1845
Young & Smylie confectionery firm is established. The company later became Y&S Candies, Inc. which eventually came up with a brilliant twist on confectionery candy: TWIZZLERS candies. Also in 1845, rubber bands were invented and Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven” was published for the first time. We think Poe would prefer the black licorice flavor over strawberry.
1850
Millard Fillmore, 13th U.S. President, keeps secret supply of licorice whips in Oval Office. Is this the origin of phrase “political party whip”? Why are we the ones to ask history’s most pressing questions?
1870
Y&S Candies, Inc. is adopted as the company trademark.
1902
National Licorice Company is established with the merger of Young & Smylie, S.V. & F.P. Schudder and H.W. Petherbridge.
1968
National Licorice Company is renamed Y&S Candies, Inc.
1969
After his “giant leap for mankind” statement, Apollo 11 astronaut Neil Armstrong is rumored to have made lesser-known second remark on the moon: “I could go for some TWIZZLERS right now.” It’s suspected that Buzz Aldrin ate them in orbit.
1977
Another landmark year: Y&S Candies Inc. acquired by Hershey Foods Corporation. That leads to a brave new world for candy lovers: new flavors and new ways to enjoy TWIZZLERS candies.
1994
America enjoys new workout routine as Hershey Foods Corporation introduces TWIZZLERS PULL ‘N’ PEEL candy. Very little pulling effort yields big rewards.
1998
TWIZZLERS Candy makes the Guinness World Record. Y&S Candy Plant in Lancaster, Pennsylvania responsible for longest licorice ever made at 1,200 feet and 100 pounds.
2000
Y2K “end of civilization” fears ungrounded. Large stashes of TWIZZLERS candies hidden away for emergencies are consumed. Reports indicate TWIZZLERS Candy frenzy in Times Square outdraws New Year’s Eve crowd.
2004
The hits keep coming. This time in pairs. TWIZZLERS TWERPZ candy and TWIZZLERS STRAWZ candy emerge.
2005
TWIZZLERS Candy “Makes Mouths Happy” Ad airs on TV.
2006
Candy lovers now see the world through multi-colored glasses with the introduction of TWIZZLERS RAINBOW TWIST candy.
2009
Proof that opposites definitely attract: TWIZZLERS SWEET & SOUR FILLED TWISTS bursts onto the scene and history is re-written with a twist.