If you were looking forward to snacking on those classic SweetHearts candy conversation hearts this Valentine’s Day, you might have already heard that you’re out of luck with the sudden closure of the NECCO factory last summer. But there is some hope that they’ll be back soon. Read on for the scoop.
Candy connoisseurs faced major disappointment in July 2018 when NECCO, (a.k.a., the New England Confectionery Company) permanently ceased operations, ending production on NECCO Wafers and the original candy conversation hearts, SweetHearts, which have been around for over 100 years. The candy heart recipe was eventually scooped up by Spangler Candy Company, makers of Dum Dums, though the new company has not yet resumed production on any of the NECCO brand products.
photo: Laura Ockel via Unsplash
That doesn’t mean there isn’t hope for next year, however. In a press release, Spangler initially promised that SweetHearts would be back for 2020. The company later pulled that same release, however. When pressed by the CandyStore.com Blog, Spangler replied with a sweet and perfectly fitting reply in the form of candy heart messages.
They also stated, “We wish we could have Sweethearts out for the 2019 Valentine season, but it’s just not possible. We are committed to making sure these brands meet consumer expectations when they re-enter the market. Doing it right takes time.”
photo: Courtesy of Spangler Candy
So there you have it—in hearts and plain text. We don’t know exactly when, but those beloved candy conversation hearts will be back. For now kids will just have to settle for vague messages to their crushes with these candy heart alternatives.
—Shahrzad Warkentin
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