Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc. is an iconic American confectionery company known for its famous Tootsie Roll candy and other beloved sweets. The company was founded in 1896 by Austrian immigrant Leo Hirshfield in New York City. Hirshfield initially started by selling a penny candy he named "Tootsie Rolls," after his daughter Clara, whose nickname was "Tootsie." The Tootsie Roll candy quickly became popular due to its unique chocolate-flavored chewy texture.
Today, Tootsie Roll Industries produces a wide range of confectionery products, including Tootsie Rolls, Tootsie Pops, Charms Blow Pops, Junior Mints, Dots, Sugar Babies, and Charleston Chews, among others. These candies are widely distributed and enjoyed by people of all ages across the United States and in various international markets.
In addition to its own brands, Tootsie Roll Industries has acquired and integrated other well-known confectionery companies over the years, expanding its portfolio of products and brands. Some of the acquired companies include Charms Company, Cella's Confections, and Andes Candies.
The company continues to uphold its commitment to producing high-quality, classic candies while also exploring new product innovations and flavors to meet changing consumer preferences. Tootsie Roll Industries' long-standing presence in the confectionery industry and its beloved candy brands have solidified its position as a household name and a nostalgic treat for generations of candy lovers.