1927The early days
The Upper Austrian Eduard Haas III produces the first peppermint candies. This is also the hour of birth of the three famous characters: P E Z – derived from the German word for peppermint. The refreshing candies in the small metal boxes are very popular, especially in posh circles.
1949Smoking prohibited – PEZing allowed!
In 1949, the first PEZ dispenser is launched in the form of a lighter. The motto “No smoking - PEZing allowed“ is the slogan at the time.
1950Lady-like!
The fifties are the years of the PEZ ladies: The ladies of the then PEZ advertising lines became icons of the post-war period and extremely well-known brand ambassadors of PEZ.
From the 50´s right into the 80´s, the PEZ vending machines were omnipresent. At the time, there were just under 40,000 of the collector items that are much covetted today.
From the 50´s right into the 80´s, the PEZ vending machines were omnipresent. At the time, there were just under 40,000 of the collector items that are much covetted today.
1953Welcome to America!
PEZ conquers the American market.
1962Sparkling children´s eyes!
The first contact with Walt Disney is concluded: Mickey & Co and the PEZ candies with fruit flavour make children´s hearts leap for joy from now on. The success formula of PEZ: nibbling, playing and collecting, is still valid today.
1972Product introduction in Japan
... Products are launched in Japan.
1973Factory foundation in America
The then state-of-the art PEZ factory in Orange Connecticut/USA, which has been ensuring production and distribution for the American continent until today, was founded.
1982E.T. & PEZ
The movie E.T. released in 1982, belongs to the most successful commercial features films of the world. In one noticeable featured part: a PEZ dispenser as the ultimative ‘Must have’ of any world citizen.
1995eBay & PEZ
Even the original idea for eBay allegedly came into being because eBay founders, Pierre Omidyar and his wife, a passionate PEZ collector, wanted to set up an online platform for the exchange of PEZ characters. As the website turned out to be a success, he founded eBay in September 1995.
2002Soft skin and hard core!
In 2002, people became aware of the cudly PEZ Fantastics for the first time; under their skin, how could it be any different, they hide sweet PEZ candies.
2007PEZ turns 80!
80 years PEZ: PEZ celebrates its birthday! Numerous events take place in the anniversary year: Thus PEZ helps children and supports UNICEF in cooperation with eBay.
In 2007, PEZ merged with the traditional Viennese sweet brand Egger. Besides Austrian classics, like sports gum, Hustinetten or marsh mellow, Egger also produces a wide range of additional cough drops and bio-candies. Thanks to this new expertise, PEZ strongly developed its production know-how, especially as far as the fruit gum market is concerned.
2010The new generation!
For the very first time in the 50-year history of the PEZ dispenser, the company launched a series of dispensers that go beyond moving heads to provide a whole removable figure. In keeping with the PEZ approach, the new dispensers feature popular licensed figures. So all together now: twist, click, remove, play, collect, swap, and experience a whole new PEZ world!
2011The shooting star!
In August 2011, PEZ increases its product range by another product: PEZ soft. Both candies and dispensers differ significantly from the known products. This product range includes soft fruit gums instead of the usual candies. Instead of the known PEZ dispensers, there are so-called "action dispensers" with which the fruit gum can be catapulted.
todayNot in the least quiet!
Today, the PEZ group is worldwide operating company. Besides Europe and the USA, Japan and Australia are among the major markets. PEZ products are available in over 80 countries in total. Whereby approx. 65 million dispensers and 4.2 billion candies are produced. PEZ has 700 employees worldwide. Besides the classic PEZ candies and dispensers, various gift packs with dispensers and candies, seasonal products (Easter, Christmas, Halloween), fruit gum products as well as dextrose and fizzy candies are also part of the product range.
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