SEE THE WORLD IN A JELLY BEAN
by Alicia Z. Klepeis

Around the World in a Jelly Bean

People from Tokyo to Santiago can savor a bag of jelly beans, though the flavors they choose may be different from one location to another. Some flavors, in fact, are offered in other countries to target the flavor preferences abroad. Want to try a Mooncake-flavored jelly bean? Head to Asia. Chili Mango? Try South America. Green Tea and Barbeque Banana? Asian and European jelly bean eaters enjoy these choices. According to Tomi Holt, Director of Communications at Jelly Belly, here are the favorites, around the world and back here at home:

• Australia - Smoothie Blend flavors, Bubble Gum, Buttered Popcorn and Strawberry Cheesecake
• England - Beanaturals, Very Cherry, Green Apple, and Bubble Gum
• Germany - Very Cherry, Tutti Fruitti, Green Apple, Red Apple
• Hong Kong - Lemon Lime, Candy Floss (aka Cotton Candy), Bubble Gum, Coconut
• Korea - Berry Blue, Candy Floss, Lemon, and Lemon Lime

Back at home, the top four flavors are Very Cherry, Buttered Popcorn, Licorice, and Blueberry. However, folks from state to state have their own preferences. Who'd have guessed that Alaska's top choice would be Licorice? Or that Kentucky's would be Dr. Pepper? (Well, maybe no surprise there…)

Sidebar - Fun Facts About Jelly Beans

• April 22 is National Jelly Bean Day. (Buy a bag and celebrate!)
• Blueberry jelly beans were developed specifically for President Ronald Reagan who wanted to offer red, white, and blue jelly beans at his inaugural celebrations.
• In 1983, jelly beans went into space with the astronauts of the Space Shuttle Challenger.
• Want to see exactly how jelly beans are produced? Do a virtual tour of the Jelly Belly factory at www.jellybelly.com/Virtual_Tour/virtual_tour.aspx