The Greater Voice

Sweet n' Old

OK, I love stories about marketing history. Because in the universe of today’s highly polished and high budget brand creation, it’s good to know something, somewhere, has a history. My personal favorite in food land is candy – no kidding. And this combination of interests led me to create this pop quiz. You ready? OK - what’s the oldest candy company in the country?  New England Confectionary Company – AKA Necco? Hershey’s? Or Reeses?

 Actually it’s NECCO, born in 1847 – when Abe Lincoln was still Congressman and only 29 states were in the Union.  NECCO wafers were the candy of choice for Union soldiers in the Civil War, who allegedly carried them into battle. In case you’re wondering, yes, those original flavors remain today.

 The company Hershey’s appeared in 1894. As part of its operation Milton Hershey and his wife established The Milton Hershey School, an orphanage for boys.  The childless couple left most of their fortune to the establishment. Today, it’s home and/or school to 2000 low-income boys and girls. By the way, the school is the company’s largest shareholder…and beneficiary of the chocolate fortune.

 As for Reese’s? Harry Reese was a disgruntled dairy farmer and a former Hershey employee. Don’t worry, the story isn’t one of back-stabbing or competition. Reese actually admired Hershey and even started his company nearby. In 1963, the Hershey Company purchased Reese for 23.5 million dollars.

 Ooooh, sweet.

And the Winner Is!

Americans: A Nation of Slackers?

 

So, what are Americans like you and me up to these days? The Bureau of Labor Statistics just released their annual American Time Use Survey and they have some answers. According to Cheryl Russell of New Strategist Publications, who published the survey, “People think Americans spend most of their time working. Actually, we devote five hours a day to leisure activities – that’s more than anything besides personal care, such as sleep.” 

Surprisingly, we spend half that coveted time, 2.5 hours a day, watching TV - more if you consider the time we spend watching while doing other things, according to Neilson Media Research. Prime time for most Americans is 9:00 pm, although with a choice of 116 channels, we’re certainly watching different shows.

 Here’s another surprise: while more married mothers are working, they’re devoting more focused time on the kids – about 13 hours a week. One reason: fathers are contributing more to housework (although women still get saddled with six times the laundry). These fathers are better Dads than in the past, too, devoting seven hours a week to their children.

 
If you think we’re a nation of slackers: don’t worry. Work ranks as number three on the list. Just try calling an employee around 11:00 am. That’s when most of us are at our desks.