GOOD & PLENTY

Introduction

GOOD & PLENTY is a candy brand that traces its origins back to 1893 when it was created by the Quaker City Chocolate and Confectionery Company. Known for its unique combination of sweet and salty flavors, GOOD & PLENTY has become a nostalgic favorite among candy lovers. The brand became part of The Hershey Company in 1996, allowing it to reach even wider audiences while retaining its classic charm. Its founders set a precedent for creating bold flavors that continue to stand the test of time, making GOOD & PLENTY not just a candy, but a part of American confectionery history.

The philosophy behind GOOD & PLENTY revolves around celebrating tradition while embracing innovation. The brand aims to evoke feelings of nostalgia through its iconic branding and flavors, transporting consumers back to simpler times. The signature black and white candies, which are usually filled with a sweet licorice center, embody the idea of indulgence and fun. The playful character "Choo Choo Charlie" and the catchy jingle popularized in the 1950s highlight the brand’s commitment to engaging storytelling, further solidifying its position in the minds of consumers.

One of the elements that makes GOOD & PLENTY special is its dedication to quality and authenticity. While many candy brands switch to artificial flavoring and sweeteners, GOOD & PLENTY maintains a relationship with traditional licorice, appealing to those who appreciate the genuine flavor of classic confections. This balance of nostalgia and authenticity makes GOOD & PLENTY a standout choice in a crowded market, attracting both long-time fans and new customers curious to experience this timeless treat.

Signature Products

GOOD & PLENTY products remain central to the brand's identity, capturing the essence of what consumers expect from a nostalgic candy experience.

• GOOD & PLENTY Licorice Candy, 1.8 oz box : A classic box packed with the signature black and white licorice treats that candy lovers adore.
• GOOD & PLENTY Licorice Candy, 7 oz bag : A larger, shareable bag ideal for enjoying on special occasions or simply satisfying cravings.
• GOOD & PLENTY Licorice Candy, 6 oz box : A convenient box size that brings a taste of tradition along with its familiar flavors.

Materials and Ingredients Used by GOOD & PLENTY

• Anise : Anise is a spice that comes from the seeds of the anise plant, known for its distinctive sweet, aromatic flavor. In GOOD & PLENTY, it is primarily used to enhance the candy's overall taste profile, providing the classic licorice flavor that consumers expect from this product.
• Carnauba Wax : Carnauba wax is derived from the leaves of the Brazilian carnauba palm and is commonly used as a glazing agent. In GOOD & PLENTY, it helps to give the candies a shiny appearance and ensures that the ingredients adhere well, contributing to the overall texture and presentation.
• Corn : Corn is a versatile ingredient that can be processed into various forms, including sweeteners and textures. In GOOD & PLENTY, corn is likely used in the form of corn syrup, contributing to the candy's sweetness and chewy texture that is appealing to consumers.
• Licorice : Licorice root is the primary flavor component of GOOD & PLENTY, providing its distinctive taste and aromatic profile. This ingredient is crucial for maintaining the traditional licorice flavor that the brand is known for, making it a favorite among licorice enthusiasts.
• Salt : Salt is a flavor enhancer that can balance sweetness in candies. In GOOD & PLENTY, it is used to accentuate the flavors of other ingredients, ensuring a well-rounded taste and contributing to the overall enjoyment of the candy.
• Sugar : Sugar is a fundamental ingredient in sweets, providing the primary source of sweetness in GOOD & PLENTY. It plays a vital role in not only the flavor but also in achieving the desired texture of the candy, ensuring it is enjoyable to eat.
• Wheat Flour : Wheat flour is a common ingredient used in various confections to provide structure and texture. In GOOD & PLENTY, it contributes to the chewy consistency of the candy, making it more satisfying for consumers who enjoy that texture in their sweets.

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying From GOOD & PLENTY

These issues are related to the supply chain of the brand and need to be taken into consideration.

Deforestation:

The cultivation of anise can contribute to deforestation, particularly when new agricultural land is cleared in tropical regions. This practice not only results in the loss of biodiversity but also releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide as trees are cut down and the soil is disturbed. For example, large swaths of forest in Madagascar have been cleared to grow crops like anise, which threatens the island's unique ecosystems and contributes to global climate change.

Pesticide Use:

The use of pesticides in growing ingredients like anise, corn, and sugar poses significant environmental and health risks. Pesticides can contaminate local water supplies, harm non-target species, and lead to the development of resistance in pest populations. In the U.S., for instance, corn farming has led to pesticide runoff into the Mississippi River, impacting aquatic life and human communities downstream.

Labor Rights Issues:

The production of carnauba wax, especially in regions of Brazil, is often associated with poor labor conditions. Workers may face inadequate pay, lack of protective gear, and unsafe working environments. In some cases, carnauba wax production has been linked to forced labor, impacting the social sustainability of this ingredient's supply chain.

Monoculture Farming:

Corn is frequently grown as a monoculture, meaning vast areas are planted with a single crop species. This can lead to a reduction in biodiversity, soil degradation, and increased vulnerability to pests and diseases. In the Midwest United States, the dominance of corn monocultures has contributed to the decline of soil health and increased the need for chemical inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides.

High Water Usage:

Corn and wheat flour production are notorious for their high water usage, particularly in areas not suited for such thirsty crops. In places like California's Central Valley, significant amounts of water are diverted from natural ecosystems to irrigate fields, contributing to water scarcity and affecting local wildlife habitats.

Overharvesting:

Licorice root is often harvested in a manner that is unsustainable, leading to the depletion of this resource in the wild. Overharvesting not only threatens the licorice plant populations but also the ecosystems that depend on them. For example, in Central Asia, the unsustainable harvest of wild licorice has led to both environmental and economic problems.

High Energy Consumption in Processing:

Salt production, especially from solar evaporation or mining, requires significant energy inputs. This can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental problems. Refining salt for consumption or industrial use also has a substantial carbon footprint, which can be harmful in areas already experiencing air quality issues.

Land Use Change:

The production of sugar often requires significant changes to land use, such as converting forests or wetlands into agricultural land. This not only results in habitat loss but also alters local hydrology and soil composition. For example, the conversion of rainforests in Brazil to sugarcane plantations is a prime example of how sugar production can lead to environmental degradation.

Soil Degradation:

Wheat farming is closely associated with soil degradation, particularly when farming practices do not include crop rotation or cover cropping. Over time, this can lead to the loss of fertile topsoil, reduced yields, and increased dependency on chemical fertilizers. In some parts of China, intensive wheat farming has significantly reduced soil fertility, necessitating costly and unsustainable agricultural interventions.