Heartbreaking Candy News
The New England Confectionery Company that gives us Necco candy wafers and is one of the oldest candy companies in America, had been making Sweethearts since the turn of the 20th century. But NECCO, recently hit with financial problems had to shut down in July after being purchased in a bankruptcy auction by an investment company. In September the Sweethearts brand was bought by the Spangler Candy Company, which didn't have a big enough time window to produce the specialty candies for Valentine’s Day 2019.
Different reports say it's not certain when Sweethearts will be back on the market. Kirk Vashaw, Spangler Chairman and CEO, said in a statement “There are a lot of manufacturing challenges and unanswered questions at this point, and we want to make sure these brands meet consumer expectations when they re-enter the market. We look forward to announcing the Sweethearts relaunch for the 2020 Valentine season.”
According to CandyStore.com, Sweethearts were the most popular Valentine's candy in the U.S. in 2018, with 8 billion pieces made annually.