La Pie qui Chante facts for kids
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La Pie qui Chante (which means The Singing Magpie in English) is a famous French brand that makes candies and sweets. Since 2017, a company called Eurazeo has owned it.
Contents
The Sweet History of La Pie qui Chante
Starting with Handmade Candies
The story of La Pie qui Chante began in 1860. A man named Emile Cornillot started making candies by hand. He worked in a city called Lille, France. Emile was very good at making bonbons. His sweets were so popular that in 1885, he moved to a bigger place. This allowed him to make even more delicious candies!
Growing and Going International
Emile's son, Louis, took over the business. In 1893, France and Russia became allies. Louis saw this as a chance to sell their sweets in Russia. He created a brand called FRANCORUSSE for this. The company grew, and in 1901, they opened a second factory. They also opened another store in Paris.
A New Name and a Famous Sweet
When Louis passed away, his 19-year-old son, George, took charge. George wanted the company to grow even more. In 1925, he bought a company in Marseille called La Pie qui Chante. This company made caramels. Two years later, in 1927, George decided to change the company's name to La Pie qui Chante. This new name stuck!
In 1933, the company moved its main factory from Paris to Wattignies. This new, bigger factory allowed them to make many more sweets. In 1936, they launched their most famous candy: Mi-cho-ko. This sweet quickly became a favorite!
During World War Two
When World War Two began, the factory in Wattignies was used by the British Army. It became a place to store military supplies. Later, during the Nazi occupation of France, people worked at the factory. They made fresh candies like dates and figs. In 1943, the company even created a special club for its employees.
After the War and New Owners
After the war, the Cornillot family took control of the company again. In 1955, they created a national sales network. This helped them sell their candies all over France. They also started advertising on the radio and in newspapers. In 1960, the company received a special award called "Prestige of France."
From 1959 to 1965, George's son, Pierre, ran the company. He made many good changes for the employees. For example, he made sure they got automatic bonuses.
In 1965, La Pie qui Chante joined other French candy brands. They all became part of a bigger company called General Foods. Later, in 1972, another candy brand, Delespaul-Havez, also joined La Pie qui Chante. After this, the last member of the Cornillot family left the company's board. This ended 113 years of the family's involvement.
Over the years, La Pie qui Chante changed owners several times. In 1973, General Food joined another group. This group later became part of Groupe Danone. Then, in 1997, the company was sold to Cadbury.
The original factory in Wattignies closed in 2003. Production moved to a new location in Marcq-en-Barœul.
