Bloomberg Businessweek TikTok Provides Boost for 100-Year-Old Food and Beverage Manufacturer
Feb 25, 2026
Ken Wegner, president of The Jel Sert Company and third-generation leader of the 1926 family business. He discusses manufacturing in West Chicago and surviving a century of ups and downs. He explains how TikTok and real-time searches shape flavor ideas and fast-selling collaborations like Dunkin' Refreshers. He also talks about booming single-serve powdered drinks and mocktail trends.
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Century Old Family Food Business Still Local
- The Jel Sert Company is a 100-year family business founded in 1926 and still based in suburban Chicago.
- Ken Wegner is the founders' grandson, has worked there since 1985, and emphasizes pride in employees and local manufacturing.
Supply Chain Recovery Is Not Going Back To The Old Normal
- Jel Sert views supply chain disruptions from COVID as a precision watch that broke, making recovery complex and unlikely to return exactly to the old norm.
- Ken says that experience has made the company more resilient and better at handling ups and downs.
Prioritize Domestic Production To Control Costs
- Keep manufacturing and formulation in-house and source domestically where possible to control cost and quality.
- Jel Sert makes 100% of its products in the U.S. with ~1,400 workers and leans on domestic suppliers, while selectively importing ingredients and packaging.