CONTACTS:
Cathy Jessup, CFO
The Topps Company, Inc.
212.376.0466
    or
Betsy Brod/Jonathan Schaffer
Brod Group, LLC
212.750.5800

For immediate release

New York,  NY,  November  17,  2003 - The Topps  Company,  Inc.  (Nasdaq:  TOPP)
announced  today that  discussions  for the acquisition of certain brands of The
Foreign Candy Company,  Inc. have  terminated.  No  transaction is  contemplated
between the parties.

Founded  in  1938,  Topps is a  leading  creator  and  marketer  of  distinctive
confectionery and entertainment  products.  The Company's  confectionery  brands
include Ring Pop, Push Pop, Baby Bottle Pop and Juicy Drop Pop lollipops as well
as Bazooka  bubble gum.  Topps  entertainment  products  include  trading cards,
sticker  and  album   collections,   and  collectible   games.   For  additional
information, visit www.topps.com.