The history of candy production goes back hundreds, if not thousands, of years. The ancient Egyptians, for example, enjoyed sweet treats made from honey and fruit, while the ancient Greeks and Romans were known for their love of sugary confections. However, when it comes to the oldest candy producing company in the world, the title belongs to a company that has been in business for more than 200 years: the NECCO candy company.
NECCO (New England Confectionery Company) was founded in 1847 by Oliver Chase, a pharmacist from Boston, Massachusetts. Originally known as Chase & Company, the company began producing candy in the form of lozenges and other medicinal confections that were sold in pharmacies and drugstores throughout New England.
More About Oliver Chase
Oliver Chase, the founder of NECCO, was born in 1813 in Lyme, Connecticut. As a young man, he worked as an apprentice to a local pharmacist, where he learned the skills and knowledge necessary to produce medicinal compounds and other pharmaceutical products.
In 1836, Chase moved to Boston, Massachusetts, where he continued to work in the pharmacy industry. He eventually opened his own pharmacy, which he operated for several years before turning his attention to the production of candy and confections.
One of the key factors that led Chase to shift his focus to candy production was the growing popularity of sugar as a sweetener in the mid-19th century. At the time, sugar was becoming more widely available and affordable, and people were beginning to experiment with new ways of incorporating it into their diets.
Chase saw an opportunity to capitalize on this trend by producing candies and confections that would appeal to consumers’ growing appetite for sweets. He began experimenting with different ingredients and flavors, and eventually developed a process for producing lozenges and other medicinal candies that were sold in pharmacies and drugstores throughout New England.
Over time, Chase’s candy business began to grow and prosper, thanks in part to the popularity of his NECCO wafer candy. Chase continued to innovate and experiment with new flavors and products, and his company soon became one of the most successful candy producers in the region.
Despite his success, however, Chase remained committed to his values and principles. He was known for his strong work ethic, his dedication to quality, and his commitment to treating his employees and customers with respect and fairness.
Chase’s legacy continues to be felt today through the enduring popularity of NECCO’s classic candies, such as the NECCO wafer, the Mary Jane peanut butter candy, and the Clark Bar chocolate bar. His innovative spirit and entrepreneurial drive have inspired countless candy makers and confectioners over the years, and his impact on the candy industry continues to be felt to this day.
The NECCO Wafer – What it Is
One of NECCO’s most iconic products was the NECCO wafer, a flat, disc-shaped candy made from a combination of sugar, corn syrup, and other ingredients. NECCO wafers were first introduced in 1847, and quickly became a popular treat among candy lovers throughout the region.
Over the years, NECCO continued to expand its product line, introducing new candies and confections that were popular with consumers of all ages. Some of the company’s most beloved products included the Mary Jane peanut butter candy, the Clark Bar chocolate bar, and the Sky Bar, which was the first candy bar to feature a variety of different flavors in a single package.
Despite its success and longevity, NECCO faced a number of challenges in the 21st century, including changing consumer tastes, increased competition from other candy companies, and financial difficulties. In 2018, the company announced that it would be closing its doors and ceasing operations after more than 170 years in business.
Today, while NECCO is no longer in business, its legacy lives on through the memories of the many people who grew up enjoying its iconic candies and confections. While there may be newer and more modern candy companies in existence today, NECCO will always hold a special place in the hearts of candy lovers around the world as the oldest candy producing company in the world.
Other Big Name Candy Companies
While NECCO may be the oldest candy producing company in the world, there are many other established candy companies that have been in business for several decades and continue to produce popular and beloved candies to this day.
One such company is Hershey’s, which was founded in 1894 by Milton Hershey in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Today, Hershey’s is one of the largest and most successful candy companies in the world, known for its iconic chocolate bars such as Hershey’s Milk Chocolate and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
Another established candy company is Mars, Incorporated, founded in 1911 by Frank C. Mars in Tacoma, Washington. Today, Mars, Incorporated produces a wide range of popular candies and confections, including M&M’s, Snickers, and Skittles.
Nestle is another candy company with a long and storied history, dating back to its founding in Switzerland in 1866. Today, Nestle produces a wide range of candy and chocolate products, including Kit Kat, Smarties, and Butterfinger.
Cadbury, founded in 1824 in Birmingham, England, is another iconic candy company with a rich history. Known for its Dairy Milk chocolate bars and other popular confections, Cadbury has been a beloved brand for generations of candy lovers.
Ferrero, founded in Italy in 1946, is another established candy company that has become known for its innovative and high-quality products. Some of its most popular brands include Nutella, Ferrero Rocher, and Kinder chocolates.
While these companies may not have been in business as long as NECCO, they have still played a significant role in shaping the global candy industry and producing some of the most iconic and beloved candies of all time.
Candy has been a beloved sweet treat for generations, and continues to be enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds around the world.
