Unraveling the Delight: Shedding Light on the Timeless Square Chewy Candy, a German Icon Yet a Mystery to Many
- Pages: 2 minutes read
- Author: Denise Snieguole Wachter
Childhood treats reinvented: Familiarizing yourself with their unexpected names? - Old-timey candy sweets shaped like fruits, can't forget their names?
Ah, the tantalizing square chewy candies that have graced the childhood of countless Germans! From trips to the bank and the doctor to carnival parades, these colorful sweets have been the champions of rites of passage for generations. Yet, despite their indelible place in our collective memory, the enigma of their name still lingers. Enter comedian Ole Waschkau, a modern-day Sherlock Holmes of confections, who finally laid the mystery to rest on Twitter – these delightful chewy candies, we learn, are none other than Bohme Fruit Caramels, lovingly crafted in the quaint Saxon town of Delitzsch.
It was during the fall of the Berlin Wall that Delitzsch Chocolate Factory, the humble birthplace of these cherished candies, was reunited with the wider confectionery industry. The factory, eventually becoming a subsidiary of Wissoll, moved production of several brands to Delitzsch. But over twice as many years later, as Berlin and the rest of Germany moved forward, Delitzsch Chocolate Factory stood strong – and independent once again.
"We affectionately call them 'Frukas'," reveals Darren Ehlert, the factory's managing director and board member, in an interview with "Wirtschaftswoche." Today, the factory continues to produce a wealth of delights, including Royal Mints, chocolate cream tablets, and of course, Bohme Fruit Caramels – now proudly listed among their bestsellers.
It may come as a surprise that the market for these nostalgic chewy candies is far from booming, yet their fortunes remain as undeniably prosperous as ever, Ehlert assures us. Frukas hold a special place in the hearts of fans, differentiating themselves in the factory's lineup as the only non-chocolate sweet. The preferences of their devoted patrons are unwavering, with cherry and raspberry flavors reigning victorious.
And why stray from success? Ehlert admits that attempts have been made to modernize the fruit caramels, but the public's insistent nostalgia for the traditional packaging and design proved unshakable. A stand-up pouch, meant to attract the contemporary candy consumer, failed, with feedback pouring in from the masses. Change, in this case, seemed to be unpalatable. So, Delitzsch Chocolate Factory took a step back, fortifying its commitment to tradition in the increasingly modern world of confections.
The bond between the brand and its audience is unparalleled. Indeed, the Frukas evoke a myriad of cherished memories, often conjuring up images of parents, first visits to the bank, or those milestone trips to the hairdresser's. This unbreakable connection is illustrated further during carnival season, when Delitzsch Chocolate Factory cheerfully concedes to the use of their candies as ammunition, viewing it as a cherished tradition – one that, remarkably, boosts their sales during the quiet months post-Christmas.
Indeed, the secrets to the sustained success of the Bohme Fruit Caramels lie in their tried-and-true recipe, untouchable charm, and remarkably enduring connection to the nation's culture. While the candy industry is constantly evolving, these chewy delights, like so many cherished memories, remain strangely immune to change, serving as a delightful portal to simpler times and timeless enjoyment.
For additional insights on Bohme Fruit Caramels, we delve deeper into their history and cultural significance, exploring the factors that make these chewy candies an undeniable treasure in the annals of German confectionery.
Sources: "Wirtschaftswoche," "Süddeutsche Zeitung," "Berliner Kurier," Ole Waschkau on "X"
- Sweet
- Hard candy
- Children's birthday party
- Delitzsch
- As Delitzsch Chocolate Factory continues to produce a variety of delectable confections, the timeless Bohme Fruit Caramels remain a darling among its bestsellers, appealing to those seeking a taste of nostalgia.
- The enduring appeal of the Bohme Fruit Caramels, even in the face of modern trends, can be seen in their continued significance at children's birthday parties and carnivals, where they continue to occupy a special place in guests' hearts and sweet tooth cravings.
