MIKE AND IKE® Selects NBA Star Josh Hart as Their Inaugural Chief Candy Officer
MIKE AND IKE®, the well-known fruity and chewy candy adored by fans across generations, is shaking things up by appointing New York basketball star Josh Hart as their first-ever Chief Candy Officer (CCO). This significant move not only highlights MIKE AND IKE®'s commitment to innovation but also unites the brand with a passionate fan who has loved the candy throughout his life.
As a self-proclaimed superfan of MIKE AND IKE®, Hart has expressed his excitement for stepping into a role that merges his love for the candy with his professional life. He stated, "Anyone who knows me knows MIKE AND IKE® isn't just a candy to me—it's the candy." He recalls his childhood memories of enjoying these treats and his ongoing habit of keeping boxes of MIKE AND IKE® stashed everywhere, from his home to his locker, and even while traveling. Hart added, "This isn't just a title, it's me representing the candy I've loved my whole life."
In his new position as CCO, Josh Hart will not only be the face of MIKE AND IKE® but will actively participate in various aspects of the brand's development. He will lead initiatives on flavor innovation, provide fans with an inside look at the brand, and engage in unique and playful marketing strategies. This includes a social media series that will capture behind-the-scenes moments of his adventures as CCO, where he'll take fans along as he conducts taste tests in the research lab, reviews candy varieties in the boardroom, and gets hands-on in their production process.
Hart’s approach as Chief Candy Officer is reflective of his dedication to the MIKE AND IKE® brand. Deb Turoczy, Senior Manager of Consumer Engagement at Just Born, Inc., remarked on his energetic and genuine involvement: "Josh isn't just lending his name—he's rolling up his sleeves and getting in on the fun." Turoczy highlighted the synergy between Hart's energy on the basketball court and his enthusiasm for MIKE AND IKE®, envisioning a collaborative and vibrant extension of the brand during Hart's tenure.
For more than 80 years, MIKE AND IKE® has delighted candy lovers with its bold and vibrant flavors. This collaboration with Hart symbolizes not only a significant brand evolution but also celebrates the enduring legacy of MIKE AND IKE®. Fans can stay updated on Hart's exciting journey as CCO through MIKE AND IKE®’s social media channels including Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
About Just Born Quality Confections, the parent company of MIKE AND IKE®, it's noteworthy that the company is a family-run business that has been operational for over a century. Renowned for producing beloved candies like PEEPS® and HOT TAMALES®, Just Born is firmly committed to community engagement and ensuring its products bring sweetness to people's lives. Founded by Sam Born in 1923, the company has become a staple in American candy culture, inspiring fond memories and traditions across generations. Through the years, its mission has remained clear: to create high-quality candies while fostering a culture that prioritizes social responsibility and environmental stewardship.
For further information on MIKE AND IKE® and to watch Josh Hart's journey as Chief Candy Officer, head over to www.MIKEANDIKE.com.