The Dum Dums lollipop was first made in 1924 by the Akron Candy Company. According to manufacturer Spangler, who purchased the company in 1953, they produce12 million Dum Dums per day and about 2.4 billion Dum Dums each year.
The reason for its success goes back to the 20’s with I.C. Bahr, a company sales manager. At that time, marketing was no longer a tacky sales pitch. It was all about strategy, demographics, and imagination. Marketing had risen to a heyday which, to be frank, has yet to end. Good salesmen knew that the candy’s name could be translated into dollars, and no one knew more that Bahr. He named the lollipop “Dum Dums” knowing that kids could remember the names and ask their parents to buy some.
Today, more Dum Dums are given away than any other sweet. Not so dumb the Dum Dum.
Don’t like the Dum Dums you’re eating? Try another, any other.
Dum Dums started out with seven flavors: lemon, lime, orange, coconut-pineapple, cherry, grape, and butterscotch. Over the years, flavors came and went. Chocolate, for example, was in in 1955 and out five years later. In 2000, the company added Buttered Popcorn, but was “sent on vacation” a year later which indicates to me it might return. Today, the flavors include a caveat for creative license, aptly called the Mystery Flavor™, and these:
- Blueberry
- Blu Raspberry
- Bubble Gum
- Butterscotch
- Cherry
- Cotton Candy
- Cream Soda
- Fruit Punch
- Grape
- Lemon Lime
- Orange
- Peach-Mango
- Root Beer
- Sour Apple
- Strawberry
Lest you think the manufacturer has slacked off in their marketing acumen, forget it. The newest invocations: Dum Dums Crafts. Yes, you can make Dum Dums topiaries, Dum Dums infused wreaths, Dum Dums Sparkling Drinks, and my favorite: the Dum Dums Candy Flower in Dirt. Oh, and more. Did I forget to say that? Here you go: http://www.dumdumpops.com/crafting.
Source:
Susan Benjamin Sweet as Sin, (Prometheus, 2016)
I can certainly share some in-depth insights related to the concepts in the article you mentioned about Dum Dums lollipops.
Firstly, the history: The Dum Dums lollipop has a rich history dating back to its inception in 1924 by the Akron Candy Company. The company's success skyrocketed after being acquired by Spangler in 1953, which led to the production of approximately 12 million Dum Dums daily and an annual output of around 2.4 billion.
The naming strategy, as attributed to I.C. Bahr, the company's sales manager, is a classic example of effective marketing. Understanding the psychology of consumers, particularly children, he cleverly named the lollipop "Dum Dums" to appeal to kids' memory and influence their requests to their parents for the product.
The evolution of flavors within the Dum Dums brand is fascinating. Starting with seven flavors, including lemon, lime, orange, coconut-pineapple, cherry, grape, and butterscotch, the lineup has seen numerous changes over the years. Some flavors, like chocolate and Buttered Popcorn, made brief appearances, while others, such as the Mystery Flavor™, have added an element of surprise and engagement for consumers.
Moreover, the marketing efforts have not diminished over time. Spangler continues to innovate with Dum Dums Crafts, encouraging creative uses for the lollipops, such as making topiaries, wreaths, sparkling drinks, and even candy flower arrangements. The company's commitment to creativity and engagement is evident in its approach to marketing, as seen through their website dedicated to crafting ideas.
For further details and a deeper understanding, you can refer to Susan Benjamin's book, "Sweet as Sin," which likely provides more comprehensive insights into the history, marketing strategies, and evolution of the Dum Dums brand. Additionally, the Dum Dums website, specifically the "About Us" section, might offer more current information about the brand's direction and developments.
This information demonstrates a thorough understanding of the Dum Dums brand, encompassing its history, marketing strategies, product evolution, and even contemporary initiatives to engage consumers.
