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Hayward’s Annabelle Candy Company Goes Solar

Annabelle Candy Co. — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 18:13:20 +0000

Hayward, CA (November 21, 2011)—The first installation day of the long-awaited, solar energy project at Hayward-based Annabelle Candy Company occurred on October 27, 2011. Our solar power generation installation project took approximately three weeks, and was finished this last Friday on November 18, 2011. Since the project is finished, Annabelle Candy Company joins the growing list of companies that are choosing to act in an environmentally responsible way for the benefit of their employees, customers, and future generations.

The new solar power system consists of 1,424 SunPower 308W Modules and SunPower PowerGuard Solar Roof Tiles. Annabelle Candy Company chose to use non-penetrating, flat, lightweight solar roof tiles that will protect Annabelle’s roofing from harsh weather, UV exposure and thermal cycling. The R-10 insulation will reduce the facility’s heating and cooling load by an estimated 30%. The system will output 438.592kw or totaling 646,855kWh per year.

In addition to being environmentally friendly, utilizing this solar energy system will be very cost-effective for Annabelle Candy Company. The first year’s operational savings is expected to be $136,766—an amazing 90% offset of the current commercial electricity bill! Over the next 25 years, Annabelle Candy Company estimates to save over $6.5 million in direct commercial electricity costs.

Annabelle Candy Company chose Silicon Valley-based Vista Solar to complete this project. Vista Solar is a solar installation and project development firm established in 2008, by parent company Silicon Valley Microelectronics Inc. This company has installed countless residential solar panel systems throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, and it continues to increase its presence in the local solar marketplace.

“We at Annabelle’s are proud to be one of the first manufacturing plants in the area to bring solar energy to our facilities,” said Susan Gamson Karl, President and CEO of Annabelle Candy Co. “With the financial challenges we currently face in this economic environment, we feel fortunate to have found a way to offset our operating costs and help conserve our precious resources, while continuing to provide jobs for our wonderful employees.”

Annabelle Candy Company, established in 1950 and subsequently moved to Hayward, CA in 1964, is a local community and West Coast candy mainstay. Started as a family business, today it is one of the largest, independently owned candy bar manufacturers in the United States. It is the maker of Rocky Road^®, Big Hunk^®, Abba-Zaba^®, Look^®, and U-NO^® candy bars. As the company continues to grow well into the 21^st Century, it certainly wants to do its part to preserve our environmental resources.

History of Halloween in America

Annabelle Candy Co. — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 23:28:51 +0000

The history of Halloween in America took root when Irish, Scottish and Welsh immigrants in the 19th century, primarily those fleeing the potato famine of 1846, introduced the Celtic tradition known as Hallows E’en (Evening) or All Hallows Eve to America. Recalling older traditions, these new Americans put on ghost-type costumes and lit fires to protect themselves from the dead, who were believed to travel to the Other World on this day.

Drink and food, especially sweets, were put outside the home to appease the Other Word travelers on the way to their destination to the afterlife. “Halloween’ers” (those who dressed like ghosts so the real ghosts would not harm them on the way to their Other World destination) would go door-to-door eating and drinking the “treats.” If no treat was left, the costumed ghosts would then “trick” those in the home by banging loudly on their door and making shrill, scary noises.

At some point during the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, the Celtic “treat” tradition merged with other American Halloween traditions. The focus turned to more community-based celebrations, where games were played, such as apple dunking and taffy pulling; and ghost stories, such as “The Headless Horseman” were told. Also, food and drink from the fall harvest was provided, including pumpkin pie and apple cider.

Between 1920 and 1950, the old practice of “trick-or-treat” was revived as communities embraced the Halloween celebration once again. During this time, the traditions of dressing in costumes and going from house-to-house and seeking food evolved into trick-or-treating for candy. There was less focus on the “scary” aspects of Halloween, so that much of the superstitious aspects of the holiday were lost.

Today, door-to-door trick-or-treating for candy has greatly diminished with stories in the news about poisoned candy and apples being handed out, most of which were unfounded. However, private and community-based Halloween parties and celebrations do abound…even local firehouses give out Halloween treats. Additionally, Halloween is actually the second largest commercial holiday in the US with spending estimated at $6.9 billion annually on Halloween costumes, decorations, and candy.

Annabelle Candy Company’s own history of providing fine candy bars, such as Rocky Road^®, Big Hunk^®, Look^®, U-NO^®and Abba-Zaba^®, to customers on Halloween began in 1950. We join with you as you to celebrate your Halloween traditions, such as giving Annabelle Candy candy bars to Halloween’ers, dressed as the latest action figures, who may come trick-or-treating at your house or to your party. Better have plenty of Annabelle Candy, chocolate Halloween candy treats on hand—you do not want to be “tricked”!

