Tom Griffin — General Manager

What can be said about the candy business over the past four decades that doesn’t include the word “change”?

During the 1970’s, prices and sizes of candy bars changed as both increased. The 1980’s brought changes to major manufacturers as they introduced new items that expanded their core business.  The change of the 1990’s was the introduction of foreign candy companies on to the shelves of U.S. stores and , of course, the new millennium brought the newest wave of novelty candy from China, Japan, Turkey and other countries that would change the way kids purchased confections.

For the most part, all changes have been good for the candy industry.  The strongest have survived, and the niche players have thrived.  As a major wholesaler and internet provider, our challenge is to adapt with the changes and keep a focus on the present and the future while remembering the past and the principles that kept our company vibrant for almost 80 years.

I have found that I must live with changes daily but I won’t change my passion for the candy industry and candy itself.  A day without candy is like a day without sunshine.  When asked about my personal favorites, I always respond: licorice and dark chocolate make the world go round. 

Some things never change