Pez Dispensers & Refills

PEZ dispensers and refills - We are still trying to figure out if this is a candy company or a toy company. Either way PEZ sure is a lot of fun.

Pez History

The history of PEZ begins in the early 20th century in Austria. PEZ is a brand of small, rectangular-shaped candies that are dispensed from pocket-sized mechanical containers. Here's a brief overview of the history of PEZ:

• Invention and Early Years: PEZ was invented by Eduard Haas III, an Austrian businessman and inventor. In 1927, Haas developed a peppermint candy in a small, portable dispenser. The name "PEZ" is derived from the German word for peppermint, "Pfefferminz."
• Evolution of the Dispenser: Initially, PEZ was sold in simple tins, much like other mints of the time. However, in 1948, the first PEZ dispenser was introduced. It was designed to look like a cigarette lighter and was marketed as an alternative to smoking. The dispensers were made of metal and had a flip-top head that allowed for easy candy distribution.
  
• Shift to Character Dispensers: In the early 1950s, PEZ shifted its focus to character-themed dispensers. The first character dispensers featured popular cartoon characters such as Popeye, Mickey Mouse, and Donald Duck. This move proved to be a significant turning point for the brand, as the collectible nature of the dispensers greatly increased their appeal.
  
• International Expansion: PEZ gained popularity in Europe, particularly in Germany and Austria, during the 1950s. In the 1950s and 1960s, PEZ began to expand its market to the United States and other parts of the world.
  
• Variety of Characters: Over the years, PEZ has collaborated with numerous licenses and franchises to create dispensers featuring a wide range of characters from popular culture, including superheroes, movie characters, TV show characters, and more. The brand has partnered with iconic brands like Star Wars, Disney, DC Comics, and Marvel to create themed dispensers.
  
• Flavor Expansion: While the original PEZ candies were peppermint-flavored, the brand has since introduced various flavors, including fruit flavors like strawberry, cherry, grape, and orange. Different flavored candy refills are available to accommodate various tastes.
  
• Collector's Market: The collectible nature of PEZ dispensers has made them highly sought after by enthusiasts and collectors around the world. Collectors value rare or limited edition dispensers, vintage models, and unique variations, making the hobby of collecting PEZ dispensers popular.

Today, PEZ remains a popular and recognizable brand worldwide, known for its iconic dispensers and flavorful candies. It continues to release new dispenser designs and collaborate with various franchises, ensuring its appeal to both collectors and candy enthusiasts.