Sugar-Coated Empires: The Sweet Lives of Candy Entrepreneurs
The candy industry has long been a dynamic and ever-evolving landscape, shaped by the visionary entrepreneurs who have transformed humble confections into global empires. From the pioneering efforts of John B. Curtis, the inventor of the first commercially successful chewing gum, to the iconic creations of Milton Hershey and the Mars family, these individuals have left an indelible mark on the world of sweets.
The Rise of Candy Empires
The late 19th and early 20th centuries marked a pivotal era in the confectionery industry, as advancements in manufacturing and transportation enabled the mass production and distribution of candy. This, coupled with the growing purchasing power of the middle class, created a fertile ground for enterprising individuals to capitalize on the public‘s insatiable sweet tooth.
According to industry data, the global candy and confectionery market was valued at $198.9 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $262.7 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 4.1% during the forecast period.[^1] This rapid growth has been fueled by the rise of innovative candy entrepreneurs who have continually pushed the boundaries of the industry.
One such pioneer was John B. Curtis, who in 1848 revolutionized the industry by creating and commercially selling the first chewing gum. Initially struggling to gain traction, Curtis persevered as a traveling salesman, eventually establishing a successful business that laid the foundation for the modern gum industry. By the early 20th century, the chewing gum market had grown exponentially, with the United States accounting for over 80% of global production and consumption.[^2]
Similarly, Gustav Goelitz, a German immigrant who arrived in the United States in 1866, founded what would become the Jelly Belly Candy Company. His innovative confections caught the attention of a future president, Ronald Reagan, whose love for Jelly Belly beans led to a surge in their popularity, with over 7,000 pounds being served at his presidential inauguration. Today, the Jelly Belly brand is recognized globally, with the company producing over 50 unique flavors and selling its products in more than 80 countries worldwide.[^3]
The Titans of Chocolate
At the forefront of the candy industry‘s golden age stood the titans of chocolate, led by the visionary Milton S. Hershey. Born in 1857, Hershey revolutionized the chocolate industry by pioneering mass-production techniques for milk chocolate and founding the Hershey Company, which would become one of the world‘s largest chocolate manufacturers.
Hershey‘s impact on the industry cannot be overstated. In 1900, the United States produced just 40 million pounds of chocolate annually, but by 1930, that figure had skyrocketed to 600 million pounds, with Hershey‘s leading the charge.[^4] Today, the Hershey Company remains a dominant force in the global chocolate market, with a market share of over 44% in the United States and a presence in more than 80 countries worldwide.[^5]
Alongside Hershey, the Mars family, led by Frank C. Mars, also left an indelible mark on the candy industry. Mars, born in 1883, founded Mars, Incorporated and revolutionized the industry by creating iconic treats like the Milky Way and Snickers bars. His visionary approach extended beyond just confections, as he built a massive 2,800-acre farm called Milky Way Farm, complete with a 25,000 square foot clubhouse and horse racing track, where he was initially buried before his remains were later moved to a private mausoleum in Minneapolis.
The Mars family‘s impact on the candy industry is undeniable. Today, Mars, Incorporated is the world‘s largest candy company, with a global market share of over 17% and annual revenues exceeding $40 billion.[^6] The company‘s portfolio of iconic brands, including M&M‘s, Twix, and 3 Musketeers, have become staples in households around the world.
The Innovators and Trailblazers
The candy industry has been shaped by a diverse array of innovators and trailblazers, each leaving their unique mark on the landscape. Leo Hirschfield, a German-American confectioner, invented the Tootsie Roll in 1907, creating the first individually wrapped penny candy that could withstand summer heat without melting. Tragically, Hirschfield‘s life was cut short by suicide in 1922, as he struggled with his long illness and his wife‘s mental breakdown.
Theodor Tobler, the co-creator of the iconic Toblerone chocolate bar, was not only a chocolatier and businessman but also a pacifist and pan-European visionary. He helped found the Europa Union in 1934, an organization advocating for European federalism during the rise of Nazism, demonstrating the multifaceted nature of these candy entrepreneurs.
The lollipop, a beloved childhood treat, owes its modern form to the ingenuity of George Smith, a candy innovator from New Haven, Connecticut. Smith is credited with creating the modern lollipop in the early 20th century, initially calling them "used candy sticks" before trademarking the name "Lollipop" in 1931. The term‘s etymology amusingly translates to "tongue slap" in northern English slang, adding a delightful layer of whimsy to this iconic confection.
According to market research, the global lollipop market is expected to reach $3.8 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period.[^7] This growth can be attributed, in part, to the enduring popularity of lollipops and the continued innovation in flavors and packaging by candy entrepreneurs.
The Peanut Butter Pioneers
The candy industry has also been shaped by the introduction of iconic pairings, such as the beloved Reese‘s Peanut Butter Cups. H.B. Reese, the inventor of this delectable treat, started his candy-making career in his basement while working at Hershey‘s factory. He went on to build a confectionery empire that merged with Hershey‘s in 1963 for what would now be worth over $4.4 billion.
Reese‘s remarkable entrepreneurial journey is further accentuated by the size of his family, as he and his wife had an astounding 16 children (8 daughters and 8 sons), often hosting more than 20 family members for dinner, and sometimes even more than 40. This family-centric approach to business was not uncommon among candy entrepreneurs, as many leveraged the support and labor of their loved ones to drive their companies‘ growth.
The Curtiss Candy Company, founded by Otto Schnering in 1916 near Chicago, also left an indelible mark on the industry. Schnering transformed the company from a small startup into a confectionery powerhouse, creating iconic American candy bars such as the Baby Ruth and Butterfinger. By the 1930s, the Curtiss Candy Company had become one of the largest candy manufacturers in the United States, with a workforce of over 3,000 employees and a presence in more than 40 countries worldwide.[^8]
A Lasting Legacy
The candy entrepreneurs who have shaped the industry have not only left behind a sweet legacy but have also inspired countless others to follow in their footsteps. Their stories of innovation, perseverance, and entrepreneurial spirit serve as a testament to the power of vision, determination, and a relentless pursuit of success.
As the candy industry continues to evolve, the influence of these pioneering figures remains ever-present, with their creations and innovations continuing to captivate and delight consumers around the world. The sugar-coated empires they built stand as a testament to the transformative power of the entrepreneurial spirit, and their legacies will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of candy makers and confectionery innovators.
[^1]: "Candy and Confectionery Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Chocolate, Sugar Confectionery, Gum), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2021 – 2028." Grand View Research, 2021.[^2]: "The History of Chewing Gum." Wrigley, 2023. https://www.wrigley.com/global/about-us/history.
[^3]: "Jelly Belly Candy Company: About Us." Jelly Belly, 2023. https://www.jellybelly.com/about-us.
[^4]: "The Hershey Company: A Sweet History." The Hershey Company, 2023. https://www.thehersheycompany.com/en_us/home/our-story/our-history.html.
[^5]: "Hershey‘s Market Share in the U.S. Chocolate Confectionery Industry from 2016 to 2021." Statista, 2022. https://www.statista.com/statistics/238794/market-share-of-the-hershey-company-in-the-us-chocolate-confectionery-industry/.
[^6]: "Mars, Incorporated: Company Overview." Mars, Incorporated, 2023. https://www.mars.com/about.
[^7]: "Lollipop Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Hard Lollipop, Soft Lollipop), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2020 – 2027." Grand View Research, 2020.
[^8]: "Curtiss Candy Company: A Sweet History." Chicago History Museum, 2023. https://www.chicagohistory.org/curtiss-candy-company-a-sweet-history/.