Candy company behind Rocky Road, Abba-Zaba, others, to close Hayward factory
HAYWARD, Calif. - Annabelle Candy Company, the Hayward-based candy manufacturer behind Abba-Zaba, Big Hunk, and Rocky Road, among other sweet tooth's favorites, will close its factory this fall.
Records show the manufacturing facility is set to close September 27. Forty-three employees will lose their jobs.
Promise Confections CEO Michael T. McGee sent a letter this week to the California Employment Development Department indicating the impending permanent closure is due to "lack of financial sustainability" going forward. A press release from Promise Confections indicates financial challenges, including increased manufacturing and operating costs.
The company's COO, James Reik, said the facility needs a "tremendous amount of investment" and that it was a difficult decision to make considering the employees who are losing their jobs. He said employees would be offered relocation opportunities with the company, but there are no other facilities in California. A collective bargaining agreement with the labor union is being worked out regarding payment to employees upon the plant's closure.
Fans of Annabelle's iconic candy products will be happy to know Promise Confections, the larger holding company that acquired Annabelle's, will "100% continue to produce the product," Reik said. He said they've seen a surge in orders since word broke that the factory would be closing.
In 2016, Annabelle Candy Co. famously set the Guinness World Record for ‘largest taffy’ with their confection that weighed in at more than 524 pounds. The City of Hayward was so proud, they shared this video on YouTube.
According to the video's post, it took 20 employees two hours, "to construct the 1,000-foot candy masterpiece."
Workers at Annabelle Candy Co. in Hayward, working on creating the worlds largest taffy. Screen grab taken from City of Hayward on YouTube.
The accomplishment marked the first time a Guinness record was achieved in the City of Hayward.
The company was founded by Sam Altshuler in 1950 with, according to the company website, "the vision of creating delectable candies that would bring joy to people's lives."
SFGATE reported the company had a San Francisco factory before its 27211 Industrial Boulevard, Hayward location began to operate in the 1960s.
Image of assorted Annabelle Candy Co. products taken from companys Facebook page.
The brand is said to have a loyal following. Their signature bar is considered to be the Rocky Road.
Editor's note: This article has been updated to include comment from Promise Confections' COO.
Andre Torrez is a digital content producer for KTVU. Email Andre at andre.torrez@fox.com or call him at 510-874-0579.