Pearson Candy Company, Inc.
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Confectionery |
| Founded | 1928 |
| Founder | Barney Pearson |
| Fate | Acquired by W.R. Grace Company in 1968; later owned by RJR Nabisco and Nestlé |
| Headquarters | Culver City, California , United States |
| Products | Candy varieties including Pearson Nips Candy (Coffee Nip, Caramel Nip, Licorice Nip), lollipops, suckers, candy canes, wrapped hard candies |
| Parent | Nestlé (since 1989) |
Pearson Candy Company, Inc. was an American confectionery manufacturer based in Culver City, California, established in 1928 by Barney Pearson.[1] Throughout its 42-year history, the firm developed over 30 different candy varieties, with the most famous being Pearson Nips Candy, a product that continues to be made today under Nestlé ownership.[2][3]
History
Pearson Candy Company was founded in 1928 and originally operated out of downtown Los Angeles at the intersection of Fifth Street and Towne Avenue. In 1955, the company shifted its operations to a larger seven-acre facility located at 10101 West Jefferson Boulevard and Pearson Street, neighboring the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studio back lot.
Three-generation family business
- Barney Pearson, the company's founder and a Russian immigrant, personally crafted candies during the Great Depression until his passing in 1940.
- During the Depression era, Barney’s son Ed Pearson joined the business to help maintain operations despite sugar rationing by marketing finished candies to finance ongoing production. After economic recovery, Ed expanded his expertise by studying candy manufacturing techniques in Europe and eventually took over as President.
- Daniel Pearson, another son of Barney, became part of the company in 1945, serving as House Accountant and General Manager.[4]
- Barry Pearson, Ed’s son, joined the firm in 1964 and played a key role in modernizing production through equipment enhancements and improving manufacturing efficiency. In 1970, he founded Candy Sales Company Incorporated to facilitate distribution of Pearson products throughout Southern California.[5]
| Candy Products |
|---|
| Coffee Nips candy by Pearson |
| Caramel Nips candy from Pearson |
| Licorice Nips candy |
| Chocolate Parfait Nips candy |
| Mint Parfait Nips candy |
| Dulce de Leche Nips candy |
| All-Day Suckers |
| It's A Winner Suckers |
| Whirl Suckers |
| Berry Pops |
| Coffeoca candy |
| Peanut Butter Crunch candy |
| Wrapped hard candy varieties |
| Grape suckers |
| Candy Canes |
| Ball & Wafer candy |
| Jumbo Pop's |
| Foil Wrapped candy selections |
| Pick-A-Mix bulk candies |
| Caramel candies |
| Filled Candies[5] |
Products
Pearson Candy Company produced a diverse range of more than 30 confectionery varieties, such as lollipops, suckers, candy canes, and individually wrapped sweets. The Pearson Nip series debuted in the early 1960s, beginning with the Coffee Nip, and was later expanded to include Caramel Nip, Licorice Nip, and several other flavors. In 1961, the company secured a patent for a candy molding machine that improved manufacturing efficiency.
Flagship product: Pearson Coffee Nip
The Coffee Nip originated from a collaboration between founder Dan Pearson and food scientist Claude Barnett, drawing inspiration from European confectionery methods. Created as a convenient snack for breaks, the recipe blended richly cooked caramel with coffee to produce a unique taste profile. Its packaging stood out through the use of gold foil and vibrant cellophane wrappers featuring either single or double twisted ends, which helped build strong brand identity.
Changes in Ownership
1. In 1968, the Pearson Candy Company was purchased by the W.R. Grace Company.
2. W.R. Grace divested its Pearson Candy Company assets to RJR Nabisco in 1982.
3. By 1989, RJR Nabisco’s confectionery division, including Pearson Candy Company, was acquired by Nestlé.
References
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- ↑ 1930 US Federal Census, Barney Pearson of Los Angeles, CA; Occupation: Candy Manufacturer
- ↑ "Nips Candy Continues To Be Produced". Sugar Stand. 26 October 2022. Archived from the original on November 30, 2022. Retrieved 30 November 2022.
- ↑ Investor Information 1965 Annual Report, Pearson Candy Company, Inc.,10101 W. Jefferson Boulevard, Culver City, Ca 90230 US: Corporate Offices: Pearson Candy Company, Inc., 1965
{{citation}}: CS1 maint: location (link) - ↑ Corporate Profile, Pearson Candy Company, Inc.,10101 W. Jefferson Boulevard, Culver City, Ca 90230 US: Corporate Offices: Pearson Candy Company, Inc., 1967
{{citation}}: CS1 maint: location (link) - ↑ 5.0 5.1 Investor Information 1970 Annual Report, Pearson Candy Company, Inc.,10101 W. Jefferson Boulevard, Culver City, Ca 90230 US: Corporate Offices: Pearson Candy Company, Inc., 1970
{{citation}}: CS1 maint: location (link)