A Look at the Past: The History of Traditional Hard Candy Remains Less Known - Old-Fashioned Fruit Caramels: Rarity in Recognition
Article:
For six decades, the square, colorful, and chewy candies have been an integral part of German childhood memories - accompanying first visits to banks, doctors, and carnival parades. Their distribution at birthday parties would signal the true start of the celebration, available in flavors such as cherry, raspberry, lemon, and orange. Yet, the identity of these beloved sweets remained a mystery to many, simply known as the sweet everybody knows, but no one knows its name.
That enigma has been resolved by comedian Ole Waschkau on Twitter: They are called Bohme Fruit Caramels, produced in the Saxon town of Delitzsch. Darren Ehlert, managing director of the Delitzsch Chocolate Factory and board member of the sister company Halloren, affectionately calls them "Frukas."
"Following the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Delitzsch Chocolate Factory became a subsidiary of the company Wissoll, which relocated the production of various confectionery brands to Delitzsch," explains Ehlert in an interview with "Wirtschaftswoche." Today, the chocolate factory is independent once more and produces a range of products, including Royal Mints, chocolate cream tablets, and, of course, Bohme Fruit Caramels, which are among its bestsellers.
The demand for these candies may not be increasing, but it remains steady at a high level, according to Ehlert. He admits to the "Berliner Kurier" that the product holds a unique position within their product range as it is the only non-chocolate sweet they offer. Cherry and raspberry are the most popular flavors, Ehlert tells the "Süddeutsche Zeitung."
Despite their success, the company has attempted to modernize the fruit caramels. For instance, they changed the packaging to a stand-up pouch, but, as reported by "Wirtschaftswoche," this modification did not prove popular. Customers even threatened to stop buying the product if the changes persisted.
The bond between customers and the fruit caramels appears to be deeply rooted. Ehlert suspects that they evoke powerful nostalgic feelings because they are often associated with first experiences or close family relationships. "People speak of memories from their childhood, connecting the Frukas with their parents or their first visits to the bank or the hairdresser," says Ehlert to the "Süddeutsche Zeitung."
The candies' role during carnival is not without controversy. Ehlert acknowledges that it's somewhat disheartening to see food wasted as a part of the tradition, but he concedes that the carnival season brings a significant boost to their business, with sales peaking two months after Christmas.
The secret behind the enduring success of Bohme Fruit Caramels lies in consistent demand, nostalgic associations, and their traditional connection to carnival. In a world that is ever-changing, they remain a cherished piece of nostalgia.
Sources: "Wirtschaftswoche," "Süddeutsche Zeitung," "Berliner Kurier," Ole Waschkau on Twitter (now X)
Relevant Enrichment Data:- The candies are also recognized internationally and among specialty confectioners by their German name, "Bohme Fruchtkaramellen."- In English-speaking markets, they are most commonly referred to by their German name or simply as "Bohme Fruit Caramels," highlighting their chewy, fruity character and unchanged recipe.- The brand "Bohme" is listed among European confectionery brands available at international food marts, confirming its presence in foreign markets under the same name.- There is no widely adopted English nickname such as "fruit chews" or "fruit toffees" that uniquely identifies Bohme’s product; it is primarily known by its original brand and product name.
In this context, here are two sentences that contain the given words:
- The Delitzsch Chocolate Factory, producer of the cherished Bohme Fruit Caramels, offers a diverse product range that includes lifestyle items such as home-and-garden products and fashion-and-beauty items, in addition to their food-and-drink specialties like the Frukas.
- Many people, captivated by the lasting appeal of Bohme Fruit Caramels, incorporate them into their unique lifestyles, whether it's a bit of nostalgia in their food-and-drink choices, a fashion-and-beauty accessory, or a home-and-garden decoration reminiscent of their childhood memories.
