The Ford Gum & Machine Co. has reached an agreement with the Rob Nelson Co. to assume the license, manufacture and distribution of Big League Chew, effective Jan. 1, 2011. The Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co. will continue to sell the brand through the end of this year.

Since its introduction by Amurol in 1980, Big League Chew has grown into an iconic brand in the kids’ candy market, notes Steve Greene, senior vp of sales and marketing for Ford Gum.

“We are honored to be given the opportunity to preserve the legacy of this product and excited that The Ballplayers Bubble Gum will now be a major part of our Made in America product line up,” Green says.

Big League Chew Bubble Gum will continue to be available in 2.1-oz. packages of original, grape, watermelon and sour apple flavors, with several line extensions in the works.

For more information about Ford Gum, visit www.fordgum.com.