Jelly Belly Officials say they’re Not Involved in Golden Ticket Contest

The owners of Jelly Belly want to make one thing perfectly clear: They have nothing to do with the Willy Wonka-style golden ticket contest their founder is staging.

On Monday, David Klein — who started the gourmet jelly bean company — announced a contest in which one lucky golden ticket holder will win the keys to a candy factory — just like in the book “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” While it would be natural to assume the winner would receive a Jelly Belly factory, think again; Jelly Belly’s current owners point out that Klein sold his shares more than 40 years ago and hasn’t been associated with the company since. “Jelly Belly Candy Company would like to take this opportunity to clear up the misconception that it is involved with a contest that purportedly offers a candy factory as its grand prize,” a statement released by the company reads.

Klein’s contest differs from the one in the book in that at least one golden ticket will be hidden somewhere in each state — and he’s selling clues to their locations for $50 each. Each person who finds one gets $1,000 and is entered into a drawing for the big prize — which will not be a Jelly Belly factory.

Will charging contestants $50 each make up for the cost of a candy factory? Can you think of a reason someone hasn’t already done this type of contest?