Jelly Belly Inventor Holds Treasure Hunt With Sweet Grand Prize

SOLANO COUNTY, CA — The inventor of Fairfield-based Jelly Belly may have spent the last few decades behind the scenes but he has resurfaced with a scavenger hunt-type game — the grand prize of which is the key to a candy factory.

"We are looking for you, Charlie, out there," Jelly Belly inventor David Klein said in a video introducing The Gold Ticket game.

Klein, also known as "The Candyman" and "Mr. Jelly Belly," invented Jelly Belly jelly beans in 1976, and though he has since sold the Jelly Belly trademark his legacy lives on.

Now, he is inviting families across the United States to come along on a sweet journey.

"It's gonna be a treasure hunt across the whole entire country," Klein said.

It costs $49.98 to purchase a chance to win a gold ticket in each state, with the possibility of winning $5,000.

"We're gonna have the ultimate treasure hunt where the winner will be receiving a key to one of our candy factories," Klein said.

Statement from Jelly Belly Candy Company:

"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."

Here's Klein making a video announcement about The Gold Ticket game:

Here's the story behind the man who invented the Jelly Belly: