gems as part of a decision to streamline the Jelly Belly portfolio, which it acquired in 2023. The company cited weak nationwide demand and ended its licensing deal with Sunkist Growers. A Ferrara representative told one publication that a revival was possible if demand grew, but called it 'not likely.' The news spread quickly. Synagogues and families rushed to buy remaining stock, selling out the product on Amazon and Walmart. People shared stories and joked online about the loss, while one essay urged readers to show candy companies how much the product mattered.
Revival and new partnership
Sunkist Growers has now secured a new manufacturing partner to bring the candy back. The Kentucky-based confectionery company CandyRific will produce the revived Sunkist Fruit Gems. Sunkist announced it received overwhelming support and enthusiasm for the product's return and is working to bring back the familiar flavor, quality, and fruit-forward character. The company says the revived gems will maintain kosher certification.
Sunkist stated: "Consumers can expect the same key product characteristics they know and love, including individually wrapped pieces, a soft texture, fruit flavors, and kosher certification." The original candies, first sold in 1955 and bearing the Sunkist name since a 1966 agreement, are individually wrapped, soft, sugar-coated candies. Their softness made them easy to toss at celebrants without the sting of harder candy, and their wrappers simplified cleanup. Consumers are advised to check for the actual kosher certification symbol on new packages when they arrive.
Context and market significance
The product's return aligns with significant demand in the kosher confectionery market. The U.S. kosher market generates over $12 billion in annual sales. Products like Fruit Gems, which use citrus pectin instead of gelatin to be kosher, serve a dedicated audience. While designed to comply with Jewish dietary law, other consumers also choose kosher products due to dietary restrictions or perceptions around health and food safety.
Ferrara said the discontinuation allowed it to focus resources on future growth and innovation. CandyRific, the new licensee, also manufactures products under license agreements for brands like Warheads and Kool-Aid. The initial report of the discontinuation came from a Jewish publication, highlighting the candy's deep cultural resonance. Brand anthropologist Jason Liebig commented on the product's history via LinkedIn, noting its long-standing role.
Sunkist plans to bring Sunkist Fruit Gems back in early 2027.
