MIKE AND IKE® Taps Basketball Star Josh Hart as First-Ever Chief Candy Officer

From the court to the candy aisle, Hart turns lifelong love for MIKE AND IKE® into his new starring role

BETHLEHEM, Pa., Oct. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- MIKE AND IKE®, the iconic fruity, chewy candy that fans have loved for generations, is making its biggest play yet, signing New York Basketball star Josh Hart as the brand's very first Chief Candy Officer (CCO).

As a longtime MIKE AND IKE® superfan, Hart is stepping into his ultimate dream job: turning his candy obsession into a front-office role. As Chief Candy Officer, he'll be calling the shots on playful brand moments, mixing up flavor innovation and giving fans an all-access pass to what life looks like when your favorite candy becomes your 9-to-5.

"Anyone who knows me knows MIKE AND IKE® isn't just a candy to me—it's the candy," said Josh Hart, MIKE AND IKE® Chief Candy Officer. "I've been eating these candies since I was a kid, and I still keep boxes stashed everywhere—at home, in my locker, on the plane. It's been my number one candy forever, so stepping into this role as Chief Candy Officer feels like the ultimate full-circle moment. This isn't just a title, it's me representing the candy I've loved my whole life."

Hart will star in a social series of playful behind-the-scenes moments that spotlight his role as CCO in action. Whether he's testing flavors in the MIKE AND IKE® research and development lab, drafting his favorite varieties in the Just Born boardroom, inspecting and packing candy on the line with the focus of a pro athlete or fielding questions at a press conference, Hart is diving headfirst into the role of Chief Candy Officer.

"As Chief Candy Officer, Josh isn't just lending his name—he's rolling up his sleeves and getting in on the fun," said Deb Turoczy, Senior Manager of Consumer Engagement at Just Born, Inc. "From mixing up flavors in our taste test lab, to running candy drafts in the boardroom, Josh is bringing the same fire and energy to MIKE AND IKE® that fans love seeing from him on the court. We couldn't imagine a better teammate."

MIKE AND IKE® has been delivering bold, fruity, chewy candy for more than 80 years, earning a place in candy culture with its vibrant, mixable flavors. For more information about MIKE AND IKE®, visit www.MIKEANDIKE.com and follow Josh's journey as Chief Candy Officer on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. For high-res photos, see here.

About Just Born Quality Confections:

Just Born Quality Confections is a third-generation family-owned candy manufacturer with its purpose to bring sweetness to people's lives.  Just Born is the maker of some of America's most beloved and iconic brands – PEEPS®, MIKE AND IKE®, HOT TAMALES® and GOLDENBERG'S® PEANUT CHEWS®. Just Born has been a part of family traditions and memories for more than 100 years. In 1923, the founder, Sam Born, opened a small candy shop in Brooklyn, New York, where he marketed the freshness of his daily-made candy with a sign that declared, "Just Born." Together with Born's brothers-in-law, Irv and Jack Shaffer, the company thrived and, in 1932, moved its operations to Bethlehem, PA where it has grown to become one of the largest candy companies in the US by giving back to the community, being good environmental stewards and creating a culture where people want to work.

For more information, please visit www.justborn.com. Follow @JustBornInc on Instagram, Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).

SOURCE Just Born Quality Confections