Elevate your local knowledge

Sign up for the iNFOnews newsletter today!

Select Region

Selecting your primary region ensures you get the stories that matter to you first.

Sweethearts candies won’t be on shelves this Valentine’s

Sweethearts candies won't be on shelves this Valentine's | iNFOnews.ca
FILE - In this Jan. 14, 2009 file photo, colored "Sweethearts" candy is held in bulk prior to packaging at the New England Confectionery Company in Revere, Mass. The candies won't be on store shelves this Valentine's Day. AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File

DETROIT – Sweethearts — those chalky little candies with messages on them — won't be on store shelves this Valentine's Day.

The New England Confectionary Co. — or Necco — had been making the popular candies since 1886. But the company filed for bankruptcy protection last spring.

Ohio-based Spangler Candy Co. bought Necco in May. But Spangler said Thursday that it didn't have time to bring Sweethearts to market this Valentine's season.

CEO Kirk Vashaw said Spangler wants to make sure Sweethearts "meet customer expectations" when they return to market. He didn't say what changes Spangler plans to make or when they'll go back on sale.

Competitors like Brach's are still making conversation hearts. But online retailer CandyStore.com says Sweethearts were by far the most popular brand, commanding 80 per cent of U.S. market for candy hearts.

News from © iNFOnews.ca, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Howard Alexander

Assistant Editor Howard Alexander comes to iNFOnews.ca from the broadcasting side of the media business.

Howard has been a reporter, news anchor, talk show host and news director, first in Saskatchewan and then the Okanagan.

He moved his family to Vernon in the 90s and is proud to call the Okanagan home.

If you have an event to share contact Howard at 250-309-5343or email halexander@infonews.ca.

Related Articles