The first ever Pez dispenser was invented in 1927 by an Austrian named Eduard Haas III. The word "Pez" is actually an abbreviation of the German word for peppermint, which was the original flavor of the candy that was dispensed. Haas was the owner of a candy company and wanted to create a unique way to package and dispense his candy.
The Early Years
The first Pez dispensers were made out of tin and looked like a cigarette lighter. They were marketed as an alternative to smoking and were sold in tobacco shops. The original Pez candy was also marketed as a healthy alternative to smoking, as it contained no tobacco or nicotine.
It wasn't until the 1950s that Pez started to become popular with children. The company began creating dispensers in the shape of cartoon characters, such as Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck. These dispensers were made out of plastic and were sold with fruity flavored candy.
The Collectible Craze
In the 1980s, Pez dispensers started to become popular with collectors. The company began creating limited edition dispensers that featured popular characters from movies and television shows. These dispensers were highly sought after and could fetch high prices on the collectors' market.
Today, Pez dispensers continue to be popular with collectors and candy lovers alike. The company has created dispensers in the shape of everything from sports teams to presidential candidates. The candy has also expanded to include a wide variety of flavors, such as grape, orange, and cherry.
The Future of Pez
As Pez approaches its 100th anniversary, the company shows no signs of slowing down. They continue to create new and innovative dispensers, such as ones that light up or play music. They also have plans to expand into new markets, such as Asia and South America.
Despite all the changes that have occurred since the first ever Pez dispenser was created, one thing remains the same: it continues to bring joy to people of all ages.