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Stark Candy Company

Stark Candy Company
Company typePrivate company
IndustryConfectionery
Founded1939
FounderHoward B. Stark
Defunct2008
FatePurchased, then closed
SuccessorNecco
Headquarters,
U.S.
ProductsStark wafers, candy hearts

The Stark Candy Company, originally the Howard B. Stark Company, was a candy manufacturer founded in 1939, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.[1] It was a competitor to Necco and manufactured products including candy hearts,[2] candy raisins,[2] Mary Janes,[3] peanut butter kisses,[3] salt water taffy,[3] and candy cigarettes.

Stark moved from Milwaukee to Pewaukee in 1960.[1] In 1988, it was purchased by Necco. In 2008, Necco announced the Stark plant would close.[4] Candy raisins were discontinued after the company was purchased by Necco, sparking a consumer backlash.[2]

  1. ^ a b "No love for candy maker, Stark Candy to close plant". The Journal Times. AP. March 7, 2008. Retrieved 2 April 2018.
  2. ^ a b c Hartel, Richard W.; Hartel, AnnaKate (March 29, 2014). Candy Bites: The Science of Sweets. Springer Science & Business Media. p. 256. ISBN 9781461493839.
  3. ^ a b c Smith, Andrew F. (2007). The Oxford Companion to American Food and Drink. Oxford University Press. p. 413. ISBN 978-0195307962.
  4. ^ "Necco to close Stark Candy plant". candyindustry.com. March 20, 2008. Retrieved 2 April 2018.