This year has been a big one for Park Ridge-based snack maker PIM Brands Inc. In April, the company became Official Fruit Snacks and Gummy Candy of the New Jersey Devils as part of a new multiyear partnership. Under the agreement, the maker of brands such as Welch’s and Sour Jacks will have distribution of its signature products at all Devils home games and Prudential Center events.

Visitors to the Newark arena will also have exclusive access to try newer innovations from PIM. Partnership elements like exit sampling will make their trip to Prudential Center extra sweet.

Additionally, PIM Brands is now presenting partner of the “Fan of the Game” feature. The interactive, in-game promotion will name the attendee with the “highest level of energy” as the “Welch’s Fruit Snacks Fan of the Game.” The winner will also receive exclusive product and branded prizing, according to the company.

PIM Brands Marketing Director Lauren Rosenberg said, “We’re thrilled to partner with the Prudential Center and New Jersey Devils, uniting two longstanding pillars of the Garden State.”

But the company wasn’t done. The next month, celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay was named “chief fruit officer” for Welch’s Fruit Snacks.

As “CFO,” PIM said Ramsay will play a key role in highlighting the brand’s position as the only fruit snack made with whole fruit as the main ingredient. “My goal,” Ramsay said, “is to help raise awareness about the distinction between authentic fruit snacks and mere imitations of fruit flavor. With more awareness, consumers will have the ability to make more informed choices.”