An Austrian named Edward Haas came up with the idea for these new peppermint candies in 1927. The word PEZ comes from the German word for peppermint (pfefferminz). Originally PEZ was an adult breath mint marketed as an alternative to smoting. Who knew that this anti-smoking aid would become a favorite candy and ’toy’ of children?
PEZ was carried around in pocket tins. The well-recognized candy dispenser that you immediately think of when you hear the word ”PEZ” was invented in 1948 as an “easy, hygenic dispenser”. In 1952 PEZ wanted to expand their sales so they made their product more appealing to Americans. They placed heads on the dispensers and marketed it for children.
PEZ moved to the U.S. in 1973 PEZ by building a plant located in Orange, Ct. In 1990 the size of the plant was doubled, and it now operates 24 hours a day. In 1987 feet were added to the base of the dispenser.
To date PEZ has made about 300 different dispensers, including my personal favorite: Remy from the Disney movie “Ratatouille”.
