From Chicago Sun-Times · · 2m
Sweet Stash moves to Chicago
Candy artists relocate Wonka-style gummies to Chicago's historic candy hub.
In brief
Candy artists relocate Wonka-style gummies to Chicago's historic candy hub. Martin Starr and identical twins Ezra and Adeev Potash moved Sweet Stash production to Chicago's Jelly Belly plant to scale their additive-free gummies amid growing demand. Originally reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
Sweet Stash founders
Martin Starr and identical twins Ezra and Adeev Potash cofounded Sweet Stash last fall with an additive-free gummy.
“We are obsessed with candy beyond what’s normal and maybe even healthy”
Candy obsession
The trio discovered complex candy flavors through globe-trekking and became obsessed with candy beyond what’s normal.
“We’ve been candy people long before we became candy vendors”
Chicago relocation
Sweet Stash moved production from Albion, Nebraska to Ferrara’s 113-year-old Jelly Belly plant in April.
Production scale
The North Chicago plant churns out 160,000 bags per month, four times the 40,000 bags produced at the Albion plant.
Chicago’s candy history
Chicago has been a candy epicenter for over a century with historic confectionery plants like Jelly Belly.
Retail success
More than 300 specialty retailers nationwide carry Sweet Stash, including 10 to 15 in Chicago.
Candy innovation
The founders lamented American candy conglomerates prioritizing fiber and protein over ingredient purity.
Candy philosophy
The trio created gummies with texture that 'bites back' and flavor dimensionality of Japanese and Swedish candies.
Flavor journey
Sweet Stash gummies offer texture and flavor journeys like Prickly Pear’s tart-to-melony transition.
Chicago’s candy future
Chicago will host the 60,000-square-foot Candy Hall of Fame Experience opening in 2027.
Candy industry shift
The move represents a bright spot for Chicago amid confectionery plant closures like Blommers’ and Mars Wrigley’s.
Candy science
The founders aim to create gummies so out there they must wait for science to catch up.
Candy legacy
The trio donated a percentage of profits to arts education initiatives, honoring their public arts roots.
Candy community
Chicago’s candy community includes historic shops like Margie’s Candies with 105-year history.
Candy production
Sweet Stash uses advanced equipment to maintain consistency in texture and flavor as it scales production.
Candy future
The trio sees Chicago as 'Candyland USA' where innovation happens amid historic candy production.
The headline
Martin Starr and identical twins Ezra and Adeev Potash moved Sweet Stash production to Chicago's Jelly Belly plant to scale their additive-free gummies amid growing demand.
