Pez candies are among the world’s most well-known and unique types of sweet treats. These little, brick-shaped candies were invented in 1927 in Austria, and are particularly known for the various plastic, novelty dispensers from which they can be doled-out, one at a time.
The Pez company makes and distributes its candies from its large plant in Orange, Connecticut, as well as its headquarters facility in Traun, Austria. These popular products are now sold in more than 75 different countries. On a yearly basis, the company produces approximately five billion Pez candies, and more than 670 million Pez dispensers.
Many Flavors, Many Dispensers
Among the Pez candy flavors that are available in the U.S. are strawberry, lemon, orange, raspberry, grape and cherry.
Since 1957, Pez dispensers have featured hundreds of different, three-dimensional character heads. The first licensed Pez character head was Popeye the Sailor, in 1958.
The broad spectrum of Pez candy dispenser heads that have been produced through the years include depictions of all sorts of animals, licensed characters, mythical characters and historical figures.
An important part of American and worldwide popular culture itself for more than half a century, Pez has introduced new pop culture-related character heads for many years.
In 2006, the company introduced Pez dispensers depicting members of the Teutul family, from the “Orange County Choppers” TV series. This was the first time that the company produced dispensers depicting living people.
Popular Collector’s Items
While some people had already been collecting Pez dispensers for years, it was in the early-1990s when collecting the dispensers became more popular than ever before. In 1991, the first convention for Pez collectors and fans was held in Ohio. The PEZmania convention has been held there every year since then, but because of the current health pandemic, the 2020 event has been postponed until 2021.
More than 1,000 people usually attend the PEZmania convention, and the organizers regularly publish and distribute a Pez-oriented newsletter to subscribers.
A Family-Friendly Visitor Center
Since the opening of the Pez Visitor Center in Orange, Connecticut in 2011, numerous people of all ages have visited this fascinating facility. An assortment of interactive activities are offered
Visitors guide themselves through this attraction, and can view the packaging of Pez candies and dispensers on the Pez factory production floor, through large glass windows.
The world’s largest collection of Pez-related products and merchandise is on display at this family-friendly facility, which is open seven days a week.