CINNCINATI, Ohio — Did you know that the oldest candy company and manufacturer in the nation is in Cincinnati?
- It started when Claus Doscher immigrated to the U.S. from Germany and decided to start a candy company in Cincinnati
- Doscher’s grandson sold it in 2003, and it’s now owned by Greg Clark and the Nielson family
- They relocated to Newtown after over 100 years in downtown Cincinnati
Doscher’s Candy Co. has been a staple in the Cincinnati community since 1871.
And after relocating in Newtown, they are still going strong.
It all started when Claus Doscher immigrated to the United States from Germany. He decided to start a candy company in the heart of Cincinnati.
In 2003, his grandson sold the company to Greg Clark, who now owns it, along with the Nielson family.
“I feel more of a privilege to be associated with Doscher’s Candies and be a part of what they represent to the community and Cincinnati and actually outside of Cincinnati, and so now I wear it with pride, being involved," Clark said.
The company relocated to Newtown after over 100 years in Downtown Cincinnati.
The new location offers space for retail and even a tea room.
But the history of the candy company is still there.
“Hearing all the stories of their childhood and how it brings back fond memories, I take such great pride in knowing we can bring that to people," Clark said.
Clark says they produced about three million candy canes in over a dozen flavors this year — all by hand.
“You could not mass-produce anything that we do," he said. "You could not mass-produce the French Chew or the candy cane without sacrificing the quality. And that’s why it’s so important to us. Hearing the stories from all of the people who have enjoyed our candy for so long, they expect it to taste extremely gourmet, premium. So, to deliver that, we have to follow the exact same processes that the Doscher family did for over 100 years.”
And that’s what keeps the customers young and old coming back, especially during the holiday season.
“It’s a lovely family place," Rick Keeler, a customer said. "It’s a local tradition. They’re good people and it's good candy. “
“I like all the flavors and how they have a ton of candy cane flavors," Catherine Boone, another customer said.
For Doscher’s, Christmas isn’t just in December. Because of the tedious process of hand-making all of their candies — including their famous French Chews — it takes a lot longer to get everything made in time.
“To make all of our candy canes using our process, we have to start in June just to fulfill the orders we do," Clark said. "So, Christmas is a big buildup for us.”
And as Doscher’s nears 150 years in Cincinnati, they hope for 150 more.
“I have young partners and myself, younger than me," Clark said. "And so, they’re committed and dedicated to making sure the legacy continues and making it a rich part of the community here in Cincinnati.”