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Big milestones

great memories

For more than a century, Pearson’s has been dedicated to bringing people together to enjoy the finest candies made from the most wholesome ingredients. How did it all happen? Read more about our heritage and our milestones across the generations.

For more than a century, Pearson’s has been dedicated to bringing people together to enjoy the finest candies made from the most wholesome ingredients. How did it all happen? Read more about our heritage and our milestones across the generations.

1909
the legacy begins
P. Edward Pearson forms a confectionary distribution firm in Minneapolis, with help from his four brothers. The Pearson’s candy legacy is born.
1909
1912
nut goodie debuts
The Nut Goodie® Bar makes its debut. It’s one of our first manufactured products—a premium candy that quickly develops a loyal following.
1912
1927
indulgence & good times
At the height of the Roaring ‘20s, the Nut Goodie’s one of a kind indulgence helps keep the good times rolling. Sales soar.
1927
1933
hello, salted nut roll
Amid the Great Depression, we introduce the Pearson’s Salted Nut Roll, which is perfectly positioned for both palate and pocketbook. Copycats try, but no one else can match the roll’s incredible crunch or salty-sweet flavor.
1933
1950
crossing the river
The company moves from Minneapolis to good old St. Paul, where we still run our operations.
1950
1951
mint patties & more
Outgrowing our ability to keep up with demand, we purchase Trudeau Candy. Included in the deal are its manufacturing facility plus the Seven Up Bar® and Mint Patties® brands – welcome additions to our flavor family.
1951
1959
making the move to w. 7th
In our 50th anniversary year, we move from downtown St. Paul to a new manufacturing plant on the city’s famous West 7th Street. It’s still the place we call home.
1959
1909
the legacy begins
P. Edward Pearson forms a confectionary distribution firm in Minneapolis, with help from his four brothers. The Pearson’s candy legacy is born.
1909
1912
nut goodie debuts
The Nut Goodie® Bar makes its debut. It’s one of our first manufactured products—a premium candy that quickly develops a loyal following.
1912
1927
indulgence & good times
At the height of the Roaring ‘20s, the Nut Goodie’s one of a kind indulgence helps keep the good times rolling. Sales soar.
1927
1933
hello, salted nut roll
Amid the Great Depression, we introduce the Pearson’s Salted Nut Roll, which is perfectly positioned for both palate and pocketbook. Copycats try, but no one else can match the roll’s incredible crunch or salty-sweet flavor.
1933
1950
crossing the river
The company moves from Minneapolis to good old St. Paul, where we still run our operations.
1950
1951
mint patties & more
Outgrowing our ability to keep up with demand, we purchase Trudeau Candy. Included in the deal are its manufacturing facility plus the Seven Up Bar® and Mint Patties® brands – welcome additions to our flavor family.
1951
1959
making the move to w. 7th
In our 50th anniversary year, we move from downtown St. Paul to a new manufacturing plant on the city’s famous West 7th Street. It’s still the place we call home.
1959

vintage videos

Check out these classic videos for a snapshot of life in the ‘60s:

1970s
ch-ch-ch changes
During the groovy 1970s, Pearson’s company ownership changes hands a couple of times and the Seven Up Bar is discontinued. Although many questionable fashion decisions are made during the decade, the tried and true taste of Pearson's candies remains constant.
1970s
1985
back to our roots
Two longtime employees, Larry Hassler and Judith Johnston, buy back the company and reestablish its legacy, by returning the Pearson’s line to the quality that first made it famous.
1985
1998
bringing on the bun bar
We expand our lineup by adding the BUN® Bar – a tasty twin to our famous Nut Goodie cluster bar.
1998
2009
wow, 100 years!
Through a century of ownership changes, manufacturing facility moves, and endless food trends, our iconic candies remain. And they’re as irresistible and indulgent as ever.
2009
2011
new owners, same mission
Brynwood Partners buys the business with a pledge to grow the company and add to the rich Pearson’s heritage.
2011
2013
legendary bit-o-honey
The beloved Bit-O-Honey brand finds a welcome home in the Pearson’s family. The bite-sized sweet taffy treat fits right in within our legendary candy lineup.
2013
2018-19
true to minnesota
Company ownership returns to Minnesota! Twin Cities-based Spell Capital acquires Pearson’s Candy Company and begins investing to refresh its core brands to continue building on its 110 year heritage.
2018-19
2019
thins crush it
Fun, shareable Thins give consumers a whole new way to crush their candy cravings.
2019
2020
bye-bye bit-o-honey
Pearson’s continues to invest and refresh its core brands and finds Bit-O-Honey a new home.
2020
2022
bite size cluster bars
In 2022, we re-introduce Bite Size versions of our premium cluster bars -- Nut Goodie and Bun.
2022
1970s
ch-ch-ch changes
During the groovy 1970s, Pearson’s company ownership changes hands a couple of times and the Seven Up Bar is discontinued. Although many questionable fashion decisions are made during the decade, the tried and true taste of Pearson's candies remains constant.
1970s
1985
back to our roots
Two longtime employees, Larry Hassler and Judith Johnston, buy back the company and reestablish its legacy, by returning the Pearson’s line to the quality that first made it famous.
1985
1998
bringing on the bun bar
We expand our lineup by adding the BUN® Bar – a tasty twin to our famous Nut Goodie cluster bar.
1998
2009
wow, 100 years!
Through a century of ownership changes, manufacturing facility moves, and endless food trends, our iconic candies remain. And they’re as irresistible and indulgent as ever.
2009
2011
new owners, same mission
Brynwood Partners buys the business with a pledge to grow the company and add to the rich Pearson’s heritage.
2011
2013
legendary bit-o-honey
The beloved Bit-O-Honey brand finds a welcome home in the Pearson’s family. The bite-sized sweet taffy treat fits right in within our legendary candy lineup.
2013
2018-19
true to minnesota
Company ownership returns to Minnesota! Twin Cities-based Spell Capital acquires Pearson’s Candy Company and begins investing to refresh its core brands to continue building on its 110 year heritage.
2018-19
2019
thins crush it
Fun, shareable Thins give consumers a whole new way to crush their candy cravings.
2019
2020
bye-bye bit-o-honey
Pearson’s continues to invest and refresh its core brands and finds Bit-O-Honey a new home.
2020
2022
bite size cluster bars
In 2022, we re-introduce Bite Size versions of our premium cluster bars -- Nut Goodie and Bun.
2022

the future is bright!

Our focus on delivering high-quality, delicious products will make sure Pearson’s candies are available for generations to come.

Our focus on delivering high-quality, delicious products will make sure Pearson’s candies are available for generations to come.