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Don't Fret: Brach's Conversation Hearts Still Available for Valentine's Day

WCBU | By Kristin McHugh,
Associated Press
Published January 25, 2019 at 7:20 AM CST
Peoria Public Radio/Kristin McHugh

DETROIT - Brach’s conversation hearts - the heart-shaped candies with messages on them - WILL be on store shelves this Valentine’s Day.

This should ease the heartbreak of fans of Sweethearts, the popular confections that will miss the holiday for the first time since 1886.

The New England Confectionery Co. - or Necco - had been making the chalky Sweethearts until the company filed for bankruptcy protection last spring.

Ohio-based Spangler Candy Co. bought Necco in May. But Spangler said Thursday that it didn't have time to bring Sweethearts to market this Valentine's season.

This means competitors like Illinois-based Brach's will have to fill the void. But online retailer CandyStore.com says Sweethearts were by far the most popular brand, commanding 80 percent of U.S. market for candy hearts.

 
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Local News Valentine's Day candyBrach's conversation heartsSweatheartscandy messages
Kristin McHugh
Kristin McHugh is an experienced radio journalist and nonprofit manager. Most recently, she served as executive director of the Peoria Area World Affairs Council.
See stories by Kristin McHugh
Associated Press
The Associated Press is one of the largest and most trusted sources of independent newsgathering, supplying a steady stream of news to its members, international subscribers and commercial customers. AP is neither privately owned nor government-funded; instead, it's a not-for-profit news cooperative owned by its American newspaper and broadcast members.
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