Welcome to 2020: Willy Wonka Edition.
Jelly Belly co-founder David Klein, whose retirement is impending, decided to take a leaf out of the original Roald Dahl story Charlie And The Chocolate Factory and hide golden tickets in each state.
However before you get too excited, you need to read the fine print.
In a statement on their website, the Jelly Belly Candy Company made it clear they are not involved with the contest.
"Due to confusion in the marketplace, Jelly Belly Candy Company would like to take this opportunity to clear up the misconception that it is involved with a contest that purportedly offers a candy factory as its grand prize. Jelly Belly Candy Company, formerly known as Herman Goelitz Candy Company, has candy making roots back to 1869. It was founded by Gustav Goelitz and remains family owned and operated today."
"David Klein, the sponsor of the "treasure hunt" contest gaining attention within the media this weekend, is not associated with Jelly Belly Candy Company, its brands, or products. In 1976, Mr. Klein, an independent third party, came up with the name "Jelly Belly" and other novel marketing ideas. Jelly Belly Candy Company has not had a relationship with Mr. Klein since 1980 when it acquired the trademark."
In 1976, Klein collaborated with Herman Rowland, president of Herman Goelitz Candy Company. Using the Goelitz company's Mini Jelly Bean concept, they created the Jelly Belly jelly bean.
Klein is credited with coming up with the name "Jelly Belly" as a tribute to blues musician Lead Belly and for designing the product's famous red and yellow trademark logo. Klein is also credited with the idea to sell the beans as individual flavors instead of as assorted varieties in one bag.
In 1980, Klein sold his interest in Jelly Belly to Herman Rowland and the Herman Goelitz Candy Company.
The scavenger hunt is for his current company, Spectrum Confections.
If you're interested, you can go to TheGoldTicket.com and find out the clue for your state by paying the $49.99 entry fee.
Cash prizes are available for finding the tickets, but a few will be eligible for the ultimate prize:
"the key to one of David Klein's candy factories and an all-expenses paid trip and education to a candy-making university."
Only 1,000 people per hunt will be permitted, and all participants will be rewarded with a 40 piece jelly bean package.
Clues will begin releasing in late September and early October.
Of course someone did the math.
Regardless, people are already gearing up for the hunt.
Will you join the hunt yourself?
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