Aakkoset facts for kids
Aakkoset (which means "alphabet" in Finnish) is a popular candy brand from Finland. It has been sold in Finland since 1970. Today, the company Cloetta sells Aakkoset candies under its Malaco brand. The name "Aakkoset" comes from the different capital letters of the alphabet that are printed on the candy pieces. These candies are shaped like small diamonds.
There are many kinds of Aakkoset candies and different bag sizes. Aakkoset is one of Cloetta's most popular candy brands. It is also one of the best-selling candy brands in big Finnish stores like S Group and Kesko.
In 2019, there were six main types of Aakkoset candy. These included Choco, Fruit, Berry, Salty Liquorice, Circus, and Fruit & Foam. There is also a Jenkki chewing gum that uses the Aakkoset name. Aakkoset is actually Finland's oldest local salty liquorice candy sold in bags.
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The Story of Aakkoset
The company Hellas first launched Aakkoset in 1970. Salty liquorice candies became more popular in the 1960s. Another company, Chymos, had already introduced its "Pantteri" candy. Hellas also had its own salty liquorice candy. In the early 1970s, people started eating more candy. Small shops and kiosks began selling loose candies. A book about salty liquorice from 2001 says that Aakkoset, Super Salmiakki, and Pirate coins were very important candies from this time.
In 1982, a famous composer named Kassu Halonen wrote music for an Aakkoset TV commercial. The commercial starred Helena Lindgren.
In 1995, the candies inside the Aakkoset bag were changed. The new mix had three different flavors. Some were more like liquorice, and some had more of a salty taste. Sales went up for a short time. But customers really missed the old flavor. So, the company decided to bring back the original taste.
By the year 2000, the three best-selling salty liquorice candies in Finland were Pantteri by Fazer, Aakkoset by Leaf, and Salmiakki by Halva.
Leaf, which made Aakkoset later on, joined with Cloetta in 2011.
In 2014, some of the best-selling candy bags in S Group stores were different mixes. These included Aakkoset, Remix, Tutti Frutti + Choco, and Pirate coins.
In 2016, Cloetta's top-selling candy bags were TV Mix Original, Circus Aakkoset, Fruit Aakkoset, and Lauantaipussi (which means "Saturday candy bag"). In 2017, Circus Aakkoset was the second most popular loose candy in Finland. The 315-gram bag of Circus Aakkoset was the third best-selling candy bag in S Group stores. It was also the sixth best-selling candy bag in Kesko stores.
Circus Aakkoset was also the eighth most popular loose candy brand in S Group stores.
What Flavors Are There?
In 2019, you could find six different Aakkoset flavors. These were Choco, Fruit, Salty Liquorice, Circus, Fruit & Foam, and a new flavor called Berry. There is also a Jenkki chewing gum that uses the Aakkoset brand name. The Salty Liquorice Aakkoset has a mild salty taste.
Flavors We Miss
In 2016, the marketing boss at Cloetta was asked which old flavor people wanted back the most. The winner was the Aakkoset Sweet and Sour mix from the early 2000s.
In 2018, a new mix called Emoji Aakkoset was released. It had candies with flavors like watermelon, cola, grapefruit, blueberry, orange, peach, mango, and strawberry. However, this mix was not sold anymore in 2019.
How Aakkoset Candies Are Made
Aakkoset candies are made using a special process called molding. First, the candies are shaped in molds made of gypsum. A machine presses these molds into the candy mixture. To make the candy mix, starch syrup, sugar, starch, and a thickening agent are mixed with water. Then, flavors and colors are added. The prepared mix is poured onto a flat surface covered with corn starch powder. From there, the candies are moved to a drying room for one or two days. After drying, the powder is removed, and the candies are shined to make them look good. Finally, they are packed into bags.
Images for kids
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Circus Aakkoset candy.
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