Turtles (chocolate) facts for kids
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| Product type | Candy |
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| Owner | Yıldız Holding (US), and Nestlé in Canada |
| Produced by | DeMet's Candy Company (US), Nestlé (Canada) |
| Country | United States |
| Introduced | 1918 and 1949 to Canada |
| Markets | North America |
| Previous owners |
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Turtles are a yummy candy that looks a bit like a turtle! They are made with crunchy pecans and soft, chewy caramel, all covered in delicious chocolate. The name "Turtles" is a special brand name owned by the DeMet's Candy Company in the United States. In Canada, you'll find them sold under the Nestlé brand.
The Sweet History of Turtles Candy
Turtles candy was first created way back in 1918 by a company called Johnson's Candy Company. This company later became DeMet's Candy Company in 1923. The story goes that a salesman showed a new candy to someone working in the dipping room. That person noticed the candy looked just like a turtle! Soon after, Johnson's Candy Company started making these candies. They decided to sell them using the name "Turtles."
In the beginning, Turtles candies were made by hand. Candy makers would place pecans and caramel on a marble board. Then, they would carefully dip them in different kinds of chocolate. Today, Turtles candies come in many sizes and shapes. Some are even shaped exactly like a turtle, thanks to modern ways of making candy molds.
Who Owns the Turtles Name?
Making pecans dipped in chocolate was a common idea in the early 1900s. However, Johnson's Candy Company was the first to protect the name "Turtles." They did this by getting a trademark. A trademark is a special legal protection for a name or logo. It stops other companies from using the same name for similar products.
In 1923, Johnson's Candy Company changed its name to DeMet's. The trademark for "Turtles" went along with the new company name. For a while, Nestle owned the brand in the USA. But in 2007, they sold it to a company called Brynwood Partners. Brynwood Partners then sold the company to Yıldız Holding in 2013.
Turtles in Canada
In Canada, Turtles candies are still sold by Nestlé. They are a very popular treat, especially around the Christmas holidays. Many stores sell them during this special time of year. Canadians often think of Turtles as a "cherished Canadian tradition" since 1949.
The Canadian packaging for Turtles features a fun character named Mr. Turtle. He is a cartoon turtle who wears a fancy tuxedo, a top hat, and a monocle. This candy is made in New Brunswick for the Canadian market.
