Atkinson Candy Company
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Confectionery |
| Founded | 1932 |
| Founder | B.E. Atkinson, Sr. and Mabel C. Atkinson |
| Headquarters | Lufkin, Texas , United States |
Key people | Eric Atkinson (current leader) |
| Products | Chick-O-Stick, Coconut Long Boys, peanut brittle, mint twists, Peanut Butter Bars, Gemstone Candies, Black Cow, Slo Poke, Sophie Mae, Mary Janes |
The Atkinson Candy Company is a confectionery producer located in Lufkin, Texas, widely recognized for its creation of the Chick-O-Stick.
History
Established in 1932 by B.E. Atkinson, Sr. and Mabel C. Atkinson, the company’s origins trace back to Basil E. Atkinson’s trip to Houston where he purchased candy and tobacco products to resell to small merchants during his journey home.
Currently, the business operates from its facility under the leadership of Eric Atkinson, the grandson of the original founders.
Judson-Atkinson Candies
In 1983, Atkinson Candy Company acquired Judson Candy Company—later renamed Judson-Atkinson Candies—from the Pearl Brewing Company. Founded in 1899 and headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, Judson-Atkinson closed its doors in 2011 as a result of escalating sugar and raw material expenses. The company’s bulk candy production consumed about four million pounds of sugar each year.
Product line
Focusing primarily on peanut butter and peppermint confections, Atkinson Candy Company’s assortment includes Chick-O-Stick, Coconut Long Boys, peanut brittle, mint twists, Peanut Butter Bars, and seasonal holiday treats. Additionally, it markets a premium hard candy collection known as Gemstone Candies. The product range expanded in 2013 when Atkinson acquired Black Cow, Slo Poke, and Sophie Mae brands from The Warrell Corporation. Further growth occurred in 2019 through a licensing deal with Spangler Candy Company to produce the former Necco candy, Mary Janes.