The Beanie Awards

So this past Monday, I held "The First Beanie Awards" at work. (whether it's annual will remain to be seen). I made these little cupcakes as treats. I can't begin to tell you how therapeutic it is to cut off the heads of the peep bunnies...I know...scarey. Anyway, a quick recap: I asked people to combine jelly beans to create their own flavor and then name it. The winner would then be submitted to Jelly Belly's for consideration as a new bean flavor. The judging took place last Thursday and the landslide winner was called "Superman" which was 1 pink Starburst jelly bean + 1 red Starburst jelly bean + 1 blue Starburst Sour jelly bean. So, as part of my duties, I contacted Jelly Belly's with the winning flavor. I thought you might be interested in the email train that has ensued (read from the bottom-up to get it in chronological order). I find it somewhat amusing and would be interested in your thoughts as well. =)

PS: The Starburst brand is owned by the Wm. J. Wrigley Company.

Message History

On 4/27/2011 7:30:56 AM, Missy Wong wrote:

whoa...a kind and gracious response to customer comments/suggestions will always have a positive impact on your company brand. you should really think before you respond.

On 4/26/2011 3:49:01 PM, Jelly Belly wrote:

Hello Missy:

I'm sorry but we do not make the Starburst jelly beans.  That would be the Starburst company.

Plus, what you are suggesting is a recipe and not an actual flavor of one bean.

Thank you.

Jelly Belly Candy Company

On 4/26/2011 2:53:20 PM, Missy Wong wrote:

Hi~ I had contacted you a week or so ago, and asked if you accepted suggestions for new 'bean' flavors. I received a response stating that you did. A little history...prior to Easter, we had a jelly bean sampling bar in our office, where we sampled about 8 different brands of jelly beans. The final day we had a contest called "The Beanie Awards" where people submitted custom combinations of beans to create a new flavor. The entries were judged and I am sending you the first place entry for your consideration as a future Jelly Belly flavor. It was named 'Superman' and the formula was 1 pink Starburst jelly bean + 1 red Starburst jelly bean + 1 blue Starburst Sour jelly bean. It kind of tastes like Bazooka Joe Bubble Gum. Appreciate the opportunity to send this to you. Thankyou for your consideration!

On 4/12/2011 1:26:28 PM, Jelly Belly wrote:

Hello Missy:

Sure!  You can suggest flavors through this email or by writing to us at:

Jelly Belly Candy Company
Attn:  Consumer Affairs
One Jelly Belly Lane
Fairfield, CA  94533

Please understand that flavor suggestions are just that - suggestions.  We will be glad to add them to our ever-growing list of suggestions, but there is no guarantee that the flavor you suggest will be made, but you never know! 

Sweet Regards,

Mr. Jelly Belly
Chairman of the Bean!

On 4/12/2011 1:13:00 PM, Missy Wong wrote:

Do you ever accept suggestions for bean flavors? Thankyou!