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Candy Capital

Chicago famously has a sweet tooth, and why wouldn’t it? For much of the twentieth century, Chicago reigned supreme as the “Candy Capital of the World.” From Cracker Jack and M&Ms, to Snickers and Lemon Heads, many of the world’s most well-known sweets originated in the city. At its peak, 100 Chicago candy companies, including Wrigley, Mars, and Ferrara produced a third of all candy in the United States and employed more than 25,000 people. But however all-American this world of confection may appear, it was immigrants who came to Chicago in the nineteenth century who helped mold the industry.

English
  • Originally Aired October 27, 2023
  • Runtime 56 minutes
  • Network WTTW/Chicago
  • Created February 24, 2025 by
    psicosis
  • Modified February 24, 2025 by
    psicosis