Spangler Candy Company
| Company type | Private, family-owned |
|---|---|
| Industry | Confectionery |
| Founded | August 20, 1906 in Bryan, Ohio, United States |
| Founder | Arthur G. Spangler |
| Headquarters | Bryan , United States |
Area served | United States |
Key people | Kirk Vashaw (CEO), William G. Martin (President and CFO) |
| Products | Dum-Dums, Bit-O-Honey, Necco Wafers, Sweetheart Candies, Spangler Candy Canes, Circus Peanuts, Canada Mints |
| Website | www |
The Spangler Candy Company is a family-owned confectionery business with more than 100 years of experience in candy production and marketing. Based in Bryan, Ohio, Spangler offers a diverse range of products such as lollipops, candy canes, and marshmallow circus peanuts. Its prominent brands include Dum-Dums, Bit-O-Honey, Necco Wafers, Sweetheart Candies, Spangler Candy Canes, Circus Peanuts, and Canada Mints. The company’s signature product, Dum-Dums, was created in 1924, acquired in 1953, and continues to be a favored promotional confection. In 2018, Spangler expanded its portfolio by acquiring key assets from the bankrupt Necco, including Necco Wafers and Sweethearts. Further growth occurred in 2020 with the purchase of Bit-O-Honey from Pearson Candy Company.
As the second largest employer in Bryan, Spangler proudly brands the city as the "Dum-Dums Capital of the World" and holds a leading position in the U.S. candy cane market with roughly 45% market share. The company manufactures more than 12 million Dum-Dums each day.
History
The origins of Spangler Candy Company date back to August 20, 1906, when Arthur G. Spangler acquired the Gold Leaf Baking Powder Company for $450 and relocated operations to Bryan, Ohio. Initially focused on baking products and spices, the company ventured into candy manufacturing in 1911 with the launch of the Spangler Cocoanut Ball. By 1913, production had shifted to its current facility on North Portland Street. Early offerings included chocolates, ice cream cones, soda pop, and cough drops.
Significant milestones include:
- 1920: Company renamed Spangler Candy Company; Truman Spangler joins as a salesman.
- 1922: Start of hard candy production; acquisition of chocolate-making equipment.
- 1927: Establishment of a wholesaling division in Maumee, Ohio.
- 1931: Purchase of Hickok Honeycomb Chocolate.
- 1940: Introduction of marshmallow Circus Peanuts.
- 1945: Death of founder Arthur Spangler; company incorporated in 1946.
- 1953: Acquisition of Dum Dum Pops.
- 1954-1962: Multiple acquisitions including A-Z Christmas Candy Cane Company, Ohio Confections Fudge, Shelby Bubble Gum.
- 1960s-1970s: Leadership transitions to second and third generation family members; growth through acquisitions such as American Mint Corp. (1965), Saf-T-Pops (1978), Standard the Candy Cane Company (1980), Astro Pops (1987).
- 1990: Sale of distributorship operations to concentrate on manufacturing.
- 1995-2000s: Continued brand acquisitions; launch of digital presence; initiation of community outreach programs and foundation establishment.
- 2008: Kirkland B. Vashaw from the fourth generation becomes President.
- 2011: Kirk Vashaw named CEO; Dum-Dums achieve status as top-selling lollipop.
- 2014: William G. Martin appointed first non-family president and CFO; Vashaw retains CEO role.
- 2018: Acquisition of Necco Wafers, Sweethearts, and Canada Mints brands; expansion of warehouse capacity.
- 2020: Purchase of Bit-O-Honey brand; local production begins in Bryan by 2023.
- 2022-2023: Engagement with community through public art initiatives; opening of Spangler Candy World interactive museum and retail outlet.
Spangler’s consistent family leadership combined with strategic acquisitions has fueled its growth and strengthened its position within the confectionery market.
External links
- Companies located in Bryan, Ohio
- Confectionery manufacturers in the United States
- Food producers in the United States
- Privately owned Ohio-based companies
- Williams County, Ohio
- Food and beverage businesses founded in 1906
- American enterprises established in 1906
- 1906 establishments in Ohio
- Companies of the United States by year of establishment
- American companies established in 1906