Jelly Up

J.M. Smucker Co. reported in the Wall Street Journal yesterday that their business is up 74% for the end of their fiscal 3^rd quarter which ended January 31, 2010.* So I wondered: What’s up with jelly? I grew up eating a lot of jellies, jams, and preserves whether on PB&Js or on my grandmother’s homemade buttermilk biscuits. At that time in the South many jellies, jams, and preserves were homemade but one of my favorites was store bought. Since I grew up in Florida most of my life I was exposed to a lot of food products from Florida. One of my store bought favorites is Palmalito guava jelly which has been manufactured and produced in Palmetto, Florida since 1927. Guavas produce a medium caramel colored product that’s sweet and tropical tasting. If you’ve never tried it before it’s worth taking a break from the usual strawberry to try something a bit more exotic. I was only able to buy this jelly when I traveled to Florida but now that our southern cities are more diverse I’m able to find it at my local Publix supermarkets as well as other specialty stores.

* To be completely accurate on why J.W. Smucker’s business is up, J.M. Smucker executives said their coffee business, which includes Folgers and Dunkin’ Donuts brands, has exceeded its expectations as it has reached a full year of operation within the company and coffee was the major driver in its recent profits. But on a personal note I think jelly makes for a more interesting story today. Have a great weekend.