Black Forest brand to become category leader in sustainability

Black Forest is already known as one of the few confectionery brands that offers both conventional and USDA-Certified organic gummies and fruit snacks.

The Chicago-based candy company has released details of a major brand purpose and sustainability announcement​ including a new, 10-year commitment to become a sustainable brand.

As a result, Black Forest will become the first in the fruit snack and gummy candy category to make this purpose-led pledge, and said it is “taking real action including committing to real ingredients that are better for people, moving to fully sustainable packaging, continuing to plant and protect forests, and reducing its impact in its production.​”

Joey Rath, Marketing Manager at Ferrara, said Black Forest, the brand, was inspired by the Black Forest in Germany.

“It was imported into the US by a German high school teacher as a fundraiser, and purchased by Ferrara in 1998 and now includes a fruit snacks and gummy portfolio, with classic and organic offerings under each portfolio​.”

Rath said Black Forest appeals to a broad base of consumers, with lots of passion around Millennials and parents.

“Millennials care a lot about brands taking a sustainable action so again Black Forest is seriously taking into account the feedback that we are hearing from our key consumer base."​

Rath said consumers will see the change by 2022 when all products and ingredients in the Black Forest portfolio will be made from organic colours and flavours.

“Keeping in mind the 2025 commitment, we’ll also see a shift in our packaging, ensuring we are also delivering sustainable packaging by 2025​.”

Moving to fully sustainable packaging that is recyclable, reusable or compostable, is this part of the Ferrara Group’s promise, and Black Forest is a key brand in its over-arching commitment.

Vegan

Rath also said that future plans for Black Forest include a positive response to vegan. At present, the gummies use gelatin for texture, but Rath said Ferrara are looking at a vegan option to meet growing consumer needs and will look to deliver in the future.

Kate Adams, Senior Brand Marketing Director of Black Forest at Ferrara, said: “At Black Forest, we believe that real good requires real action. It’s why we were founded in the first place – to capture the transformative power of nature and make snacks that are delicious, with carefully selected real ingredients​.

“We looked to our consumers as we developed a set of goals that will deliver impact in all aspects of our business including real ingredients, real fruit juice, and partnerships that have a real impact on the conservation of forests​.”

Black Forest’s Purpose Commitment at a Glance ​

Black Forest’s 10-year commitment includes a move to fully sustainable packaging by 2025 that is recyclable, reusable, or compostable, while still maintaining the freshness and quality consumers have come to expect.

The company is also continuing its partnership with the National Forest Foundation, now in its third year, which provides ways for people to take action to help tree-planting efforts in the wake of devastating wildfires.

Black Forest said it is committed to plant 1.5 million trees across US forests that have been impacted by wildfire by the end of 2022 – and has set a long-range goal to plant 10 million trees by 2030.