Pez Candy history

Since the company began marketing the dispensers in 1955, it has produced hundreds of models.

In 1956, PEZ introduces an innovated dispenser called the space gun.

1957, PEZ adds a three dimensional character head to the top of a dispenser.

The first licensed character was the sailor cartoon character Popeye, who headed a Pez dispenser in 1958.

During the 1960's, PEZ continues to bring a new dimension to the dispenser base with sticker and die-cuts.

PEZ breaks ground on a new warehouse and manufacturing facility in Orange, Connecticut on November 19, 1973.

1974: Pez Candy moves to Orange, Connecticut, begins United States candy production.

The company initially had a general rule against creating likenesses of real people on PEZ dispensers but in 1976 Betsy Ross, Paul Revere and Daniel Boone were placed on Bicentennial Commemorative PEZ dispensers and several United States presidents have been featured.

In 1978 PEZ introduces interchangeable rubber head character dispensers.

In 1984 Europe adds small tabs to the bottom of the dispenser base to help it stand upright.

In 1987 the company added “feet” to the dispensers to make them easier to display and, four years later, aficionados held the first PEZ collectors convention in Mentor, Ohio.

Sales for 1992 were $18 million.

In 1993 Forbes Magazine features PEZ on its cover and the prestigious Christie's auction house in New York holds the first ever pop culture auction featuring PEZ.

By 1996, Pez collectors held several conventions, each drawing hundreds of people.

In 1999, the company made an arrangement with the fast-food chain Jack-In-The-Box to sell 'Jack'-head Pez dispensers at its restaurants for $1.99 each.

In 2000 PEZ introduces Fuzzy Friends, the first plush dispenser.

In 2005 PEZ releases the Star Wars Collectors Set.

In 2006 PEZ releases dispensers featuring Orange County Choppers family the Teutuls.

In 2007 PEZ celebrates its 80th Anniversary with the launch of a Disney Mickey Mouse collectible tin.

Producing over 12 million tablets per day, the company continues to bolster its market prospects by introducing new offerings like 2008’s chocolate-flavored PEZ.

Originally scheduled as a September 2011 release, these guys are available now so it's time to get to work! These are just as cute as can be and are sure to be hit!

In 2015, about three billion PEZ bricks were consumed in the United States each year, more than two dozen flavors are available and over 1,500 PEZ dispensers have been created and are collected by fans called PEZheads.

Reply 10 Strange Stories And Origins Of Our Favorite Candies | NUTRITION BUZZ April 8, 2016 at 6:47 am […] the transition to American markets, PEZ changed to their iconic fruity flavors, and the dispensers acquired their character tops.

Reply Michael Ward September 28, 2017 at 3:00 pm They do make a chocolate pez

March 11, 2018 at 10:13 pm Chocolate PEZ sounds gross.