The family invested $7,500 into testing and trials, finding natural sweeteners xylitol and erythritol. Alina Morse’s little sister rejected the original name “Xylitol Lollipops,” creating a punchier name: “Zollipops.”
They’ve since ditched xylitol, which can have digestive side effects. The plant-based erythritol decreases total bacteria counts, reducing cavities and tooth decay.
ZolliCandy has expanded to multiple types of lollipops, taffies and caramels – and is now moving into chocolates with its new peanut butter cups. Customers can buy the candy in some locations of Whole Foods, Rite Aid, Walmart, Kroger and CVS – or online.
Alina Morse’s company is one of the fastest-growing candy companies in the U.S., as it was ranked 1,110th on the Inc. 5000 list, which ranks private companies based on their three-year revenue growth.
ZolliCandy ranks 13th among Michigan companies, growing 437% from 2017 to 2020. In 2018, the company earned $6 million in revenue, and has kept growing since.
The candy is all made in North America by third-party manufacturers. Alina Morse has toured the plants to see the process. They each have “Willy Wonka chocolate factory” vibes, she said – just “not as whimsical.”
“It smells so good,” Alina Morse said. “I think my hair (still) smelled like candy after like three showers.”
A 25-count bag usually costs $5-7, which is comparable with other high-end lollipops. ZolliCandy is in more than 24,000 stores and has sold “a couple hundred million” suckers so far, Tom Morse said.
‘This lady does not need advice’
While Alina Morse is the CEO, the high school junior says ZolliCandy wouldn’t exist without her dad.
Tom Morse was a consultant for Deloitte for years, helping CEOs solve problems. He’s now a full-time employee at his daughter’s company, which has 10 employees.
“When Alina came up with this idea, it was really more, ‘How do I help her, just like I’d help any CEO?’” Tom Morse said.
He doesn’t mind working for his daughter. She’s a brilliant businesswoman who asks great questions and is fun to work with, he said — “everything you want in a CEO.”
“From the day they’re born, you’re kind of working for them,” Tom Morse said. “You’re helping them achieve their dreams and realize their potential.”
While Tom Morse has been in the big business meetings – from New York City to Paris – it’s Alina Morse who does the talking.
Her idea of healthy, allergen-free, tasty candy that’s good for your teeth has captured international attention.
She met Michelle Obama at the White House. Her sweets were the only candies served at the White House Easter Egg Roll for two years.
She appeared on “Shark Tank,” but can’t say whether she made a deal or not since the episode never aired. Alina Morse reconnected with business icon Barbara Corcoran from “Shark Tank,” this spring while appearing on “Dr. Oz.” Corcoran was amazed by Alina’s pitch.
“This lady does not need advice,” Corcoran said. “She could advise me.”
While her friends are on Snapchat and YouTube during school lunch, she’s replying to emails.
“But I still have the same hopes and dreams of every high schooler,” Alina Morse said. “I’m nominated for homecoming court.”
She’s on the pom team and the tennis team. She can’t hold back a smile when describing how she was asked to homecoming. She’s thinking about which college to attend.
“It’s funny that people just assume I’m not normal because I have a job, or whatever,” Alina said. “But all my other friends have jobs. My job is just a little bit more time consuming.”
