For Immediate Release
BRYAN, OH, November 20, 2020 - Spangler Candy Company has announced the acquisition of Bit-O-Honey®, a candy brand as storied as the company’s famous Dum-Dums® lollipop brand.
“Bit-O-Honey is a perfect addition to the Spangler Family of Brands,” said Spangler Chairman and CEO Kirk Vashaw. “It’s history and nostalgic appeal blend perfectly with our existing brands, including Dum-Dums, Sweethearts®, Necco® Wafers, Saf-T-Pops®, Spangler® Circus Peanuts, and candy canes.
Bit-O-Honey first appeared in 1924 – the same year as Dum-Dums - made by the Schutter-Johnson Company of Chicago. Bit-O-Honey is known for its soft taffy texture and its real roasted almonds and honey ingredients.
Bit-O-Honey endured a variety of ownership changes between 1969 and 1983, when it was brought under the umbrella of the Nestle Company. In 2013, Nestle sold Bit-O-Honey to Pearson’s Candy Company of Saint Paul, Minnesota, which has now sold the brand to Spangler.
“We are pleased that Bit-O-Honey has moved to a great new home,” said Dan Lagermeier, Pearson’s Candy Company CEO. “Moving this brand to Spangler allows Pearson’s to continue our focus on manufacturing our core brands, including the Salted Nut Roll, Mint Patties, Nut Goodies, and the BUN® cluster bar.”
Spangler Candy Company has been family-owned and operated in Bryan, OH since 1906. Under its Dum-Dums flagship brand, it is one of the largest lollipop producers in the world and the only major candy cane producer in the United States. Other products include Saf-T-Pops®, Spangler® Circus Peanuts, Sweethearts®, Necco® Wafers, and Canada® Mints.