Annabelle Candy Company, Inc.

Phone: (510) 783-2900
Business Fax: (510) 785-7675

www.Annabelle-Candy.com
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ABBA-ZABA Partners with Rusnak BMW for the Winter Wonderland in Westlake Toy Drive Event

Annabelle Candy Co. — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 15:04:18 +0000

Hayward, CA (October 25, 2011) – ABBA-ZABA and Annabelle Candy Company are pleased
to announce their partnership with Rusnak BMW for the “Winter Wonderland in
Westlake” Toy Drive on Saturday, November 5th. The holiday event will take place from 5:00
to 9:00 PM at Rusnak BMW located at 3645 Auto Mall Drive in Thousand Oaks, California.
The toy drive, benefitting the Children’s Trust Fund,
promises to be an eventful night filled with fun, festive
holiday spirits as hundreds of people and celebrities
come out to support the worthy cause.
As the holiday draws near, far too many at-risk and foster
youths in the Los Angeles County area go without gifts
and toys for the holidays. Rusnak BMW, Annabelle Candy
Company and dozens of other sponsors encourage their
guests to attend the event by bringing a new, unwrapped
toy or sports equipment to fulfill the requests of family
and non-profit organizations in the community. As part of
a county-wide effort, approximately 40,000 toy donations
will be collected and re-distributed to foster youth and
charitable organizations in the Los Angeles area.
At the Winter Wonderland event, there will be fun activities and delicious treats for everyone
in attendance including aerial acrobats performing above falling snow, a Barbie Playhouse,
Santa’s Jumbo Chair and a “Candyland” featuring scrumptious treats by Ah, How Sweet and
everyone’s favorite candy bar, ABBA-ZABA. Be sure to come on by for a free sample!
“Annabelle Candy Company is honored to be a part of this charitable event,” said Dave
Klabunde, sales and marketing director for Annabelle Candy. “Although ABBA-ZABA’s
donation plays a small role in the overall goals of the event, we encourage the people in the
Los Angeles community to come out to support The Children’s Fund, donate a toy, grab some
ABBA-ZABA candy and enjoy the Winter Wonderland festivities.”
For more information, visit the ABBA-ZABA Fan Page or www.RusnakOnline.com.
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“Do the ABBA-ZABA” Dance Contest Hits the Road with SpeedZone L.A. and Disney Channel’s Roshon Fegan

Annabelle Candy Co. — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 16:09:18 +0000

Hayward, CA (September 27, 2011) – Annabelle Candy Company, sponsors of the “Do the ABBA-ZABA” Dance Contest has announced its participation in a special promotion taking place at SpeedZone Los Angeles on Saturday, October 8, 2011 at 6 p.m. The Southern California theme park will host a special red carpet event for the EP album release and birthday party for the multi-talented actor/singer/dancer, Roshon Fegan from Disney Channel’s “Shake It Up.”

This is your chance to party with Roshon Fegan, aka “Ya Boy Ro” as he performs live on-stage at SpeedZone. A limited number of tickets will be on-hand and a VIP meet-and-greet is available so be sure to order your tickets in advance. The party will be hosted by Manny on the Streets from 102.7 KIIS-FM and will include a live performance from Fegan, a special appearance by dance crew Chi-Town Finest Breakers and a dance-off will take place as guests will have the opportunity to enter the “Do the ABBA-ZABA” Dance Contest.

In conjunction with the online dance competition, fans in attendance can also perform live at the SpeedZone event. The dance contest is free and the dancer(s) who receive the loudest audience applause will win $100 cash and a $100 SpeedZone gift card. The dancers will perform to the ABBA-ZABA hip hop song produced by Da Beat Kadetz.

All willing participants who perform on-stage will be videotaped and uploaded on the ABBA-ZABA contest website where they automatically qualify to win $500 cash, a year supply of ABBA-ZABA and vitaminwater, Skullcandy headphones and a Puma prize pack.

“We are very excited to be participating in this event at SpeedZone featuring Roshon Fagan,” said Dave Klabunde, sales and marketing director for Annabelle Candy. “His die-hard Disney Channel fans and SpeedZone’s customers are a perfect match for ABBA-ZABA candy. We are thrilled to extend the dance competition to an actual live setting.”

