Candy has quite the history as an incredibly popular and incredibly delicious force in the global diet. Whether you’re a candymaker or simply a fan, we think you’ll appreciate these fun candy factoids.
Americans Eat More Candy Than Citrus, Rice, and Fish (24 lbs per capita in comparison to citrus (20 lbs) rice (21 lbs) and fish(16 lbs).
Candy is king, and you don’t have to be a candy lover to know it. The number’s don’t lie, Americans love candy a whole lot more than other foods, which means that there’s no better time to be in the candy business than now. Each year, Americans consume about 24 lbs of candy per capita. Citrus comes in a t 20 lbs per capita, rice at 21 lbs, and fish at 16lbs[1]. Not quite as bad as Germany, which consumes twice as much[2]!
Confectioners Couldn’t Keep Up with Military Demand for Candy During WWII
At the time it was believed that candy kept soldiers alert in the perils of war, so the military regularly included treats that we still know and love today in their rations. Candies like Tootsie Rolls and M&M’s can survive just about any weather condition, making them the perfect fit for soldiers fighting in a wide range of weather conditions[3].
Cotton Candy was Invented by a Dentist
In what is perhaps one of the greatest ironies of our time, Dr, William J. Morrison, a dentist from Nashville, Tennessee co-invented the cotton candy machine[4], a wonderful piece of candy making machinery that produced the fluffy goodness we know as cotton candy, then aptly named ‘Fairy Floss’.
Candy Sales Never Appear to Be Affected by Recessions
In the best of times and the worst of times sweet tooths everywhere need soothing, which is why economic downturn is no match for the candy industry. Researchers speculate that people are more likely to find comfort in small expenses during recession to reduce the stress of financial tensions[5].
Candy Corn is the Top-Selling Candy Every Year
Candy corn, originally referred to as ‘chicken feed’ (yeah, not so appealing) is a classic Halloween favorite, and though it seems like it only get sold once a year, this old-time delight is still a top seller. In fact, if Brach’s lined up every kernel of candy corn they sell, the line would wrap around the Earth 4 times– quite astronomical for a seasonal treat[6].
If you’re in the business of candy making you’re in one of the most fascinating, fun, and delightful industries in the nation (and probably the world). Don’t forget to celebrate your candy-making prowess with the latest candy-making machinery and confectionary equipment from Savage Bros!
[1] http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/30/candy_n_4138120.html
[2] http://www.candystore.com/blog/facts-trivia/candy-facts-infographic/
[3] http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/30/candy_n_4138120.html
[4] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16092607
[5] http://www.investopedia.com/articles/stocks/08/industries-thrive-on-recession.asp