In the book “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” candy maker Willy Wonka hands over his entire operation to a little boy selected from a pool of golden ticket winners. Now, real life is imitating art.
Jelly Belly founder David Klein has announced a golden ticket contest of his own in which one lucky winner will receive the key to a candy factory. Unlike the original story, in which tickets were hidden inside the wrappers of Wonka Bars, Klein’s tickets will be hidden “in secret locations” throughout the U.S., with at least one ticket in each state, he says. Everyone who finds one will receive $5,000 and a chance to win the big prize.
Another thing that sets Klein’s contest apart from the fictional one: Klein is charging contestants to compete. A clue that could lead to a golden ticket will set each participant back $50. “The world needs this right now,” Klein says. “We have received thousands of comments from people who say this has come at such a perfect time.”
By charging $50 for clues, isn’t Klein taking kids out of the equation? Why would he want to do that?
UPDATE 09-10-20:
Jelly Belly Candy Company reached out to us to make sure everybody knows they are not connected to the contest mentioned above. Their statements reads:
Due to confusion in the marketplace, Jelly Belly Candy Company would like to take this opportunity to clear up the misconception that it is involved with a contest that purportedly offers a candy factory as its grand prize. Jelly Belly Candy Company, formerly known as Herman Goelitz Candy Company, has candy making roots back to 1869. It was founded by brothers Gustav and Albert Goelitz and remains family owned and operated today.
David Klein, the sponsor of the “treasure hunt” contest gaining attention within the media this weekend, is not associated with Jelly Belly Candy Company, its brands, or products. In 1976, Mr. Klein, an independent third party, came up with the name “Jelly Belly” and other novel marketing ideas. Jelly Belly Candy Company has not had a relationship with Mr. Klein since 1980 when it acquired the trademark.
