What Big League Chew does

Big League Chew is the world's only shredded bubble gum brand, sold in iconic stay-fresh pouches across 10+ flavor variants. Founded in 1977 by former Portland Mavericks pitcher Rob Nelson and launched into retail in 1980, the brand has sold over 1 billion pouches cumulatively and holds the "Hall of Fame Bubble Gum" designation from the National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum. The product is manufactured exclusively by Ford Gum & Machine Co., Inc. at the company's Akron, NY plant, where production has been located since 2011. All products are gluten-free, nut-free, and produced in a facility that does not process peanuts, tree nuts, or gluten.

The company operates a dual revenue model. The first stream is direct product sales of shredded gum pouches (typically $1.99-$3.99 retail), gumball buckets (80 ct. and 240 ct.), and emerging sugar-free SKUs distributed through DICK'S Sporting Goods, Dollar General, Five Below, specialty grocers (Wegmans, Tops, Price Chopper), Party City, Amazon brand stores, and the company website. The second stream is licensing royalties: IMG Licensing serves as the brand's exclusive licensing agent, and the brand currently extends into Wilson A2000 infield gloves, New Era and Boston Scally caps, Ryno Sports MLB Players apparel, Frost Buddy drinkware, Core Nutritionals electrolyte drink mix, Pulse Trading Cards, Junk Ball collectible baseballs, Old World Christmas ornaments, Rasta Imposta costumes, and National Bobblehead Hall of Fame collectibles, with most new licensed SKUs launching Summer 2026 across DICK'S Sporting Goods and partner e-commerce.

Primary customer segments are youth baseball and softball players (ages 5-18) who associate the brand with the dugout experience, adult nostalgic consumers (Millennials/Gen X) purchasing for personal reminiscence or to share with their own children, licensed merchandise collectors, and ballpark/concession buyers. Marketing centers on the "Official Bubble Gum of USA Baseball" partnership, youth tournament sponsorships (Big League Chew Classic), athlete ambassadors including Mo'ne Davis, and NIL programs with college athletes. The brand is privately held by Ford Gum and Machine Co., Inc., governed under New York law, with a Rochester, NY headquarters and Akron, NY manufacturing — a structure that supports a 1-10 employee brand-management team supplemented by Ford Gum's broader manufacturing organization.

Name

Big League Chew

Legal name

Ford Gum and Machine Co., Inc.

Website

https://bigleaguechew.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1977

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Big League Chew is the world's only shredded bubble gum brand, sold in stay-fresh pouches since 1980 with over 1 billion pouches sold. Manufactured by Ford Gum in Akron, NY, the brand earns revenue through direct retail sales and a growing licensing program into apparel, gloves, and collectibles targeting youth baseball players and nostalgic adult fans.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Confectionery

NAICS

Nonchocolate Confectionery Manufacturing (311340)

SIC

Food And Kindred Products (2000)

akta.pro primary industry

Chewing Gum & Mints (CRADABAC)

akta.pro secondary industry

Confectionery Manufacturing (Chocolate, Candy, Gum) (AFAKAAAD)

Keywords

• Shredded bubble gum
• Chewing gum
• Confectionery products
• Brand licensing
• Sports-themed candy

Headquarters

HQ city

Akron

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Gum Product Sales: Direct sales of shredded bubble gum products including individual pouches, multi-packs, gumball buckets, and sugar-free variants. Products sold through major retailers (DICK'S Sporting Goods, Dollar General, Five Below, Amazon) and direct-to-consumer via Amazon stores and the company's own website.
2. Licensing and Royalty Revenue: Big League Chew licenses its brand, characters, and flavor names to partners across multiple product categories including apparel, headwear, drinkware, sports equipment (Wilson gloves, Junk Ball baseballs), trading cards, and nutrition products. IMG Licensing serves as the exclusive licensing agent.
3. Co-Branded Product Sales: Revenue from co-branded licensed products where Big League Chew receives licensing fees or revenue share. Products include New Era caps, Ryno Sports apparel, Wilson gloves, Frost Buddy drinkware, Boston Scally caps, and Threadless t-shirts sold through partner platforms.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

Big League Chew manufactures and markets the world's only shredded bubble gum packaged in stay-fresh pouches, sold under flavor names tied to baseball culture. Beyond its core gum line, the company monetizes its brand through an extensive licensing program that places its marks on apparel, headwear, sports equipment, drinkware, trading cards, and collectibles distributed through co-branded retail partners.

