Wockenfuss Candies
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Confectionery |
| Founded | 1915 |
| Founder | Herman Charles Wockenfuss |
| Headquarters | Baltimore , United States |
Area served | Baltimore and Eastern Maryland |
Key people | Paul Wockenfuss (president and owner) |
| Products | Chocolates, caramel apples, fudge, lollipops, marzipan, crystallized ginger, mint-flavored nonpareils, candy necklaces, gold coins, cow tails, chocolate-coated nuts, gourmet truffles, chocolate-covered fruit creams |
Number of employees | 55 (1980) |
Wockenfuss Candies is a chocolatier and confectionery chain headquartered in Baltimore, serving customers throughout Baltimore and Eastern Maryland. Established in 1915 by Herman Charles Wockenfuss, whose family arrived from Germany in 1887, the enterprise has remained under family ownership for more than 100 years.
Overview
Born in Germany in 1875, Herman Charles Wockenfuss immigrated to the United States in 1887 and acquired skills in candy making before launching Wockenfuss Candies in 1915.
Following World War II, his son Herman Lee assumed control of the company in 1945 after working as a civilian Army machinist. During Herman Lee’s tenure, the business grew beyond its initial site to several outlets along Belair Road in Baltimore’s Gardenville neighborhood, maintaining production at the original facility. The company experienced consistent expansion throughout Maryland.
Upon Herman Lee’s passing in 2014, leadership passed to his son Paul, who currently serves as president and owner. Paul has overseen growth to eight retail stores located across Baltimore, Harford, Howard, and Worcester counties. At present, four generations of the Wockenfuss family actively participate in managing the business.
By 1980, the company employed 55 staff members and utilized approximately 60,000 pounds of chocolate during the busiest Easter period.
Types of candy
The product lineup at Wockenfuss includes an extensive variety of sweets such as caramel apples, fudge, and lollipops. Their signature confections include fruit-shaped marzipan, crystallized ginger, and mint-flavored nonpareils. For younger customers, offerings include candy necklaces, gold coins, and cow tails. Additionally, the company crafts chocolate-coated nuts like cashews, Brazil nuts, almonds, and pecans, as well as gourmet truffles and selected chocolate-covered fruit creams.