Ordering Candy For Felix Gonzalez-Torres Candy Exhibits

Is the Original Candy Still Available?

Several manufacturers produced the original candies used in Felix Gonzalez-Torres installations, with Peerless and Primrose among the primary suppliers.

Unfortunately, both companies are no longer in business.

 In addition, consolidation within the candy industry has led to the discontinuation of many products and reduced the availability of specialty items.

Recent changes to ingredients, food dyes, and manufacturing requirements have also contributed to product discontinuations

As a result, exact replacements for some of the original candies are no longer available.

Is Custom-Made Candy An Option?

Custom candy can be produced in some cases, but it is generally prohibitively expensive and is very difficult to reproduce consistently over time.

We currently offer two primary packaging styles: twist-wrapped candies and pillow packs, with several candy options available in each format.

We also offer a sugar-free pillow-pack option; however, the wrappers contain manufacturer branding that cannot be removed.

Our twist-wrapped candies use a Mylar-style wrapper similar to that used for the original Primrose candies and have become the most popular choice for recent installations.

To view candy and wrapper options, please click HERE.

Some candies historically used in these works were manufactured in Europe.

Today, changes in import procedures, duties, tariffs, transportation costs, and availability can make European sourcing significantly more complicated and expensive.

Are Some Candies Better Than Others?

Conservators frequently ask whether certain candies are more resistant to pests.

 In practical terms, no candy is pest-proof.

A pillow-pack wrapper is not hermetically sealed and should not be assumed to provide greater insect protection than a traditional twist wrapper.

We have supplied numerous installations in a wide range of climates and have had good results with caramels, taffies, and mints in both packaging types.

While chocolate options are available, we generally discourage them because they are much more sensitive to heat and storage conditions.

Our primary considerations are selecting a candy that is aesthetically appropriate, reasonably heat-resistant, stable during an exhibition, and unlikely to leave a sticky residue.

How Much Candy Do I Need?

This can be difficult to determine because certain Felix Gonzalez-Torres works call for an "endless supply" of candy.

We can help estimate the initial and replenishment quantities based on factors such as installation size, expected attendance, exhibition length, and how frequently visitors are permitted to take candy.

However, these calculations are estimates, not guarantees.

For that reason, we strongly recommend maintaining a backstock and selecting a candy that can be replenished reliably.

Whenever possible, we suggest keeping additional inventory equal to approximately 25–50% of the original installation quantity.

When storage is not available, we can hold prepaid backstock at our warehouse at no additional storage charge. Shipping or delivery charges will apply as inventory is released.

Plan replenishment well in advance.

Manufacturers may have minimum-order requirements, production schedules, or quantity thresholds necessary to maintain a particular price.

Depending on the product and time of year, replenishment can take several weeks and, in some cases, approximately a month or more.

Seasonality can also affect availability.

During the fall and other peak candy seasons, manufacturers prioritize very large-volume customers.

While a museum installation may represent a substantial order to you,  it can be relatively small compared with purchases from national retail chains.

For these reasons, we strongly encourage placing orders and planning replenishment as far in advance as possible to allow for circumstances outside our control.

Is the Candy Allergen-Free?

No. Candy supplied through us may be manufactured, handled, or packed in facilities that also process dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, and other allergens.

We therefore cannot guarantee, either expressly or implicitly, that cross-contact has not occurred.

We strongly recommend that museums, galleries, and other exhibitors display appropriate allergen and consumption notices for visitors.

Do You Offer Insurance or Product Guarantees?

We inspect all products before leaving our warehouse to ensure they are in perfect condition.

Report any visible damage, shortage, or other delivery issue within 24 hours of receipt.

We make every effort to select safe and economical shipping methods. However, candy is a perishable product and can be affected by heat, cold, handling, delays, and storage conditions after it leaves our facility.

Because these circumstances may be outside our control, we cannot automatically issue refunds or credits for products damaged during transportation.

Optional shipment protection is available for approximately 4% of the purchase price.

Depending on the applicable coverage, it can protect against shipping damage and cover any product-quality issues for up to 30 days after purchase.   While this is not required, we strongly encourage this if only for peace of mind.

Products supplied through CandyFavorites.com are also covered under our general liability insurance program, with coverage of up to $2 million.

This liability coverage is separate from shipment protection and should not be interpreted as a guarantee against product loss or damage.

Why Choose CandyFavorites.com?

CandyFavorites.com was one of the first online candy retailers and is backed by the nation's oldest wholesale candy companies and the owner of the company has an affinity for modern art. 

We have supplied dozens of Felix Gonzalez-Torres candy installations in the United States and internationally and understand the unusual logistical requirements involved.

For large installations, two members of our team coordinate all aspects of ordering, product availability, inventory, shipping, and replenishment. 

You will also have a dedicated point of contact who can address questions or issues throughout the process.

Careful advance planning cannot eliminate every potential challenge, especially when working with perishable products and large manufacturers, but our experience helps us anticipate many of them. 

Our goal is to make the sourcing, delivery, and replenishment process as seamless and dependable as possible and to offer the customer service that has become our trademark for close to 100 years.