Spree candy has been enjoyed by many for decades. The candy was first created by the Sunline Candy Company, later renamed Sunmark Corporation, of St. Louis, Mo., in the mid-1960s. An employee named John Scout dreamed up the idea of Spree candy, which was a new twist on the concept of pressed candies. The candy quickly became popular and was eventually bought by Nestlé, which markets the candy under the Willy Wonka brand.
Spree candy is known for its sweet and tart flavor and colorful appearance. The candy comes in a variety of colors, including orange, yellow, green, and purple. It has a hard candy shell and a soft, chewy center. Spree candy is a fun and delicious treat for people of all ages.
Overall, the history of Spree candy is an interesting one that spans several decades. The candy has gone through various changes over the years but has remained a popular treat for candy lovers around the world.
Origins of Spree Candy
Spree candy has been a popular candy among people of all ages for decades. The candy was first created by the Sunline Candy Company in the mid-1960s. An employee named John Scout came up with the idea of coating pressed candies with a sugary, flavored shell, which led to the creation of Spree candy.
Initially, Spree candy was disc-shaped and had a sweet and tangy flavor. It quickly gained popularity due to its unique taste and vibrant colors. In the 1970s, the brand was bought by Nestlé, which markets the candy under the Willy Wonka Candy Company brand.
Today, Spree candy comes in a variety of flavors, including Original, Chewy, and Sour. Each flavor has its unique taste and texture, making Spree candy a fun and delicious treat for everyone. The candy is also available in different packaging options, such as small individual packets and large bags, making it easy to enjoy Spree candy anytime, anywhere.
In summary, Spree candy has a long history dating back to the 1960s. The candy was created by the Sunline Candy Company and was initially disc-shaped with a sweet and tangy flavor. Today, Spree candy is available in a variety of flavors and packaging options and continues to be a popular candy among people of all ages.
Early Development and Production
Invention and Brand Concept
Spree candy was first created by the Sunline Candy Company in the mid-1960s. The idea for Spree candy came from an employee named John Scout who wanted to create a new type of candy that had a sugary, flavored shell coating over a pressed candy. The candy was originally called Spree Drops and was marketed as a candy that could be enjoyed on-the-go.
Initial Flavors and Ingredients
The original Spree candy came in four flavors: orange, lemon, lime, and cherry. The candy was made using a variety of ingredients including sugar, corn syrup, citric acid, and hydrogenated palm kernel oil. The candy was designed to be both sweet and tart, which made it a popular choice among candy lovers.
Over the years, Spree candy has expanded its flavor offerings to include grape, strawberry, raspberry, and apple. The candy has also undergone changes in its ingredients to better meet the needs of consumers. For example, Spree candy is now made without artificial flavors and colors, making it a healthier choice for those who love candy.
Commercial Success
With its unique combination of sweet and tart flavors, Spree candy quickly became a popular treat among candy lovers. Its commercial success can be attributed to its marketing and advertising strategies as well as its expansion of product line.
Marketing and Advertising
Spree candy’s success can be largely attributed to its marketing and advertising strategies. The candy was marketed as a fun and exciting candy that was perfect for sharing with friends and family. Its bright and colorful packaging also helped to attract customers.
In addition to its packaging, Spree candy also relied heavily on advertising to promote its product. The candy was featured in numerous television commercials, many of which featured celebrities such as Charisma Carpenter and Bill Goldberg.
Expansion of Product Line
Over the years, Spree candy has expanded its product line to include a variety of different flavors and varieties. In addition to its original flavor, Spree candy now comes in flavors such as grape, cherry, lemon, and apple.
Spree candy has also expanded its product line to include other types of candy, such as chewy Spree and Spree gum. These new products have helped to attract a wider audience and have contributed to the candy’s continued success.
Overall, Spree candy’s commercial success can be attributed to its effective marketing and advertising strategies as well as its willingness to expand its product line to meet the changing needs of its customers.
Ownership and Company Changes
Original Ownership
Spree candy was originally created by the Sunline Candy Company, which was later renamed Sunmark Corporation, in St. Louis, Missouri, in the mid-1960s. The idea for Spree came from an employee named John Scout. However, the original ownership of Spree candy was with the New England Confectionery Company (NECCO) in the 1950s.
Acquisitions and Mergers
Ownership of Spree candy changed hands when Nestlé acquired Sunline in 1986, bringing Spree into the Willy Wonka Candy Company fold. In 2018, the Ferrero Group acquired the Nestlé USA confectionary business, which included the Willy Wonka Candy Company and Spree candy. Today, Spree candy is owned by the Ferrara Candy Company, a subsidiary of the Ferrero Group.
Over the years, Spree candy has undergone several company changes, but it has remained a popular candy among people of all ages. Its unique shape, texture, and flavors have made it a favorite candy for many.
