Exhibiting at Thaifex - Anuga Asia 2025

Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc. is one of the most iconic and enduring candy manufacturers in the United States. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company has been delighting generations with its distinctive portfolio of candies, many of which have become household names over the past century.

Brief History

Founded in 1896, Tootsie Roll Industries originated with the invention of the Tootsie Roll, the first individually wrapped penny candy. The company gained traction through the 20th century by expanding its product lines and acquiring a series of renowned confectionery brands. Ellen R. Gordon, a long-time leader and significant figure in the company's success, continues to serve as CEO and Chairwoman.

Core Business

Tootsie Roll Industries focuses on the manufacturing, marketing, and distribution of confectionery products. As a publicly traded company on the NYSE under the ticker “TR,” it primarily serves the North American market while maintaining a growing international footprint.

Product and Service Offerings

Tootsie Roll Industries produces a wide array of confectionery products categorized into several major segments:

• Chewy and Caramel Candies: Tootsie Rolls, Caramel Apple Pops, Sugar Babies, Sugar Daddy
• Lollipops: Tootsie Pops, Charms Blow Pops
• Chocolate-Coated Confections: Junior Mints, Cella’s Chocolate-Covered Cherries, Charleston Chew
• Mints and Chocolates: Andes Mints
• Bubble Gum and Novelty Candies: Dubble Bubble, Nik-L-Nip, Razzles, Fluffy Stuff Cotton Candy, Wack-O-Wax

Many of these brands are leaders in their segments, with Tootsie Pops and Junior Mints among the top-selling items in their respective categories.

Specialization and Core USP

The company’s unique value proposition lies in:

• Brand Recognition and Loyalty: Products like Tootsie Rolls and Junior Mints have multi-generational appeal and nostalgic value.
• Diversified Portfolio: Encompasses over a dozen popular candy brands.
• In-House Manufacturing: Most products are produced in company-owned facilities in the U.S., maintaining quality and consistency.

Financial Performance

Tootsie Roll Industries reported the following financials for FY 2023:

• Revenue: $660.2 million
• Gross Profit: $216.8 million
• Net Income: $65.3 million
• Earnings per Share (EPS): $0.96

The company has demonstrated consistent profitability, bolstered by strong brand equity and seasonal sales peaks during Halloween, Valentine’s Day, and Easter.

Shipment and Export Data

Tootsie Roll Industries exports its products to over 75 countries. Key international markets include Canada, Mexico, the UK, and parts of the Middle East and Asia.

• Export Value (2023 estimate): Over $25 million
• Global Distribution Channels: Supermarkets, convenience stores, wholesalers, and online retailers
• Logistics: Products are distributed through a centralized warehouse network and third-party logistics providers.

Target Market

Tootsie Roll targets a broad consumer base that includes:

• Children and families: Primary consumers of lollipops, bubble gum, and novelty candy
• Adult consumers: Loyalists of nostalgic brands like Junior Mints and Charleston Chew
• Institutional buyers and retailers: Supermarkets, drugstores, and bulk candy resellers

Marketing strategies often focus on nostalgic branding, holiday promotions, and value packaging.

Capabilities

• R&D and Product Innovation: Maintains in-house laboratories to develop new flavors and product extensions
• Manufacturing Scale: Facilities located in Chicago, Illinois; Cambridge, Massachusetts; and Mexico
• Sustainability Initiatives: Investments in energy-efficient systems and recyclable packaging

Certifications and Compliance

Tootsie Roll Industries adheres to rigorous safety and quality standards:

• SQF Certification: For food safety and quality
• FDA Compliance: Meets all regulatory requirements for confectionery production in the U.S.
• Kosher Certification: Available for select products

Customer Testimonials

• “Tootsie Rolls are a staple in our household. We grew up with them, and now our kids love them too.” – Verified Amazon buyer
• “I always keep Junior Mints on hand. They’re the perfect combination of mint and chocolate.” – Walmart.com review

Major Achievements

• Longest continually operating candy company in the U.S. still producing its original product
• Top 5 U.S. confectionery company by retail volume
• Tootsie Pops consistently rank among the best-selling lollipops in America
• Over 120 years of operations, showcasing remarkable longevity and brand resilience