Open Post: Hosted By The Extinction Of Sweethearts This Valentine’s Day
I don’t think I’ve heard news this devastating since McDonald’s stopped making the McDLT back in the 80s, but it’s true. Sweethearts, the original text message of the candy world, will not be making a return this year for Valentine’s Day. Now my only question is how will people know you love them if you don’t hand them out a chalky-tasting colored heart that reads: Wanna Do it?
In July of last year, the New England Confectionery Company (Necco), which manufactures Sweethearts, went out of business and it was the saddest day ever for those who enjoy sugary treats their great-grandparents probably snacked on as children.
Sad news if you love classic candies like Sweethearts and Necco wafers. Hopefully, this is not the end. https://t.co/VgdGIkyEQf
— Rolando Pujol (@RolandoPujol) July 25, 2018
Did I just buy a ridiculous amount of Necco wafers after hearing that the plant has closed?
Yes.
Yes, I did.— Joanne Freeman (@jbf1755) July 25, 2018
Why was this scandal not reported all over the news? Most of the candies they manufactured had literally been around for decades and the people should have been alerted of this tragedy way before now. Necco was purchased by Round Hill Investments in an auction who sold off both the Necco wafers and Sweethearts to the Spangler Candy Company, who are best known for another old skool classic, Dum Dums lollipops. Unfortunately, according to CNBC, since the company was purchased in September, Spangler didn’t have enough time to produce a fresh batch of Sweethearts for this year’s Valentine’s Day.
“There are a lot of manufacturing challenges and unanswered questions at this point, and we want to make sure these brands meet consumer expectations when they re-enter the market,” Spangler Chairman and CEO Kirk Vashaw said in a statement announcing the acquisition.
The company is planning to relaunch Sweethearts in time for next year’s Valentine’s season. Necco wafers will be re-introduced sometime this year.
I guess this year people will have to actually verbalize their feelings instead of hoping a piece of candy will do it for them. And if you happen to see any bags of Sweethearts on the store shelves please proceed with caution because most of those bags are old. And nobody wants to spend the night in an ER on Valentine’s Day for a non-sexual related injury.
Pic: Wenn.com