A History of PEZ CandyA History of PEZ Candy

By Kaitlin ColemanBy Kaitlin Coleman

An “Interactive Candy” ExperienceAn “Interactive Candy” Experience

• Ever eaten PEZ candy?

• Ever used a PEZ dispenser?

• Ever want a PEZ dispenser?

I will show you how…I will show you how…

PEZ candy originated in Europe, traveled to the United States, &evolved into the famous candy-toy combo it is today.

A Smoker’s SolutionA Smoker’s Solution• Invented in 1927 in Austria by Edward Haas III &

advertised as an alternative to smoking

• Compressed Sugar Tablet with Peppermint Oil

• Name came from the German word for peppermint

PfeffErminZ

The First PEZ DispenserThe First PEZ Dispenser

• PEZ dispenser was introduced in 1948

• Designed to look like a cigarette lighter

• “Easy, Hygienic Dispenser”

PEZ travels to the United States…PEZ travels to the United States…

• Introduced in the United States in 1952

• However, PEZ did not take off in the adult market

• Haas chose to market the product towards children

• Fruity flavored candies

• First character heads – Mickey Mouse– Santa Claus

PEZ InnovationsPEZ Innovations

• Feet added to the PEZ dispenser

• Stopwatch, Whistle, Clock dispenser

• PEZ MP3 Player

• PEZ USB Drive

PEZ InnovationsPEZ Innovations

PEZ flavors Over the Years

– Original Assortment– Sours– Cola– Chocolate

PEZ PoliticsPEZ Politics

• PEZ candy can be both cultural and political

• 9/11 Emergency Heroes– Pete the Pilot– Fred the Fireman– Nancy the Nurse

• “Pezzident” Bush?

PEZ Pop CulturePEZ Pop Culture

• PEZ prides itself on its relationships with major film, comic and television companies

• New character dispensers are introduced regularly to capitalize on current trends

– Star Wars– Shrek– The Simpsons– Sports– Sponge Bob– Sesame Street– Mr. Bean

PEZ CollectorsPEZ Collectors

• PEZ dispensers have become an item for collectors

• PEZ Legend: Is PEZ responsible for the creation of Ebay?

• PEZ collectors call themselves “PEZheads”

• PEZ Conventions

So, next time you pop a PEZ in your mouth…So, next time you pop a PEZ in your mouth…

You’ll know where this innovative candy originated,

How it traveled through time & Across Continents,

Treated your taste buds,

And Entertained you with the latest trends and cartoons

SourcesSources

PEZ Factory Store; Date Modified: 1/31/2008; About Us PEZ Candy Inc. Viewed January 29, 2008; http://www.pezfactorystore.com/pfs/aboutus/default.php

Fogle, Melinda; September 22, 2002; Jounal of Popular Culture; Joining the Pezzimist Party: Pez convention as rite of passage & communal bonding; Viewed January 29, 2008; http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-27023549_ITM

Hanna Aronovich; May 16, 2005; U.S. Business Review; Collectible Edibles; Viewed January 29, 2008; http://www.usbusiness-review.com/content/view/285/

Nathans Spiro, Leah; October 19, 2003; New York Times; Made in Connecticut; Pez Is in Orange. But, Please, Don't Call. Viewed January 29, 2008 http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=940CE3DF103EF93AA25753C1A9659C8B63&scp=1&sq=PEZ+Candy&st=nyt

How Stuff Works Website; Date Modified: 1/31/2008; What does PEZ Mean? Viewed January 29, 2008; http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/question343.htm

Pacyniak, Bernard; February 2005; Candy Industry Magazine; Dispensing with Routine; Viewed Janurary 29, 2008; http://www.candyindustry.com/content.php?s=CI/2005/02&p=5