For immediate release: August 27, 2018 Media contact: Jessy Sielski, 517-284-5725 Program contact: Jamie Zmitko-Somers, 517-284-5738

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has selected Dr. John’s Candies of Comstock Park as the recipient of the “2018 Michigan Agricultural Exporter of the Year” award. The award was presented today to company officials by Gov. Rick Snyder. (Photo at right: Left to Right – Dr. John Bruinsma, Dr. John’s Candies; Governor Rick Snyder, Debra Bruinsma, Dr. John’s Candies.)

“It’s always a thrill to watch great entrepreneurs like John and Debra burst onto the world market like they have,” said MDARD Director Gordon Wenk. “And it’s an even bigger thrill when MDARD can play a small role in helping them succeed, bring attention to their wonderfully unique products, or recognize them in this way.”

Dr. John’s Candies was established in 1995 by John and Debra Bruinsma—a dentist and a dental hygienist—as an innovative candy manufacturer. The company specializes in the world’s only natural, sugar-free lollipops and hard candies, which are made from premium ingredients, have no artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners, and are free of major allergens.

“We are honored to be the recipient of the 2018 Ag Exporter of the Year award,” said Debra Bruinsma, Co-Founder of Dr. John’s Candies. “We never dreamed a dentist and a dental hygienist looking for a better alternative for our patients could grow a cottage business into an internationally sought-after brand of candy that provides nutritional benefits and fights tooth decay.”

Since 2000, Dr. John’s Candies has had significant export success. The company’s sugar-free lollipops, hard candies, caramels, and taffy are currently exported to Canada, Germany, Korea, Japan, China, and New Zealand. Dr. John’s Candies has been able to export 22 percent of its annual sales and create two Michigan jobs due to its exporting activities in 2017.

Food and agriculture exports are an important part of Michigan’s economy, contributing more than $2 billion annually. Dr. John’s Candies is helping to generate economic activity and leave a local impact on the state of Michigan.

The award review committee consisted of representatives from Michigan State University; Michigan Farm Bureau; Comerica Bank; Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith P.C.; and the Van Andel Global Trade Center. The decision was based upon several factors including marketing plans, ability to expand into new markets, alliances with other organizations, and export sales growth over the last three years.

In 2016, the “Michigan Agricultural Exporter of the Year” was awarded to Bayside Best Beans for increasing exports by 15 percent in one year and establishing strategic global partnerships. To be eligible, the products must be more than 50 percent grown, processed, or manufactured in Michigan.

For more information, and an application, visit https://www.michigan.gov/agexport or contact Jamie Zmitko-Somers at 517-284-5738.

PHOTOS

Photo #1 - Left to Right – Director Gordon Wenk, MDARD; Dr. John Bruinsma, Dr. John’s Candies; Governor Rick Snyder, Debra Bruinsma, Dr. John’s Candies; Jamie Zmitko-Somers, MDARD; Michael McDonald, Dr. John’s Candies.

Photo #2 - Left to Right – Dr. John Bruinsma, Dr. John’s Candies; Governor Rick Snyder, Debra Bruinsma, Dr. John’s Candies;

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