About Jolly Rancher
Jolly Rancher is an iconic American candy brand founded by Bill and Dorothy Harmsen in Golden, Colorado in 1949. What began as an ice cream store quickly pivoted to candy production after a challenging first summer, and within decades Jolly Rancher became one of America's most beloved hard candy brands. Now owned by The Hershey Company since 1996, Jolly Rancher continues to deliver the intense fruit flavours that have made it a confectionery legend. The name "Jolly Rancher" was chosen by the Harmsens to evoke the image of a friendly Western company, reflecting their Colorado roots. The brand's early success came from Fire Stix, a hot-cinnamon-flavored taffy that sold for five cents. Original flavours included watermelon, apple, and the signature fire stix, though the range has since expanded dramatically to include cherry, grape, blue raspberry, and many more bold, fruity options. By 1966, the company was producing 125,000 pounds of candy daily with 250 employees when it was acquired by Beatrice Foods. Jolly Rancher passed through Leaf, Inc. before joining The Hershey Company's portfolio in 1996 alongside other American classics like Whoppers, Milk Duds, and Heath bars. Today, the candy is manufactured in Quebec, Canada, and distributed worldwide. UK shoppers can find Jolly Rancher products at supermarkets including Iceland, where the American candy phenomenon is part of a growing demand for imported confectionery. From the classic hard candy to newer formats like Sour Gummies, Jolly Rancher offers the bold, intense fruit flavours that American candy is famous for - a taste of Colorado heritage in every piece.
