The Best Idea Yet 🍬 PEZ: The Cigarette-Inspired Candy | 10
Dec 17, 2024
Discover the surprising origins of PEZ as a smoking cessation aid and how it evolved into a candy beloved by kids and collectors alike. Hear about the clever marketing that turned it into a cultural icon and the fascinating tale of the PEZ Outlaw, who managed to rake in millions from the brand. Dive into the myths surrounding these fruity tablets, including a viral hack that could jeopardize prized collectibles. The journey of PEZ is both nostalgic and entertaining, highlighting creativity and unexpected twists in the candy industry.
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Pez's Anti-Smoking Origin
- Edward Haas III, disgusted by Vienna's smoky cafes, invented Pez to combat smoking.
- His company created a cost-effective peppermint lozenge as a substitute for cigarettes.
Pivoting, Not Pausing Habits
- Edward Haas III aimed to replace the oral fixation of smoking, not eliminate it entirely.
- He cleverly pivoted the habit by offering a minty alternative.
Pez Girls and Guerrilla Marketing
- Pez initially used attractive women, "Pez girls," to hand out free samples.
- This early marketing tactic aimed to promote the candy's fresh breath benefits for kissing.