Atkinson Candy Company

The Atkinson Candy Company is a candy company based in Lufkin, Texas, best known for producing the Chick-O-Stick.

History

Atkinson Candy Company is a private company[1] founded in 1932 by B.E. Atkinson, Sr., and his wife, Mabel C. Atkinson.[2] It started when Basil E. Atkinson made two-day treks to Houston to purchase candy and tobacco, then he would sell it to mom-and-pop shops on the return trip.[3]

The company currently operates out of a 100000 ft2 facility, and is led by Eric Atkinson, grandchild of the founders.[2][3]

Judson-Atkinson Candies

In 1983, Atkinson purchased another local company, the Judson Candy Company, later known as Judson-Atkinson Candies, from the Pearl Brewing Company.[4][5] Judson-Atkinson was founded in 1899, and was based in San Antonio, Texas. In 2011, Judson-Atkinson shut down business due to the high prices of sugar and raw materials.[6] Judson-Atkinson Candy Company used about four million pounds of sugar each year to make their bulk candies.[7]

Product line

Atkinson Candy Company specializes in peanut butter and peppermint-flavored candies. The current product line includes the Chick-O-Stick, Coconut Long Boys, peanut brittle, mint twists, Peanut Butter Bars, and holiday candy. Atkinson also produces a premium hard candy line known as Gemstone Candies.[2][4] In 2013, Atkinson acquired the candies Black Cow, Slo Poke and Sophie Mae from The Warrell Corporation.[8] In 2019, they reached a licensing agreement with Spangler Candy Company to make the former Necco candy, Mary Janes.[9]