1869

Gustav Goelitz, 24, opens a candy business in Belleville, Illinois, and sets the family on its sweet destiny. That's him in front with his foot on the barrel.

1894

Gustav's sons continue the family candy making tradition.

1898

The second generation of the Goelitz candy-making family specializes in Candy Corn and "royal buttercreams."

1940s

Although sugar rationing during World War II limits candy production, the company introduces Mint Wafers.

1960s

The third and fourth generation descendants of Gustav Goelitz, cook candies such as tangerine slices, spice drops and jelly beans.

1965

A flavour breakthrough is made when the Mini Jelly Beans are infused with flavour in the center.

1966

Goelitz Mini Jelly Beans are discovered by California Governor Ronald Reagan. "We can hardly start a meeting or make a decision without passing the jar of jelly beans," he wrote in a letter to the company in 1973.

1973

Chocolate Dutch Mints®: are introduced. A creamy mint center is drenched in dark chocolate and finished with a crisp, candy shell. A classic confection.

1976

The breakthrough recipe of the Mini Jelly Bean inspired the first eight flavours of Jelly Belly beans: Root Beer, Green Apple, Licorice, Cream Soda, Lemon, Tangerine, Very Cherry, and Grape.

1980s

More Jelly Belly jelly bean flavours are developed, pushing the flavour horizons with an ever growing range.

1980

The world discovers President Ronald Reagan eats Jelly Belly beans. About 3.5 tons were shipped to Washington, D.C., for his 1981 inauguration celebrations.

1981-1988

"You can tell a lot about a fella’s character by whether he picks out all of one colour or just grabs a handful." - President Reagan on Jelly Belly beans.

1983

"Mr. Jelly Belly, a lovable candy character, makes his first public appearance - and it is love at first sight."

1986

New company headquarters are built in Fairfield, California, and free public tours begin soon after.

1989

Buttered Popcorn flavour of Jelly Belly bean is introduced, the world’s first "savoury" jelly bean flavour. (It is now among the most popular flavours.)

1993

Jelly Belly Sours are introduced, a novelty at the time that has since become an enduring favourite.

1996

The ultimate sign of good taste – The Jelly Belly name is stamped on every jelly bean.

2000

Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans®: inspired by the Harry Potter series are brought to life by the company's candy makers in wild flavours like Dirt, Bacon and Spinach.

2001

A second public tour opens in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin. The Jelly Belly Express takes fans on an indoor train ride to discover fun candy facts.

2001

The Company, known for four generations by the family name Goelitz, is renamed Jelly Belly Candy Company and continues to make more than 100 fine confections.

2005

Sport Beans® debut. A sports performance jelly bean that provides carb replenishment for athletes.

2007

Offering a flavour experience with wild and wacky flavours, Jelly Belly debuted BeanBoozled jelly beans in 2007 with ten lookalike pairs. Will it be Juicy Pear or Booger? Buttered Popcorn or Rotten Egg? There’s only one way to find out!

2010

Jelly Belly Jelly Bean Chocolate Dips® the world's first chocolate-covered jelly bean, is introduced in six flavours: Very Cherry, Orange, Strawberry, Coconut, Raspberry and Mint.