Located 25 minutes east of downtown Los Angeles, SpeedZone is a 10-acre theme park built around race cars, speed and competition. It incorporates real race car action, indoor interactive entertainment and great food. Guests can get behind the wheel of four types of race cars including custom-built, ¾ scale grand prix cars and 18-foot long, 300-horsepower dragsters racing on tracks designed by top racing industry experts. SpeedZone has two locations in Los Angeles and Dallas.

Now through October 18, fans have been challenged to create the next best dance moved called, the ABBA-ZABA. To submit your dance video or to vote for your favorite dance move, visit the “Do the ABBA-ZABA” Dance Contest website at www.DoTheAbbaZaba.com.

To purchase your tickets or for more information on the EP album release and birthday party for Roshon Fegan, visit the SpeedZone website here.

Media Contact: RAINDEO BEAUTIFUL

RAINDEO BEAUTIFUL is a marketing and advertising agency that offers traditional and new media marketing for minority and female-owned businesses. Based in Los Angeles, CA, they deliver progressive creative and strategic marketing to meet the contemporary needs and expectations of their valued clients. Their competitive edge goes beyond the walls of marketing by building and maintaining enduring client relationships and partnerships, something they take great pride in and deliver to their clients above anything else.

At RAINDEO BEAUTIFUL, their most impactful work and areas of expertise have helped many clients and industries in: manufacturing, professional services, education, food/beverage, entertainment, sports and non-profit. For more information, call 213.973.9725, email media@raindeobeautiful.com or visit www.raindeobeautiful.com.

“Do the ABBA-ZABA” Dancers Engaged Via Disney Flash Mob Proposal”

Annabelle Candy Co. — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 16:08:13 +0000

Hayward, CA (October 6, 2011) – When Annabelle Candy Company began the “Do the ABBA-ZABA” Dance Contest, little did they know the two dancers hired for their promotional video would become worldwide internet sensations.

Jamin Love and Valerie Albania, both from Southern California, are featured actors and dancers in the ABBA-ZABA dance contest. The couple recently became engaged in a very unique fashion– a surprise flash mob dance at Downtown Disney. After carefully planning and rehearsing a dance number, Mr. Love proposed to his girlfriend of five years along with several of their participating dance friends and many curious onlookers.

The couple’s YouTube Disney flash mob proposal hit the news like wildfire and has been featured on TV news segments and dozens of popular websites including CBS News, Huffington Post, Perez Hilton, Ryan Seacrest and Disneyland’s official fan blog.

“All of us at Annabelle Candy Company would like to congratulate Jamin and Valerie on their engagement,” said Susan Karl, president/CEO of Annabelle Candy. “This is one of the more unique and special proposals we have seen in a very long time!”

Check out Jamin and Valerie’s Disney flash mob proposal here.

Also, be sure to view the Do the ABBA-ZABA Dance Contest website. Now through October 18, fans have been challenged to create the next best dance moved called, the ABBA-ZABA. To submit your dance video or to vote for your favorite dance move, visit the “Do the ABBA-ZABA” Dance Contest website at www.DoTheAbbaZaba.com.

“Do the ABBA-ZABA” Dance Contest Announces a New Way to Win ABBA-ZABA Candy

Annabelle Candy Co. — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 16:05:18 +0000

Hayward, CA (September 12, 2011) – With the successful launch of the “Do the ABBA-ZABA” Dance Contest, Annabelle Candy Company has announced another way to win ABBA-ZABA candy.

While the ABBA-ZABA Dance Contest has generated some exciting and unique video entries, Annabelle Candy has now opened up the contest to non-dancers and to those with “two left feet.”

“We understand that not everyone is as comfortable about dancing as others may be,” said Dave Klabunde, sales and marketing director for Annabelle Candy. “That’s why we’ve also created a chance for non-dancers to win a box of their favorite ABBA-ZABA candy.”

Fans can visit the ABBA-ZABA contest website to enter their name and email address for a chance to win or “Like” the new ABBA-ZABA Facebook page. Through October 18^th, one lucky fan will be randomly selected each week to win a box of 24 ABBA-ZABA candy bars.

For those dancers that are interested in entering the “Do the ABBA-ZABA” Dance Contest, submit a dance video for a chance to win $500 cash, a year supply of ABBA-ZABA and exciting prizes from vitaminwater, Skullcandy and a Puma prize pack. View the promotional video and learn how to enter.

“The brand exposure and response we’ve received so far has been great,” continued Klabunde. “Through online advertisements on Facebook, Yahoo!, Google, YouTube and partnerships with dance channels, DanceOn and Pacific Rim Videos, we’ve been able to get the word out. Without question, the ABBA-ZABA brand has made a bold comeback to the teen and young-adult audience.”

