Monday, November 12, 2007

Peeps outsourced to China

If you are a devout peeps fan you might like to know where the latest Halloween Peeps were made. In the wake of the many recalls of toys and other products made in China the thought of Peeps being manufactured in the same setting might be enough to cause consumers to have second thoughts about buying the marshmallow treats.

Just Born Inc. had its Spooky Friends treats for Halloween made in in China to try outsourcing. The company claims it could not find anyone else that would wrap the Spooky Friends individually so it went to China to have them manufactured and wrapped.

As noted in a recent Houston Chronicle article "That could be a scary thought for American consumers concerned about products made in China, which has been hit by a series of recalls of substandard goods and lead-tainted toys. An August poll by The Associated Press found that most Americans believe the U.S. government is not doing enough to ensure that Chinese imports are safe."

The decision was made before recent recalls and the company has published a statement that Peeps will now continue to be made in its Pennsylvania location.

Read the entire story...
Houston Chronicle
Business
October 31, 2007
Deborah Yao - Associated Press

Peeps goes to China for Spooky Friends Halloween candies

PHILADELPHIA — The maker of Peeps — the fluffy, yellow, marshmallow chicks that have spawned a fanatical following — has tapped an overseas manufacturer to make candies for the first time in the company's history.

Just Born Inc. is making its Spooky Friends treats for Halloween in China.

That could be a scary thought for American consumers concerned about products made in China, which has been hit by a series of recalls of substandard goods and lead-tainted toys. An August poll by The Associated Press found that most Americans believe the U.S. government is not doing enough to ensure that Chinese imports are safe.

Bethlehem-based Just Born said it was making the foray into outsourcing for the first time in its 84-year history because its plant in Bethlehem cannot individually wrap the Spooky Friends candies. The company found a factory in China that can do the job and meets its quality standards.

Privately owned Just Born said it wanted to make sure there's demand for the product before investing in equipment to make the treats in the United States.

"It's expensive and we wanted to make sure we have a viable product before we'll source it here," said Kathy Bassininski, vice president of brand development and corporate services.

Just Born has sold out this Halloween's entire inventory of Spooky Friends to retailers. The company will find out later whether shoppers went for the marshmallow candies, which come shaped like pumpkins, bats, ghosts, and spiders.

Just Born made the decision to test outsourcing last year, before the Chinese products scandals hit.

The candy maker said its popular Peeps and most of its other confectionery will continue to be manufactured in Pennsylvania.

National Confectioners Association spokeswoman Susan Fussell said it's not uncommon for candy makers to manufacture abroad, often in Canada and Mexico. Original article...