Liz Parker Kuhn: What made Ferrara decide to make its Black Forest Gummies fully organic?

Ridhi Barber: It really came down to listening to our core consumers. The all-organic ingredient list is one of the top unmet needs of gummy candy among health-conscious consumers. These consumers are looking for options made with real colors and flavors, but they aren’t willing to give up on great taste. At the same time, the organic category is no longer niche; it’s a mainstream consumer need that’s here to stay but hasn't been fully addressed in stores. Going all-organic with our gummy lineup felt less like a pivot and more like finally going all-in on what Black Forest gummies were meant to be: high-quality, organic ingredients that taste great.

LPK: What else is in the book for the brand's holistic relaunch/marketing plans?

RB: This is a full re-launch with new product and pack offerings, a bold new visual identity, and a new creative campaign that we are bringing to life with a 360 plan. With this relaunch, we're targeting consumers who are thoughtful about what they eat but still want the joy of candy, and we're meeting them where they are. The creative is rooted in the brand's new positioning and leans into a simple truth—when people find something great, they want to tell their friends. It's some of the most exciting work we've done for Black Forest to date. 

LPK: How did the brand come up with the idea for Black Forest Organic Gummy Forest Friends?

RB: When we started thinking about what a new product could look like alongside our iconic original gummy bears, it felt natural for a brand that’s inspired by nature to lean into forest animals. The idea of these playful, nature-inspired characters like owls, rabbits, foxes, and squirrels joining our Black Forest bears felt true to the brand and gave us a way to bring in a fresh set of delicious flavors, like watermelon, mango, and peach (and more!). Gummy Forest Friends is a great way for people who already love Black Forest to experience something new, and it’s also a fun and delicious way to introduce ourselves to those who are discovering us for the first time. 

LPK: What's new for Black Forest or Ferrara for the rest of 2026?

RB: Right now, we’re focused on launching Black Forest Organic Gummies. We're still early in the rollout, and our priority is to get our updated portfolio in front of consumers, build awareness and trial, and let these delicious gummies speak for themselves. We've been working on this for a long time, and we're excited to finally see it on shelves across the country.

LPK: What's your personal favorite Black Forest or Ferrara product to enjoy?

RB: I have to say the Black Forest Organic Gummy Forest Friends, and I'm not just saying that because they’re new! There's something about the shapes that make them genuinely fun to eat, and the peach flavor is my new favorite. But honestly, everything in the Black Forest or Black Forest Organic lineup is delicious, and that’s kind of the whole point.

Ferrara is on the current Candy Industry “Global Top 100 Candy Companies” list. Click here to view the current “Global Top 100” rankings.