For more information, read the contest’s official press release.

Media Contact: RAINDEO BEAUTIFUL

RAINDEO BEAUTIFUL is a marketing and advertising agency that offers traditional and new media marketing for minority and female-owned businesses. Based in Los Angeles, CA, they deliver progressive creative and strategic marketing to meet the contemporary needs and expectations of their valued clients. Their competitive edge goes beyond the walls of marketing by building and maintaining enduring client relationships and partnerships, something they take great pride in and deliver to their clients above anything else.

New “Do the ABBA-ZABA” Dance Contest Invites Fans to Create a New Dance Move for Cash and Prizes

Annabelle Candy Co. — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 16:02:49 +0000

Hayward, CA (August 18, 2011) – ABBA-ZABA, the popular peanut butter-filled taffy candy, is pleased to premiere its first ever social media promotion titled, “Do the ABBA-ZABA” Dance Contest.

(View the promotional video here)

Beginning August 18 to October 18, fans from all over are encouraged to visit www.DoTheAbbaZaba.com to create their very own new dance move called the ABBA-ZABA for a chance to win cash and exciting prizes. The grand prize winner will receive $500 cash, a year supply of ABBA-ZABA and vitaminwater, headphones from Skullcandy, and a Puma Prize Pack.

Entering the contest is simple and easy. Watch the promotional video or log on to the contest website at www.DoTheAbbaZaba.com. Once you’re there, select one of three specially-created ABBA-ZABA songs ranging from pop, hip hop and dance. Next, submit a video of yourself and your fresh new dance move, the ABBA-ZABA. Once uploaded, all you have to do now is get your family and friends to vote for your video. Points will be tallied based on the number of “Likes” and “Views” you receive on YouTube, “Tweets” on Twitter and “Shares” on Facebook.

In addition, bonus points will be awarded to those video dance entries that cleverly use any of the contest sponsors’ products in their video. So feel free to use an ABBA-ZABA candy bar, Puma gear, Skullcandy headphones or vitaminwater as props in your video.

Three lucky winners will be announced but only one top vote-getter will be hailed the winner and reign as the creator of the hottest new dance move, the “ABBA-ZABA.”

Manufactured by California-based Annabelle Candy Company, ABBA-ZABA has been a staple in the candy scene since the early 1920s. The delicious peanut butter-filled taffy has been a popular candy bar for decades among teens and young adults within the United States.

“These are exciting times for our candy brands, especially ABBA-ZABA,” said Susan Karl, president and CEO of Annabelle Candy Company. “Now more than ever, the Gen-Y or Millennials are incredibly savvy when it comes to product knowledge and the products they embrace as part of their lifestyle. At Annabelle Candy, we understand the importance of keeping up with this ever-growing and ever-changing lifestyle and feel the ‘Do the ABBA-ZABA’ Dance Contest is right in line with our young demographic audience.”

In addition to ABBA-ZABA, Annabelle Candy Company also manufactures popular candy bars such as Rocky Road, Big Hunk, Look and U-No. Visit their company website.

To submit your dance video and to vote for your favorite dance move, visit the “Do the ABBA-ZABA” Dance Contest website at www.DoTheAbbaZaba.com. You can also join the ABBA-ZABA Facebook community at www.Facebook.com/AbbaZaba.

Media Contact: RAINDEO BEAUTIFUL

Halloween History and Candy Traditions

Annabelle Candy Co. — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 12:44:11 +0000

Halloween history and candy traditions go back to pre-Christian times to when Celtic groups in areas now known as Ireland, Scotland and Wales celebrated their New Year’s Day on November 1. This day was called “All Hallows Eve.” On All Hallows Eve, it was believed that the doors opened between the world of the dead and the world of the living. All the spirits of the people who died during the previous year were thought to be traveling from their resting place to their place in the next world.

The Celts placed food, especially sweet treats, and drink out to patronize and sustain the spirits so they would not harm their families on the way to their destination. They also lit bonfires in honor of the dead, to aid them on their journey, and to keep them away from the living. In addition, people concealed their identity with disguises supposedly to escape harm while they walked from house to house to enjoy food and drink. Many people also carved turnips to represent faces, marking the origination of today’s jack-o-lanterns.