Product overview

Big League Chew is a shredded bubble gum brand manufactured by Ford Gum, known for its iconic stay-fresh pouches of shredded bubble gum. The core product line includes shredded bubble gum pouches in various flavors (Outta Here Original, Punch Out Pink Lemonade, Triple Play Tropical, Grand Slam Grape, Swingin' Sour Apple, Slammin' Strawberry, Curveball Cotton Candy, Big Rally Blue Raspberry, Wild Pitch Watermelon, First Pitch Fruit Punch, Squeeze Play Sour Cherry) along with bulk gumball buckets (80 ct., 240 ct., grape) and sugar-free options. Beyond gum, the brand has expanded through an extensive licensing program into apparel (Ryno Sports MLB Players collab), headwear (New Era, Boston Scally), baseball gloves (Wilson A2000), drinkware (Frost Buddy), sports nutrition (Core Nutritionals), trading cards (Pulse Trading Cards), and collectibles (Junk Ball balls, National Bobblehead Hall of Fame bobbleheads). The brand is the Official Bubble Gum of USA Baseball and holds Hall of Fame Bubble Gum status at the National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Big League Chew Shredded Bubble Gum Pouches The core Big League Chew product, sold in stay-fresh pouches as shredded bubble gum in multiple baseball-themed flavors including Outta Here Original, Punch Out Pink Lemonade, Triple Play Tropical, Grand Slam Grape, Swingin' Sour Apple, Slammin' Strawberry, Curveball Cotton Candy, Big Rally Blue Raspberry, Wild Pitch Watermelon, First Pitch Fruit Punch, and Squeeze Play Sour Cherry. Targeted at youth and adult baseball/softball consumers, gluten-free and nut-free.
• Big League Chew Gumball Buckets Bulk gumball formats including 80 ct., 240 ct., and 80 ct. grape-flavored gumball buckets, individually wrapped for use in concession stands and event distribution. Targeted at ballparks, Little League snack bars, and event operators.
• Big League Chew Sugar-Free Gumball Products Sugar-free gumball products including 40 ct. sugar-free to-go cups for health-conscious consumers and consumers managing sugar intake. Format keeps the Big League Chew brand experience available to consumers seeking sugar-free options.
• Core Nutritionals HYDRATE x Big League Chew Electrolyte Drink Mix Licensed collaboration bringing Big League Chew flavor names (Big Rally Blue Raspberry, Grand Slam Grape, Punch Out Pink Lemonade, Swingin' Sour Apple, Outta Here Original) to a HYDRATE electrolyte drink mix line co-produced with CORE Nutritionals. Targeted at athletes and active consumers seeking sports nutrition with Big League Chew branding.
• Wilson A2000 x Big League Chew Baseball Gloves Licensed collaboration offering three new Wilson A2000 1786 infield gloves featuring Big Rally Blue Raspberry, Swingin' Sour Apple, and Ground Ball Grape designs in Pro Stock leather with SuperSkin. Available exclusively through Wilson.com and targeted at competitive baseball players seeking Wilson quality with Big League Chew graphics.
• New Era x Big League Chew Caps Licensed capsule collaboration featuring MLB, MiLB, and collegiate headwear with designs inspired by Big League Chew flavors including Outta Here Original, Slammin' Strawberry, Wild Pitch Watermelon, and Ground Ball Grape. Distributed through NewEraCap.com and targeted at licensed cap collectors and baseball fans.
• Frost Buddy x Big League Chew Drinkware Licensed collaboration featuring premium 16 oz. and 24 oz. Bottle Buddy stainless steel bottles with bold, flavor-inspired artwork from the Big League Chew portfolio. Sold through DICK'S Sporting Goods and FrostBuddy.com, targeting athletes and brand enthusiasts seeking branded drinkware.
• Junk Ball x Big League Chew Wild Pitch Collectible Balls Licensed backyard baseballs styled after Big League Chew flavors, designed to help kids learn knuckleballs, sinkers, and risers. Each ball includes a matching collectible sticker with official Big League Chew character art. Sold exclusively at DICK'S Sporting Goods and targeted at youth baseball players.
• Pulse Trading Cards x Big League Chew Trading Cards First-ever licensed Big League Chew trading card collection featuring MLB stars and top prospects such as Paul Skenes, Nick Kurtz, and Konnor Griffin alongside BLC characters, flavors, and throwback-inspired designs. Available in Blaster, Mega, Hobby, and Value box configurations.
• Ryno Sports x Big League Chew MLB Players Apparel Licensed apparel collaboration featuring MLB Players (Yordan Alvarez, Corbin Carroll, Elly De La Cruz, Rafael Devers, Aaron Judge, Francisco Lindor, Jackson Merrill, Shohei Ohtani, Matt Olson, Adley Rutschman, Kyle Schwarber, Paul Skenes, Dansby Swanson, Fernando Tatis Jr.) in designs inspired by Big League Chew packaging. T-shirts in kids and adult sizes sold on the Ryno Sports Amazon storefront.
• Boston Scally x Big League Chew Caps Licensed collaboration of 8-panel caps featuring a blue and white pinstripe exterior nodding to baseball's golden era with Big League Chew logo lining. Sold through BostonScally.com and targeted at premium cap enthusiasts and brand collectors.
• National Bobblehead Hall of Fame x Big League Chew Bobblehead First-ever licensed Big League Chew bobblehead produced in partnership with the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame, featuring the iconic shredded bubble gum brand. Sold through store.bobbleheadhall.com and targeted at bobblehead collectors and brand enthusiasts.

