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New England Confectionery
Company
NECCO
Founded in 1847, the New
England Confectionery Company (Necco) is the oldest continuously operating
multi-line candy company in the United States.
Oliver R. Chase of
Boston invented and patented a lozenge cutter, the first American candy
machine. His company, Chase & Co., was the forerunner to the family
of companies now known as Necco.
In the 1930s, Admiral Byrd took 2-1/2 tons
of Necco Wafers to the South Pole, practically a pound a week for each of
his men during their two-year stay in the Antarctic. During World
War II, the U.S. Government requisitioned a major portion of the
production of the wafers since the candy doesn't melt and is practically
indestructible during transit, making it perfect to ship overseas to the
troops.
This signature product of the company, Necco
Wafers are enjoying a resurgence in popularity as the result of the
increasing baby-boomer demand for non-fat sweets.
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