Why The Peeps Factory Closure Doesn't Mean A Peeps Shortage

Just Born Quality Confections, the candy manufacturer behind sweet favorites such as Peeps, Mike and Ike, and Hot Tamales, just announced that it will temporarily stop production during the coronavirus outbreak. The company released a statement on its website this week, saying that it was suspending production at its Bethlehem and Philadelphia locations (both in Pennsylvania) by 6:30 a.m. today, and will last until at least through April 7 (via Delish).

The candy maker's online statement reads: "As a third generation family owned business since 1923, the well-being of our associates, community, customers and business partners is of the utmost importance to us." The statement also mentions that the company will continue to pay all its associates during this time period and use this opportunity to "further clean and sanitize our production facilities, offices and corporate headquarters."

This comes less than a week after a local newspaper, Lehigh Valley Live, reported that Just Born sent out a statement stating that it would continue production after Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf called on all non-life-sustaining businesses to close in order to combat the spread of COVID-19. With food manufacturing, which includes confectioneries, falling under the "life-sustaining" category, the candy producer maintained that Peeps, as well as its other brands, bring "emotional joy and sweetness to people's lives," therefore justifying it as an essential business.

It appears Just Born has since changed its mind on continuing production, which may be a shock to those looking forward to noshing on some fluffy Peeps this Easter. After all, the colorful marshmallow candies, which have been around since 1953, are considered a staple of the spring holiday (although not everyone likes Peeps). 

So we have to ask — does the halt in production mean no Peeps this year? Thankfully, Just Born wants to assure its customers that this is not the case. Delish reported that the candy company confirmed "all Peeps products have been shipped to retailers ahead of the Easter holiday, so there should not be any shortages."

Fans of Peeps can breathe easy because the fluffy treats will be in stores for the Easter season. People who like Just Born's other candies may be out of luck, however. The candy producer's statement mentions that while it does have inventory of Mike and Ike, Hot Tamales, and Goldenberg's Peanut Chews for the short term, it may run out of stock on several individual items of these brands.