Quantifiable outcome

• 1 billion+ pouches sold globally since 1980
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and moderate.

• IMG LicensingcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 18 May 2026IMG Licensing serves as Big League Chew's exclusive licensing agent, managing the brand's expansion into licensed merchandise across multiple product categories. They will be present at Licensing Expo May 19-21, 2026 in Las Vegas at Booth G-142.
• Core NutritionalsminorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 18 May 2026CORE Nutritionals x Big League Chew brings iconic flavors to sports nutrition through HYDRATE electrolyte drink mix in flavors inspired by Big League Chew varieties including Big Rally Blue Raspberry, Grand Slam Grape, and Swingin' Sour Apple. Launching Summer 2026 at DICK'S Sporting Goods and corenutritionals.com.
• Frost BuddyminorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 18 May 2026Frost Buddy's Big League Chew collection features premium drinkware including 16 and 24 oz. Bottle Buddy stainless steel bottles with bold, flavor-inspired artwork. Available Summer 2026 at DICK'S Sporting Goods and FrostBuddy.com.
• Junk BallminorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 18 May 2026Junk Ball x Big League Chew Wild Pitch Collectible Balls bring Big League Chew flavor themes to backyard play with knuckleballs, sinkers, and risers. Each ball includes matching collectible sticker with official Big League Chew character art. Available exclusively at DICK'S Sporting Goods.
• New EramoderateOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 18 May 2026New Era is expanding its existing MLB/MiLB/College x Big League Chew capsule collection with additional hat styles featuring flavors like Outta Here Original, Slammin' Strawberry, Wild Pitch Watermelon, and Ground Ball Grape. Available at NewEraCap.com.
• Pulse Trading CardsminorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 18 May 2026First-ever Big League Chew trading card collection bringing the iconic brand into the hobby for the first time. Available in Blaster, Mega, Hobby, and Value box configurations featuring MLB players Paul Skenes, Nick Kurtz, Konnor Griffin and more alongside BLC characters.
• WilsonmoderateOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 18 May 2026Wilson and Big League Chew partnered to introduce three new A2000® infield gloves (1786, 1786SS, 1786 models) featuring Big Rally Blue Raspberry, Swingin' Sour Apple, and Ground Ball Grape color schemes. Free cinch bag with purchase. Available on Wilson.com.
• Jomboy MediaminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Media partnership for 2026 MLB All-Star Game activation in Philadelphia. Jomboy Media will create content featuring Big League Chew at the All-Star Game events.
• Ryno SportsmoderateOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 24 June 2025Ryno Sports MLB Players x Big League Chew collaboration features apparel with MLB players in the design aesthetic made popular on Big League Chew packaging. Players include Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, Fernando Tatis Jr., and 11 others. Available on Ryno Sports Amazon store.
• Boston ScallyminorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 1 January 2025Boston Scally x Big League Chew collection featuring 8-panel caps with blue and white pinstripe exterior and Big League Chew logo lining. Available at BostonScally.com.
• Xylo BatsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Custom Big League Chew branded wooden bats provided as prizes for Big League Chew Classic tournament champions.
• Aaron Judge / All Rise FoundationminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Grand Slam Grape flavor featuring Aaron Judge benefiting Judge's All Rise Foundation. Limited edition pouch launched in 2025 with charitable component.
• USA BaseballcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 September 2023Big League Chew is the Official Bubble Gum of USA Baseball. Partnership includes product placement in dugouts at USA Baseball events, collaborative social media content, product provision to national team athletes, and USA Baseball branding featured on every pack of Big League Chew.
• 24 SportsmoderateStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Dallas-based 24 Sports hosts youth baseball/softball tournaments and partnered with Big League Chew for Big League Chew Classic events in Texas (The Colony, Grapevine, Celina). First event hosted 135 teams with 1,600+ players. Second annual event hosted 73 teams with 4,500+ attendees.
• National Bobblehead Hall of FameminorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 1 January 2023First-ever Big League Chew Bobblehead produced featuring the iconic shredded bubble gum brand. Available at store.bobbleheadhall.com.
• Old World ChristmasminorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 1 January 2023Existing licensing partner creating Big League Chew themed holiday ornaments and seasonal products.
• Rasta ImpostaminorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 1 January 2023Existing licensing partner creating Big League Chew themed costume and novelty products.
• RSVLTSminorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 1 January 2023Ongoing collaboration with lifestyle apparel brand RSVLTS for Big League Chew themed clothing and accessories.
• Ford Gum & Machine Co.coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 1 January 1980Ford Gum is the sole manufacturer of Big League Chew products since 2011. Based in Akron, NY, Ford Gum produces all shredded bubble gum products including pouches, gumballs, and buckets. The relationship is central to the brand's manufacturing and supply chain.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Bazooka Candy Brands: Owns Dubble Bubble, the closest direct bubble gum competitor to Big League Chew in the U.S. mass market. Both brands compete for concession and impulse-buy gum shelf space at ballparks, convenience stores, and mass retailers, and both target youth/family consumers with nostalgia-driven positioning.
• Topps (Garrett Brands / candy division): Through the Bazooka Candy Brands portfolio, competes head-to-head with Big League Chew in the U.S. bubble gum and youth-targeted impulse confection segment. Topps/Bazooka brands (Ring Pop, Push Pop, Baby Bottle Pop) share the same youth impulse channel and ballpark concession presence.
• Ford Gum & Machine Co. Parent company and sole manufacturer of Big League Chew since 2011. Ford Gum produces all shredded bubble gum SKUs at its Akron, NY plant, and the two are economically intertwined — Big League Chew is Ford Gum's flagship consumer brand.

