If you were asked to think of a few of your favorite classic candies, what would come to mind Well, if you are like many, then
Banana Splits,
Canada Mints,
Candy Buttons,
Conversation Hearts,
Clark Bars,
Coconut Crunch Peanut Butter Logs,
Malted Milk Balls,
Mary Janes,
Mint Juleps, Peach Blossoms,
Sky Bars,
Slapstix,
NECCO Wafers and
Wintergreen Lozenges may be some of your initial thoughts. But can you guess what all of these candies have in common? As it turns out, they’re all made by New England Confectionery Company, better known as
NECCO.
A Company that Has Stood the Test of Time
The first of their products to hit the market was the NECCO Wafer. Way back in 1847, Oliver Chase created a lozenge cutter that was to become the nation’s first candy machine--and the equipment that made the NECCO Wafer possible. Chase soon joined forces with his brothers to market their sweets across North America.
Despite two factory fires and the possibility of losing their business entirely, the brothers persisted, forming partnerships with companies local to the New England area. This dedication paid off, and in 1901, over 50 years after the first NECCO Wafer was produced, the New England Confectionery Company (NECCO) was born.
Since that time, the company grew, adding in popular treats of all varieties and expanding its reach far beyond the borders of North America. In its 117 year history, NECCO has satisfied countless sweet tooth cravings, creating cult favorites that candy lovers of all ages could not live without. Simply put, NECCO established itself not just as a candy company, but as an American Institution and household name for generations of candy lovers young and old. Few companies can boast of such a storied history or product line up!
This Candy Giant’s Future is Uncertain
And yet, it seems the old saying might be true: all good things must come to an end. Recent buzz in the candy world indicates that NECCO could be going out of business, and taking its successful candies with it. Having represented so many great brands through its impressive history, the loss of NECCO would certainly be a major upset in the candy world.
After all, what would Valentine’s Day be without Conversation Hearts? And what could possibly replace the goodness and convenient variety of a Sky Bar? If the rumors are true, then fans of the company’s sweet treats may just have to find out.
We never like to be the bearers of bad news and know that this update may hit close to home. So as we consider the potential end of an era, will you join us in "keeping your fingers crossed" and reflecting on your favorite NECCO memories? Which candies have you cherished, and how has the company made your life a little sweeter?
Feel free to let us know in the comments below.
I have been eating Necco wafers since I was a kid, and I am 54 years old. I still enjoy them to this day, and look forward to getting them for Halloween, in the little packs. The candy hearts are a valentines day staple. it would be sad to see this fine institution dissappear.
I have loved NECCO Wafers since my grandmother used to give them to us as a special treat. Every day, old time favorites are disappearing off the shelves. Please don’t let Necco be included on this list!
As both a McKeesporter by birth, and the grandson of your old candy wholesaling neighbor, Henry D. Nill, the loss of Clark bars alone would be devastating. I hope this doesn’t happen. Incidentally, I have a small candy shop figurine that was a NECCO promotion from back in the 40s or 50s. Will locate this weekend and send you a picture.
I am 65 and since I was a little kid, I would trade just about any other candy I got on Halloween for NECCO wafers, mint tulips and banana splits. I still get a Christmas stocking filled with that holy trinity and never realized they were all NECCO products. This is a New England tragedy if they cease operations.
It’s really disheartening (no pun intended) to see a candy staple, one I grew up with, that may need to close it’s doors. I’d be very curious how many would lose their jobs if this happens. I hope, for their employee’s sake, that they can manage to whether this down turn and come out the other side stronger than before. I mean, what would Valentine’s day be without those little candy hearts!!