Bethlehem, PA. — May 24, 2016 — Just Born Quality Confections and Cémoi Inc. New York, a subsidiary of CEMOI Group of Perpignan, France, have announced a sales partnership program to expand the French chocolate products to the United States. Just Born, the Pennsylvania based confection company known for its iconic candy brands including PEEPS®, MIKE AND IKE®, HOT TAMALES® and GOLDENBERG’S® PEANUT CHEWS®, will fully represent Cémoi and help bring awareness of the chocolate to defined customers, while offering in-depth knowledge in the market.
Founded by and operating under similar principles, this collaboration brings two like-minded companies together. Both Cémoi and Just Born are family run, community driven businesses that take into consideration the ecological and sustainability impact they have on the environment and the products they manufacture.
“We believe that both Just Born and Cémoi will greatly benefit from combining the two companies’ strengths in the integrated sales partnership,” said David Yale, President. “This collaboration gives our loyal customers access to a larger selection of products that we know they’ll love.”
Cémoi, founded in 1814, has more than 200 years of heritage and is considered the French Industrial Chocolate Expert. The company uses a unique hands-on approach through their Transparence Program, which allows them to be heavily involved in the selection of the beans by working directly with cocoa beans farmers. This firsthand approach continues throughout all stages of the production process from selecting the bean to the actual finished product.
“Partnering with Just Born has given us the opportunity to become a reputable chocolate brand in the United States and further expand our product line,” said Jacques Abeille, spokesperson for Cémoi Inc. “This relationship will be a first step to a long-term business agreement as part of our global strategic growth priorities.”
Just Born opened in 1923 as a chocolate company selling French style chocolates, since founder Sam Born learned the art of making chocolates in France before he immigrated to the United States. This opportunity to partner with Cémoi brings Just Born full circle back to its roots. Just Born will also carry Cémoi premium chocolate bars and truffles at its three PEEPS & COMPANY® brick and mortar stores, located in Center Valley, Pa., National Harbor, Md., and Mall of America, Minn.
About Just Born Quality Confections:
Just Born Quality Confections is a third-generation family-owned company that has grown into the 9th largest candy company in the U.S. Just Born is the maker of some of America’s most beloved and iconic brands – PEEPS®, MIKE AND IKE®, HOT TAMALES® and GOLDENBERG’S® PEANUT CHEWS®. In 1923, the founder, Sam Born, opened a small candy-making and retail store in Brooklyn, New York, where he marketed the freshness of his daily-made candy with a sign that declared, “Just Born.” Together with Born’s brothers-in-law, Irv and Jack Shaffer, the company thrived in spite of the economic depression of the 1930s and, in 1932, moved its operations to Bethlehem, PA, which is still home to their iconic candy brands. All Just Born candies are proudly made in the U.S.A. For more information, please visit www.justborn.com. Follow us: facebook.com/JustBornInc, twitter.com/JustBornInc.
About Cémoi Inc.:
Patrick Poirrier is the President of CÉMOI, a Group whose roots go back to 1962 when it acquired its first chocolate factory. Today, the Group is France’s top chocolatier. CÉMOI employs more than 3,200 staff, including some 2,000 in France where 10 of its 14 factories are located. The Group sells 260,000 tons of chocolate every year, including sales of cocoa beans. It is one of the most ardent defenders of Made in France chocolate. In 2014, the independent French family Group (3rd generation and based in Perpignan) generated a turnover of almost €800m. CÉMOI’s success is due in particular to its insistence on quality and innovation, two concepts at the root of its growth. This insistence has led CÉMOI to stand alongside local cocoa producers in the world’s main production areas. CÉMOI is the last great French chocolatier to have full control of its supply chain, from the cocoa tree to the finished product. This control means that it can ensure full traceability of its products, which are developed to meet the needs of consumers and the entire food industry alike, from manufacturers to professionals working with chocolate: chocolatiers, pastry chefs, caterers, and retailers.
Media Contact:
For further information, media representatives should contact Colleen Imler (973-588-2000 or cimler@coynepr.com).