Ronald Reagan ordered three-and-a-half tons of Jelly Belly jelly beans for his 1981 inauguration, and the candy maker crafted a new flavor just for the event.
WASHINGTON — When Ronald Reagan was sworn in as the 40th President of the United States in 1981, his inauguration featured an unusual addition to the traditional ceremonies: thousands of pounds of red, white and blue Jelly Belly jelly beans.
Among these patriotic treats was a specially created flavor that would go on to become one of the company’s most popular offerings.
What Jelly Belly flavor was created for Ronald Reagan’s inauguration?
The blueberry Jelly Belly was developed to complete the patriotic color scheme of red, white, and blue jelly beans for Reagan’s inauguration celebrations. Before this, the company didn’t have a blue jelly bean in their lineup. They paired the new blueberry flavor with existing Very Cherry and Coconut flavors to create the perfect patriotic mix.
What was Ronald Reagan’s connection to jelly beans?
Reagan’s connection to jelly beans began years earlier, in 1966, when he was preparing to run for governor of California. In an effort to quit his pipe-smoking habit, Reagan turned to jelly beans as a substitute. His fondness for jelly beans not only helped him kick his smoking habit but also became a defining characteristic of his political career.
The future president’s relationship with Jelly Belly specifically began during his time as California’s governor. While attending a 1966 campaign event, Reagan was introduced to these special jelly beans, then made by Goerlitz Candy, later known as Jelly Belly. Unlike traditional jelly beans of the time, which only had flavoring in the outer shell, these beans were flavored both inside and out. Reagan was immediately won over.
The presidential connection would prove transformative for the small candy company. After word spread about Reagan’s preference for Jelly Belly beans, demand skyrocketed dramatically. During his presidency, Reagan maintained a standing order of 720 bags of jelly beans, which he would share during cabinet meetings and diplomatic visits. In 1983, he sent jelly beans into space.
Four decades after its creation for Reagan’s inauguration, the blueberry Jelly Belly remains one of the company’s most popular flavors.
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