Support Local with Chicago-Made Candies This Halloween

This Halloween, World Business Chicago (WBC) is urging residents and admirers of the Chicago area to celebrate the season by purchasing locally made candies and snacks. The initiative encourages consumers to choose Chicago-made treats for trick-or-treating and festive gatherings, supporting the local economy and preserving a century-old tradition of candy craftsmanship.

Chicago is home to a diverse array of beloved confectionery brands including Tootsie Rolls, Butterfingers, and M&M’s. These products, along with local favorites like Garrett Mix and HARIBO Goldbears, showcase the talent and dedication of tens of thousands of workers in the region’s candy industry. As families prepare for Halloween, WBC emphasizes that every candy purchase not only satisfies sweet cravings but also contributes to local job security and community strength.

A Legacy of Sweet Manufacturing

Chicago’s rich history in candy-making dates back to the contributions of immigrant entrepreneurs who brought their skills and recipes from Europe. This melting pot of culinary creativity turned Chicago into the “Candy Capital of America,” producing over 556 million pounds of candy annually by the 1940s. The city’s ideal location and climate for candy production played a significant role in its rapid growth.

“Chicago became the melting pot of candy,” said historian Beth Kimmerle, author of Candy: The Sweet History. “Literally, the copper pot became the melting pot of candy.”

As decades passed, many Chicago-based companies evolved into global brands, shaping the city’s identity and fostering community pride. Notable examples include:

• Ferrara Candy Company, known for Red Hots and Lemonheads, was founded in Chicago’s Little Italy in 1908.
• Mars (Wrigley), which produces iconic products like Juicy Fruit and Snickers, has made Chicago a hub for candy-making innovation.
• Brach’s, famous for Candy Corn, once produced over four million pounds of candy weekly.
• Tootsie Roll Industries, led by Ellen Rubin Gordon, produces over 64 million Tootsie Rolls daily.
• Mondelēz International, headquartered in Chicago, oversees brands like Oreo and Sour Patch Kids.
• HARIBO, known for its Goldbears, has established a major presence in the area.

The Economic Impact of Candy Production

According to WBC, the candy industry significantly contributes to the local economy, generating over $1.6 billion in economic impact and supporting thousands of jobs across the Chicagoland area. This sector is projected to grow, with candy production employment expected to increase by 6% by 2030.

“Chicagoland doesn’t just make candy, it makes an impact,” stated Phil Clement, President & CEO of World Business Chicago. “With global leaders like Mars and Ferrero investing and innovating here, Chicago has long been the heartbeat of America’s candy and snack industry.”

WBC’s recent report, Innovation in Chicagoland’s Food & Ag Industry, highlighted that the region is the top food manufacturing hub in the United States, creating $11.8 billion in annual output and employing over 72,000 people in food and beverage manufacturing.

This Halloween, WBC encourages consumers to choose Chicago-made candies and share their local favorites on social media using the hashtags #SweetHomeChicago and #ChicagolandCandyland. By doing so, residents not only indulge in seasonal treats but also support a legacy of local craftsmanship and economic vitality.

World Business Chicago remains committed to fostering inclusive growth and job creation throughout the Chicago area, ensuring that the city’s manufacturing heritage continues to thrive for generations to come.