Vegan Candy Is Dandy at CandyFavorites.com

According to candy wholesaler Jon Prince, the demand for vegan candy is up and his online vegan candy business is thriving.  For those of us with a sweet tooth (or two), we’re glad to find a one-stop-shop for vegan candy!

Jon Prince is a partner and a driving force in the McKeesport Candy Company, which is one of the oldest wholesale candy companies in the U.S.  Founded in 1927 by Jon’s grandfather, in McKeesport – a small town outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – the company now proudly offers a variety of vegan candies along with traditional non-vegan candy brands at Candy Favorites.com.

The site is worth exploring whether you want to catch yourself five pounds of Swedish fish or go walking with some new Mary Janes.  Among the site’s 118 vegan items are these best sellers:  Airheads, Atomic Fireballs, and Brach’s Cinnamon Discs.  Candyfavorites.com fills small orders for a single person or a family as well as large orders for corporations and institutions.

The growth of the Internet and online shopping has given the McKeesport Candy Company a global presence and an international clientele.  It was the French company Le Labo,  which sells upscale perfumes and some vegan accessories (a messenger bag and a notebook) that introduced Jon to the niche vegan candy market.  When Le Labo wanted vegan candy, Jon realized that much of his candy stock was vegan.  Parfait!

Asked how the candy market has changed in the 40 years since he’s been in the wholesale business, Jon replied, “Online business has made local companies global companies.  Candy manufacturers have responded to our national concerns with diabetes and obesity by making candy portions smaller.  For example, M&M Mars is discontinuing its King Size candy bar.”

Then he continued, “Everything has changed, yet everything has stayed the same. People are drawn to the classic brands.  There’s a nostalgic connection.  Candy is an inexpensive way to connect with old memories.  It is as much a metaphor for the past as it is a product.”

Jon’s business success has given him the opportunity to help others.  He devotes time and energy to The Friendship Circle, a charity devoted to youngsters with disabilities.  “The more I was involved, the more I wanted to be involved,” he said.  “As Americans we are so fortunate.  Together we can make the world better, a kinder, gentler place for all.”

Thanks, Jon, for the accessible vegan goodies and the good you do in the world!