When Christianity took root in northern Europe, these folk customs were incorporated into a Christian framework. The Celtic people brought their folk customs to America with them, where they took root and evolved over the years. All Hallows Eve became “Hallow e’en”, which we today call Halloween. Originally, Halloween was celebrated in America as a harvest festival. Carved turnips became carved pumpkins, which grew in abundance in America. Colorful costumes replaced disguises, and trick-or-treating for Halloween candy evolved from presenting food and drink to the wandering spirits.

At Annabelle Candy Company, we have every ghost and goblin’s favorite Halloween candy bars: Big Hunk^®, Look^®, Rocky Road^®, U-NO^®and Abba-Zaba^® bars. And you even can buy bulk Halloween candy bars from Annabelle. Don’t get spooked! When you provide these chocolate Halloween candy treats to the little wandering spirits coming through your neighborhood on Halloween, you will not get tricked!

Annabelle Candy Co., Inc.

Phone: (510) 783-2900
Fax: (510) 785-7675

www.annabelle-candy.com
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“Do the Abba-Zaba Dance Contest”

Annabelle Candy Co. — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 11:25:20 +0000

We are looking for b-boys and boot kickers! The “Do the Abba-Zaba Dance Contest” hosted by Annabelle Candy Company and sponsored by Puma^®, Skullcandy^® and Glaceau Vitaminwater^® will continue till October 18th with cash and prizes to be awarded to the best dance moves to a Hip Hop song by Da Beat Kadetz. Check out Annabelle Candy’s Facebook page for the details.

What Is the Hottest Dance Move?

You may wonder…what is the hottest dance move? According to Catalogs.com the Top Ten Hip Hop Dance Moves for 2011 are:
1. Moonwalk
2. Turtle
3. Chest Pop
4. Happy Feet
5. Coffee Grinder, aka Helicopter
6. Freeze
7. Running Man
8. Windmill
9. Six Step
10. Arm Wave

However, you are not limited to doing hip-hop. With so many styles, such as popping, locking, break dancing, tutting, gliding, robotting, jazz, modern, country, ballet and more – the list could go on and on – you can shine in your own style. However, just pick a few essential dance moves, and delve into the magical world of b-boys, poppers, boot kickers and zumba’ers and do your thing! And for that top prize, you may want to show us your own original move…your own “Tyrell Walk” or “Cathy Feet”. The Abba-Zaba^® dance contest will be fun, fast and furious—just your kind of dancing, so why not join in? Good luck to all!

Between practicing your dance steps, why not enjoy our famous Abba-Zaba^® candy bar? A marvel of taffy surrounding a soft nougat center, you can have an old-fashioned taffy pull contest between you and your dance buddies right in your own digs. Abba-Zaba ^®– It’s Your Only Friend!

Annabelle Candy Co, Inc

Phone: (510) 783-2900
Fax: (510) 785-7675

www.Annabelle-Candy.com
Follow us on Facebook

Annabelle Candy Review

Annabelle Candy Co. — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 16:01:17 +0000

As you may know, candy review sites are the rage on the Internet. People everywhere on the planet love all kinds of candy, and are all too happy to read about any kind of sweet treat. At Annabelle Candy Company, we are pleased to have come across some candy review blogs that have actually reviewed our Annabelle Candy candy bars. We would like to share just a little of the commentary on our Rocky Road^® and Big Hunk^® Bars.

Here is an example from Sweet Temptations:

“Ever tried a Rocky Road or Big Hunk bar? You should. Love them? I agree. My friends over at Annabelle Candy were nice enough to send some over to me to try. I had never had either of these candy bars before, but I definitely enjoyed them! Here’s what you need to know about them.” To read more…

http://thesweetesttemptations.blogspot.com/2011/08/big-hunk-walks-rocky-road.html?spref=tw

And from Food Junk:

“Annabelle’s Big Hunk Candy Bar: A Review. Let’s just get this out of the way right at the top: Yes, they named a candy bar after me. And yes, I will accept your congratulations for me being the first person in history to make that joke. And yes, you have my permission to use that joke at your next social or workplace gathering.” To read more…

http://foodjunk.wordpress.com/2011/08/15/annabelles-big-hunk-candy-bar-a-review/

If you have a candy website or a candy blog and you would like to write about one or more of our delicious candy bars: Rocky Road^®, Abba-Zaba^®, Look^®, U-No^® or Big Hunk^® bars, why not connect with us. We will be happy to provide a sweet sampling, which we hope you will find delightful and want to rave about to all your followers. After all, we have been creating smiles since 1950. Oh, and thanks in advance.

Annabelle Candy Co., Inc.

Phone: (510) 783-2900
Fax: (510) 785-7675

Email: info@annabelle-candy.com

www.annabelle-candy.com
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