Beloved Bay Area candy company to close after 74 years

( KRON ) — A candy company known for a handful of longstanding candy bar brands announced this week that it would be closing its Bay Area facility. Annabelle Candy Co., which is known for iconic candy bars like Big Hunk, Abba Zaba, Rocky Road, and Look, announced the closure of its Hayward manufacturing facility, located at 27211 Industrial Boulevard.

The company said it had made the “difficult decision,” due to “significant financial challenges,” such as increased operating costs, and investments necessary to maintain an aging facility.

“We deeply regret the impact this closure will have on our employees and are fully committed to supporting our staff through this transition and will be working closely with them and the Union,” said Annabelle Candy Co. CEO Michael McGee.

Despite the closure, Annabelle said its iconic candy bar brands will continue to be produced by its parent company, Promise Confections, which is headquartered in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.

The Hayward facility’s closure will result in 43 people losing their jobs, according to state filings. Annabelle Candy Co. was founded in 1950, according to the company’s website.

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