One of America’s most hated candies is suddenly selling out.
Last month, America’s oldest continuously operating candy company announced that it might have to shut its doors if no one offered to buy the 170-year-old New England Confectionary Co. (Necco). The Revere, Mass. manufacturing plant would be forced to lay off most of its employees.
Source: Bulk candy sales from CandyStore.com
The announcement was picked up by The Boston Globe and almost immediately, the company saw a surge in wafer sales.
It turns out, for all the haters out there, the iconic candy has a loyal following. According to candystore.com, March sales spiked more than 50 percent, with Necco wafers up 63 percent from the averages of the past decade.
NECCO wafers?? Oh No! Where am I going to get my chalk slices from???
— don vaccaro (@greatwhitetoad) March 28, 2018
Upon hearing about the potential end of Necco, one woman even wrote to candystore.com wanting to trader her Honda for a bulk shipment of wafers.
Having been around since the 1800s, Necco is the maker of candy classics such as Necco Wafers, Mary Janes, Squirrel Nut Zippers, Candy Buttons, and Clark Bars. They’re also the makers of the conversation candy hearts passed around on Valentine’s Day. All of these brands are now in jeopardy.
Sad but the good news is NECCO wafers probably have a shelf life of 100 years so I'f I buy a few thousand rolls, I should be good for life (unless I live past 150)
— Rick Born (@RickBorn) March 28, 2018
The candy company is actively looking for a buyer, but if no deal is reached soon, hundreds of employees will be out of a job, and millions of nostalgic candy lovers will be disappointed.
How are gingerbread people supposed to make their roofs if necco wafers go away? #savenecco
— ? Jason? (@JasonO) April 10, 2018
Awful! What will we use as fake communion? #saveNECCO
— George Nenni (@georgenenni) April 10, 2018
Oh no! Clark Bar is my favorite candy bar and I love Necco Wafers! What will Valentine's Day be without Sweethearts? 🙁 #SaveNecco https://t.co/S207ZKkwZH
— Erick Bognar (@Monsterama2000) April 9, 2018
The hashtag #SaveNecco has been circulating to help raise awareness for potential buyers that Necco products are still in high demand.
Also see, Survery reveals most popular candy by state.
