Sweethearts: A Sweet Love Story Told in Candy Heart Sayings
Unearth the fascinating history of beloved Sweethearts candy heart sayings and their charming messages in our latest article!
Winona, Minnesota – For over a century, America has been head over heels in love with those little candy hearts that speak volumes without saying a word. These sugary gems, known as Sweethearts, have been melting hearts since way back in 1902. They were once part of a collection of candies, including horseshoes, baseballs, postcards, and even watches, made by the New England Confectionery Co. (or Necco for short).
People couldn’t resist the cute and quirky sayings on these candy hearts, making them a Valentine’s Day tradition for more than 120 years. But here’s a twist: while the other candies in the collection have faded into the past, the candy hearts have remained a symbol of love and affection.
In 2018, when Necco went out of business, Spangler Candy Co. came to the rescue, taking over the beloved Sweethearts brand. After a two-year break, these sweet talkers returned to store shelves in 2020. And guess what? They kept the tradition alive with classic sayings from years gone by.
But that’s not all! Spangler also gives us fresh messages every year, all centered around a special theme. In 2023, it was all about our furry friends, with sayings like “Puppy Love” and “Cool Cat.” And for 2024, they’ve dedicated it to Friendship and Appreciation, spreading the love with phrases like “Best Pal” and “Go Team.”
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And don’t forget about the special treat for all the singles out there: Situationship Boxes. Evan Brock, Spangler’s vice president of marketing, mentions that singles are really embracing ‘situationships’ this year, and Sweethearts is ready to join in. They see the occasional printing quirks on Sweethearts as an opportunity to connect with pop culture and celebrate those imperfections.
So, whether you’re celebrating love with a partner, a furry friend, or just showing some self-love, Sweethearts have a saying for you. It’s a heartwarming tradition that’s here to stay, making Valentine’s Day a little sweeter for all of us.
