Andrew Jacobs joins ownership group of Wolfgang Candy

Former Hershey executive and 20-year confection category veteran Andrew Jacobs joined the ownership group of Wolfgang Candy Co., a York, Pa.-based supplier of confections — including private label products — to the fundraising and retail markets. Jacobs will partner with CEO Benjamin A. McGlaughlin as an equity owner and will serve in the role of president, the company said. Jacobs will focus on all sales and marketing efforts for the Wolfgang brand related to national and regional customers, brokers and distributors, and contract and private label manufacturing.

Jacobs will collaborate with McGlaughlin on all strategic initiatives and business planning for the future of the Wolfgang line of premium confections. Jacobs also invested into the company, Wolfgang noted, and will join company leadership and their families as an owner/business partner.

“The Wolfgang Company is a turnaround story,” Jacobs said. “The brand is strong; the company’s manufacturing capabilities are broad; and the new ownership group, including Ben and Brad McGlaughlin and the Stillman family, are committed to accelerating the growth of the company. I am excited to be joining the team at a time when we are introducing a line of new all-natural chocolate products and have a clear vision for the brand and the organization.”

Prior to joining Wolfgang, Jacobs spent 10 years at the Hershey Co., Hershey, Pa., in numerous leadership positions, including vice president and general manager of U.S. customers, where he focused on leading Hershey’s sales, category management and shopper marketing teams. Before his stint at Hershey, Jacobs held marketing leadership roles for Brach’s Confections and Nabisco’s Lifesavers division, Wolfgang noted.

“We’re looking forward to collaborating with Andy on introducing our premium brand to the traditional retail market. With recent investments in fundraising, private label and contract manufacturing capabilities, we are well-positioned for growth,” McGlaughlin said. ”The addition of Andy rounds out our leadership team; Wolfgang is now poised to enter new markets and introduce our premium chocolate line to more audiences across the country.”