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 |
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Turtles are a yummy candy that looks a bit like a turtle! They are made with crunchy pecans and chewy caramel, all covered in delicious chocolate. The company that owns the name "Turtles" is DeMet's Candy Company. If you're in Canada, you'll find them sold by Nestlé.
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The Sweet Story of Turtles Candy
The first Turtles candy was created way back in 1918. It happened at a company called Johnson's Candy Company. A salesman named Earnest Woollard showed a new candy to a worker. The worker thought it looked just like a turtle!
Soon after, Johnson's Candy Company started making these candies. They decided to call them "Turtles." In 1923, the company changed its name to DeMet's Candy Company.
How Original Turtles Were Made
Today, Turtles candies come in many shapes and sizes. Some are even shaped exactly like a turtle. But the very first ones were made by hand. Candy makers would put pecans and caramel on a flat marble board. Then, they would dip them in different kinds of chocolate.
Who Owns the Turtles Name?
Many companies made pecans dipped in chocolate a long time ago. But Johnson's Candy Company was the first to protect the name "Turtles." This meant only they could use that name for their candy.
Over the years, the ownership of the Turtles brand has changed. For a while, Nestle owned the brand in the USA. Then, in 2007, they sold it to Brynwood Partners. Brynwood Partners brought back the DeMet's Candy Company name. Later, in 2013, Brynwood sold the company to Yıldız Holding.
Turtles in Canada
In Canada, Turtles candies are still sold by Nestlé. They have been a popular treat there since 1949. Many people in Canada enjoy them, especially around Christmas.
The Canadian packaging for Turtles has a special mascot. It's a friendly turtle named Mr. Turtle! He wears a tuxedo, a top hat, and a monocle. The candy for the Canadian market is made in New Brunswick.