Emerging players

• Iconic Candy: Portfolio owner of retro and nostalgia-driven American candy brands (Mallo Cup, Black Cow, Sugar Daddy, Bit-O-Honey). Closely comparable to Big League Chew in business model: small team, nostalgia-driven American confection, strong licensing and impulse-retail presence.
• Glee Gum: Natural, non-GMO, plastic-free chewing gum brand with a focus on sustainability and simple ingredients. Targets a similar nostalgia-leaning consumer demographic but competes on a clean-label positioning rather than the cultural/baseball heritage that defines Big League Chew.
• Simply Gum: Natural and clean-label chewing gum brand targeting health-conscious adult consumers. While not a direct youth/ballpark competitor, Simply Gum represents the broader format-and-positioning risk to traditional sugared bubble gum as consumers shift toward 'better-for-you' gum options.
• PUR Gum: Aspartame-free, sugar-free chewing gum brand positioned in natural and health-focused retail. As Big League Chew prepares to launch its own sugar-free line, PUR represents the type of incumbent it will compete against in the natural/sugar-free segment of the gum category.

Broad incumbents

• The Hershey Company: Major U.S. confectionery incumbent with broad youth- and impulse-purchase distribution overlap. While Hershey's portfolio is dominated by chocolate, its sugar confectionery, gumballs, and bubble gum products (e.g., Bubble Yum historically) compete for the same shelf and concession real estate as Big League Chew.
• Tootsie Roll Industries: Long-standing U.S. confectionery manufacturer with iconic impulse-buy brands (Tootsie Roll, Charms Blow Pops, Tootsie Pops, Junior Mints). Competes with Big League Chew in the same impulse, single-serve, youth-focused retail and concession channels.
• Mars Wrigley: Largest U.S. chewing gum manufacturer with brands including Juicy Fruit, Hubba Bubba, Big Red, and Extra. Competes broadly with Big League Chew in the chewing gum category through vastly greater scale, distribution, and advertising spend, though not in the shredded gum sub-niche.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/bigleaguechew
• Facebookfacebook.com/bigleaguechew
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/big-league-chew
• Instagraminstagram.com/bigleaguechewgum
• TikToktiktok.com/@bigleaguechewofficial

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Big League Chew