Some consumers grew up eating candy out of this dispenser with the character’s head. But most of us do not know how this popular European candy got its start. What does the abbreviation PEZ stand for?
PEZ comes from the first, middle, and the last letter of the German word, “Pfefferminz,” which means “Peppermint,” and the very first flavor from PEZ. It was first introduced in Austria, eventually became popular globally, including the United States. Eduard Haas III, who was a confectioner, created PEZ. These peppermint candies contained the simple ingredient of baking powder, which were put in a small tin for the intention of serving them in hand-size. The original dispensers, who had the lighter shape, were put on a market as a smoking alternative, but it was dispensed as a breath mint for adults. The first PEZ dispensers were also called “regulars.” The most popular PEZ flavors in the American culture are lemon, grape, orange, and strawberry.
As consumers already notice that the PEZ logo is in all caps. The purpose of the capitalization is to put emphasis on the trademark’s style of packaging type. Many consumer may also notice that the letters on the dispenser is made up of fourteen bricks in the letter P, fifteen in the letter E, and fifteen in the letter Z, which resembles the candies.
Throughout the years, the PEZ candy has become so popular that the American public has adopted it as mainstream pop culture. During the 1970s and beyond, this PEZ Company has had an enormous impact on young people and the young at heart in many American households. In addition to the mainstream pop culture, many PEZ dispensers have characters of their own, such as the “PEZ-A-SAURS,” “PEZ Pals,” and “Mr. Ugly and Friends,” as well as dispensers making appearances on movies such as “Stand By Me” and “E.T.,” and sitcoms such as “Seinfeld.”
Speaking of characters, after the American introduction of PEZ in 1955, the toy dispensers followed suit. There are so many variations of dispenser heads (think approximately four hundred and fifty). Originally, PEZ was very skeptical about making dispenser heads that resembled actual persons. During the Bicentennial year, three historical figures were born: Betsy Ross, Daniel Boone, and Paul Revere. History was reborn in the form of PEZ head dispensers.
Who would have ever thought that candies that resemble bricks could ever have their own convention? Most people probably would not have thought about it. Anyway, the PEZ collectors’ hobby is so popular that these events are held each year on a global basis. Many of these conventions take place each year in locations such as Missouri, California, Connecticut, Minnesota, South Carolina, and Austria, where PEZ was originated. These events are the ideal place for avid collectors and dealers to purchase and sell PEZ items. Also, it is an opportunity to conduct PEZ auctions as prizes for games and charities.
Since 1927, the PEZ candy has grown into an international phenomenon. As the years pass on, it will continue to grow not only as a piece of candy, but a cultural pop icon. PEZ, you have come a long way!
