Soon to be gone but, hopefully not forgotten, Marpo Marshmallow Ice Cream Cones may be heading to our ever-growing Discontinued Candy list. For over 80 years, these treats have been a staple at well-appointed candy counters. Few people know that these treats were, literally, tailor-made.
In 1936, a tailor named John Arbino observed that while not everyone has money for a handmade suit, everyone has a few pieces of spare change to spend on candy. Being handy – he was a tailor after all – he created marshmallow candies which, in years to come, became the iconic Marpo Marshmallow Ice Cream Candy Cone.
True to the roots of the wholesale candy business, Mr. Arbino was a “jobber” who loaded the trunk of his car with homemade candies and sold them to small candy and grocery stores. As to whether he gave up tailoring remains a mystery, but like any well-made suit, his creations withstood the test of fashion and time.
His son Jack took over the business in the early 1960s. A few years later, the company decided to focus solely on the faux Marshmallow Ice Cream Candy Cone as demand greatly surpassed supply. Little did John Arbino know that he would create one of the most beloved penny candies of all time. We are confident he made a few elegant suits, but, alas, it is his contribution to the candy industry for which he is best known?
Runk Candy Company purchased the rights in 2000, and the formula remained the same. What made this product unique and often frustrating is that the candy changes textures depending on heat and humidity. In dry weather, the cones would be crisp, and during warmer months, it would soft. Much like Marshmallow Peeps, consumers had their personal preference for what tasted best.
Unfortunately, we received news that Runk Candy Company closed in 2020, leaving us with a limited supply of the remaining inventory. We hope that another candy company purchases the rights but, should that not occur, now is your chance to stock up and put aside a few for the next generation.
