I love factory tours, don't mind going out of my way to take advantage of the opportunity to see how familiar products are mass—produced, and so have visited factories on five continents. But one of the most memorable tours of all is the Jelly Belly factory tour, in Fairfield, California, just a short distance from Interstate 80, and conveniently marked for tourists exiting the freeway after seeing the Jelly Belly billboard offering free tours.

After you walk around the factory on catwalks, viewing each step of the manufacturing process, you come to the packaging area, in which hang many pictures composed of individual Jelly Bellies used as dots. A number are based on patriotic themes. There is a giant American flag and a portrait of President Ronald Reagan, who loved Jelly Belly, and who passed little packets out as gifts to visitors.

As I recall, the tour guide mentions that President Regan's love of Jelly Bellies led the company to spectacular sales growth, and that the company remains grateful to him for his support. Then, they pass out the free samples, and the amounts are not tiny, either.

You can see the Jelly Belly portrait of President Reagan, and read a tribute to him by the company, by clicking here.

Posted by Thomas  06 08 04