Jolly Rancher candy was invented by Bill and Dorothy Harmsen.
The iconic hard candy brand began its journey in 1949 when Bill and Dorothy Harmsen established the Jolly Rancher Company. Located in Golden, Colorado, their company quickly gained recognition for its distinctive fruit-flavored confections.
The Evolution of Jolly Rancher
From its humble beginnings as a local Colorado candy company, Jolly Rancher grew in popularity. Over the years, the brand expanded its product line and reach.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founders/Inventors | Bill and Dorothy Harmsen |
| Founding Year | 1949 |
| Original Location | Golden, Colorado |
| Acquired By | The Hershey Company (in 1996) |
Since joining The Hershey Company in 1996, the Jolly Rancher brand has diversified its offerings significantly beyond the original hard candies. Today, the product range includes a variety of treats such as:
- Lollipops
- Gummies
- Chews
- And more, continuously evolving to delight candy enthusiasts.