Cultural Impact
In Pop Culture
Spree candy has made its way into pop culture in various forms. In the popular TV show “The Office,” the character Jim Halpert is known for his love of Spree candy. In one episode, he even creates a prank where he fills Dwight’s phone with Spree candy. Additionally, Spree candy has been featured in movies such as “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” and “The Goonies.” The candy’s unique shape and taste have made it a recognizable and beloved brand in popular culture.
Consumer Trends
Spree candy has been a popular choice among candy lovers for decades. With its tangy and sweet flavor, it has become a staple in the candy industry. The candy’s hard shell and chewy center have also influenced other candy brands to create similar products. In recent years, there has been a trend towards sour candies, and Spree candy’s tangy flavor fits perfectly into this category. Additionally, the candy’s bright and colorful appearance has made it a popular choice for candy buffets at weddings and other events.
Overall, Spree candy’s unique taste and appearance have made it a beloved brand in the candy industry and a recognizable name in pop culture. Its influence can be seen in other candy brands and its popularity among consumers continues to grow.
Product Evolution
Packaging Changes
Over the years, the packaging of Spree candy has undergone several changes. Initially, the candy was sold in a small, round tube with a clear plastic top. Later, the packaging was changed to a rectangular box with a clear plastic window, allowing customers to see the candy inside. In recent years, the packaging has been updated to a sleeker, more modern design, with bold colors and a resealable top.
Flavor Additions and Discontinuations
Spree candy has always been known for its fruity, tangy flavors. However, over the years, the company has added and discontinued various flavors. Some of the original flavors included lemon, lime, orange, and cherry. In the 1990s, grape and raspberry were added to the lineup. In recent years, the company has introduced new flavors such as strawberry and blue raspberry.
Unfortunately, not all flavors have been successful. In the early 2000s, the company introduced a flavor called “Tropical Punch”, which was later discontinued due to poor sales. Additionally, the company discontinued the original lemon and lime flavors in the late 2000s, much to the disappointment of many fans.
Despite these changes, Spree candy remains a popular treat for those who love fruity, tangy flavors in a crunchy candy shell.
Global Distribution
Spree candy has been a popular treat in the United States for over 50 years. However, the candy has also gained a following in other parts of the world. Today, Spree candy can be found in many countries across the globe.
In Europe, Spree candy is sold under the name “Tangy Fruits” and is produced by Nestle. The candy is available in many countries, including the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. In Australia, Spree candy is sold under the name “Sweet Tarts” and is produced by Nestle.
In Canada, Spree candy is sold under the name “Spree Chewy” and is produced by Nestle. The candy is available in many stores across the country, including convenience stores and grocery stores.
In addition to these countries, Spree candy is also available in many other parts of the world, including Asia and South America. The candy’s popularity has made it a staple in many candy stores across the globe.
Overall, Spree candy has a global following and can be found in many countries around the world. Whether you’re in the United States, Europe, or Asia, you can enjoy the sweet and tangy taste of Spree candy.
Manufacturing Process
Spree candy is manufactured by The Willy Wonka Candy Company, a brand owned by the Ferrara Candy Company unit of Ferrero SpA. The candy is made using a combination of natural and artificial flavors and colors. The manufacturing process starts with mixing the ingredients in large vats and then cooking them at a high temperature. After cooking, the mixture is poured onto a flat surface and allowed to cool.
Once cooled, the candy is cut into small pieces and then coated with a hard candy shell. The shell is made by mixing sugar, corn syrup, and water and then cooking the mixture until it reaches the desired consistency. The candy is then coated with the shell using a process called panning. Panning involves rotating the candy in a large drum while spraying it with the shell mixture.
Finally, the candy is sorted and packaged for distribution. The packaging process involves wrapping the candy in individual wrappers or placing it in tubes. The candy is then shipped to retailers and sold to consumers.
Overall, the manufacturing process for Spree candy is a complex and precise process that involves a combination of cooking, coating, and packaging. The end result is a delicious and colorful candy that has been enjoyed by generations of candy lovers.
Nutritional Information
Spree candy is a popular candy that is enjoyed by many people. It is a hard candy that is coated with a sugary, flavored shell and has a soft, chewy center. The candy comes in a variety of colors, including orange, yellow, green, and purple, and is often sold in small, convenient packages.
One serving of Spree candy (14 grams) contains 60 calories, which is about 3% of the daily recommended intake for an adult on a 2,000 calorie diet. The candy also contains 14 grams of net carbs, which may be a concern for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet.
In addition to its calorie and carb content, Spree candy also contains a variety of ingredients, including dextrose, maltodextrin, malic acid, corn syrup, and natural flavors. It also contains calcium stearate, which is used as an anti-caking agent, and carnauba wax, which is used to give the candy its shiny appearance.
Overall, Spree candy is a tasty treat that can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. However, those who are watching their calorie or carb intake should be mindful of their portion sizes and consider enjoying the candy as an occasional treat rather than a regular snack.