Ferrara

🌟 Values Award Spotlight 🌟 The final honoree in our Values Awards series is our Seasonal Holiday Cross-Functional Team who won this year’s Agility Award. The Agility Award honors a team for exceptional adaptability, whether in policy revamping, process streamlining, or innovative problem-solving. Winners embody staying ahead of changes, inspiring adaptability, and showcasing how embracing change fosters innovation. The Seasonal Holiday Cross-Functional Team’s quick thinking and adaptability led to a major win, securing a multi-year agreement for Brach’s Candy Canes at a major retailer for the Holiday 2024 season. This team’s ability to stay ahead of the curve is a shining example of how embracing change can drive innovation and success. Congratulations Whitney Bevis Mark DeMoss Gabija Malakauskaite Lauren Holtz Pezza Amanda Ronan and Bethany Soloski!   

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth at the #NACSShow this week! We had a blast meeting with retail partners and sharing our latest innovations, from the tart twist of Lemonhead Ropes to the bold new flavors of Trolli Sour Squad. It was exciting to connect and discuss how the sweet growth in the sugar candy category can continue drive success for our convenience store retailers.

We were proud to host the Illinois Manufacturers' Association “Makers On The Move” bus tour at our Bellwood and Forest Park facilities to celebrate Manufacturing Month! It was an honor to host other manufacturers, community members and local leaders, including Cook County Bureau Chief of Economic Development Xochitl Flores, Mayor Rory Hoskins and Village Administrator Rachell Entler of Forest Park, and Sacella Smith with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economics, alongside IMA and IMEC Illinois officials, our Chief Manufacturing Officer, Michael L Nelson Jr and Blair (Jaffe) Klein, VP of Institutional Affairs & Corp Comm, on the vital role manufacturing plays in Illinois.    Manufacturing isn’t just about making products; it’s about creating good jobs that strengthen our communities. As a company with five factories in Illinois, Ferrara is honored to celebrate the hardworking team members who make it all possible, and many of them joined us as well. 

🌟 Values Award Spotlight 🌟  This week, we’re recognizing the power of teamwork and collaboration. Congratulations to the amazing team behind our NERDS Super Bowl Ad for earning the Collaboration Award! The Collaboration Award honors a group that has demonstrated exceptional teamwork on our path to being the global leader in Sugar. Their collective effort and unique skills exemplify the power of collaboration, reminding us that together, we can achieve limitless success on behalf of Ferrara. Despite numerous challenges, this cross-functional group came together to deliver outstanding results in display development, media, and more. Your collective effort has demonstrated what we can achieve when we work together toward a common goal.    Shout-out to Katie Byrne, MBA, registered CPA Brian Camen Carla Camp Ginger DeAraujo Michael Faron Britt Finlayson Josh Lipman Anna Walsh Olsen Dave Partyka Joey Rath Javier Reinoso and Iwona Stefanski!

What an incredible weekend at the 11th annual Jelly Belly Candypalooza! We had a blast celebrating all things sweet with our community. From cultural dance groups to tours of our factory, car shows and tastes of our house-made fudge, the event was a true celebration of fun and flavor. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for the festivities—your energy made this Candypalooza one to remember! 🍭✨

🌟 Values Award Spotlight 🌟 Continuing our Values Awards series, where we spotlight those who lead by example, we’re excited to honor our Integrity Award winner Marena D. from our Marketing team!  The Integrity Award acknowledges the Ferrara employee who embodies unwavering courage, transparency, and ethical decision-making. Recipients prioritize accountability even in adversity and embrace making difficult but brave choices. They inspire others with their commitment to honesty, integrity, and ethical leadership. Marena’s courageous decision-making and commitment to transparency during a critical time for SweeTARTS Ropes have set a high standard for us all. Her dedication to upholding the Ferrara Quality Promise has safeguarded our brand and demonstrated the true meaning of integrity. Well done, Marena!

Ferrara joined more than 50 members of the National Confectioners Association on Capitol Hill this week, meeting with legislators like Raja Krishnamoorthi to advocate for the Farm Bill. This important legislation will help ensure a steady domestic sugar supply and improve the distribution of sugar imports, supporting the nearly 700,000 jobs our industry sustains across the United States. With the Farm Bill's support, we can continue crafting the treats that make life a little sweeter! #PowerOfSweet

Join us in welcoming Waldemar Thiago Junior as the new CEO of Dori Alimentos Ltda. Waldemar brings vast experience and leadership in the food and beverage and CPG industries in Latin America and Brazil. We embarked on a thoughtful and strategic search to find the leader who could continue to build on Dori’s strong foundation. Waldemar will focus on continuing the evolution of Dori within the Ferrara community. We are also recognizing and congratulating Pedro Lobo, who is retiring from the CEO position and will now serve as strategic advisor to Ferrara CEO Marco Capurso, continuing his leadership with our companies. Pedro has been fundamental in growing the business and strengthening company culture and values during his more than 40 years at Dori. Together, we will continue building a sweeter future.

🌟 Values Award Spotlight 🌟 In our ongoing Values Awards series, we’re celebrating those who embody our core principles. Today, we’re proud to recognize our Empowerment Award winner John Ryan from our Itasca team!  The Empowerment Award honors a leader who champions others by equipping, empowering, and entrusting them to drive impactful results. Through supportive leadership, these employees cultivate an atmosphere where everyone feels empowered to contribute their best. John’s leadership in the Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) process has empowered over 100 operators to take ownership of their lines, driving incredible results. Thanks to John’s dedication, we’ve seen record-breaking production and are now spreading this success across our network. John, your leadership inspires us all to dream big and succeed!

Ferrara CEO Marco Capurso, senior leader Blair (Jaffe) Klein and ¡UNIDOS!  business resource group leaders Carla Gracia and Javier Reinoso were proud to join Little Village Chamber of Commerce for one of the largest gatherings of Hispanic business leaders in the Midwest, the Mexican Independence Day VIP Breakfast. The event highlighted the significant contributions of Mexican entrepreneurship to the city of Chicago and beyond. #hispanicheritagemonth2024