PEZ is one of the most recognisable brands in the world, with a story that spans all the way back to 1927, PEZ, invented in Vienna, Austria by Eduard Haas III as an alternative to smoking. The name PEZ comes from the German word for peppermint, “PfeffErminZ” taking the P from the first letter, E from the middle and Z from the last letter to form the word PEZ.
Grown from a conveniently sized peppermint treats known as PEZ Drops into the icon of popular culture that it is today. There are devoted PEZ fans of all ages that both love the tasty treats and are passionate about collecting their sweets and the creative dispenses they now boast as part of the ever growing range.
The first PEZ sweets were peppermint flavoured, but today the PEZ dispenser range and refills are a mix of Fruity , Fizzy and Cola flavours to tantalise all tastebuds.
In 1935 a new PEZ candy factory is built in Czechoslovakia to manufacture the candy on a larger scale. In 1948 the compressed sugar tablets are sold in small pocket sized tins until inventor Oscar Uxa patents a small mechanical box for dispensing the tablets. In 1949 the first dispenser is officially introduced at the Vienna Trade Fair. The original dispenser held the same number of tablets (12) as today!
PEZ starts U.S. operations in 1952 establishing in New York City. All goods sold, however are imported from Europe and distributed throughout North America. On December 2, 1952, PEZ is awarded the first U.S. patent number for a dispenser: 2.620.061. In 1956, PEZ introduces an innovated dispenser called the space gun. 1957, PEZ adds a three dimensional character head to the top of a dispenser. The Halloween Witch becomes the first traditional character head dispenser in 1957, while Popeye adds to the variety as the first licensed character in 1958.
During the 1960's, PEZ continues to bring a new dimension to the dispenser base with sticker and die-cuts. PEZ showcases some rare and unusual candy flavors, such as Licorice, Flowers, and Chlorophyll. Not too sure how the last one would taste or if it would be allowed these day's!!
It's also in the 60's that PEZ Pals are introduced. The PEZ Boy is designed as a detective who dresses up in disguises to solve mysteries. With these various disguises he becomes different characters such as Policeman, Knight, Sheikh, and Doctor. These character are shown in the PEZ Comics inserts that came packaged with the dispensers.
It's in 1973 PEZ in the US grows to the point that, in addition to distribution, the company begins to manufacture the candy domestically. PEZ breaks ground on a new warehouse and manufacturing facility in Orange, Connecticut on November 19, 1973. In 1978 PEZ introduces interchangeable rubber head character dispensers.
In 1984 Europe adds small tabs to the bottom of the dispenser base to help it stand upright. This feature is introduced in the United States in 1987. These tabs are referred to in the collector community as 'feet' and help determine year and value of vintage dispensers. Which is alway a handy tip to know if you're an avid Pez collector!
As PEZ collecting grew in popularity during the early 1990s, the first ever PEZ collector convention was held in Mentor, Ohio on June 15, 1991. Collectors from the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Japan helped make PEZ an international phenomenon.
In 1993 Forbes Magazine features PEZ on its cover and the prestigious Christie's auction house in New York holds the first ever pop culture auction featuring PEZ.
Over the years there have been more varieties of the famous dispenser than you could imagine. There have been than 1,500 PEZ dispensers, with countless famous faces, unique designs and some incredibly desirable collectibles. Testament to just how much impact PEZ dispensers have had, the most expensive ever sold was a set commemorating Prince William and Duchess Kate Middleton in 2011. Sold for £8,200 at an auction for Starlight Children’s Foundation, no PEZ dispenser has cost as much. Among collectors, the most prestigious examples range in designs, with early and rare models such as the Witches Head and Political Elephant revered, whilst early dispensers without a head are increasingly hard to come by.
It's also in the mid 90's PEZ reintroduces two popular products - peppermint flavored candy and the 'regular' PEZ dispenser. Pez also make it's T.V debut with the Tweety Bird PEZ Dispenser featuring on an episode of the popular Seinfeld television show
In 2011 the PEZ Visitor Center was opened in Orange, CT. PEZ continues to be enjoyed by generations of Americans. Today, billions of PEZ candies are consumed annually in the U.S.A. alone. With great tasting candy flavors and collectible dispensers, it's more than just candy. PEZ is the candy with character! PEZ is enjoyable to eat, fun to collect and a staple of American culture. Available around the world in more than 90 countries, PEZ candy and dispensers truly have universal appeal! And at Cariad HQ we strive to make sure
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