
Ganong Bros has been perfecting the art of chocolate-making for an impressive 148 years. That's a long time to be doing something right!
The company was founded in 1873 by two brothers, Daniel and James Ganong. They started out making chocolates and other sweets in their small shop in St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Canada.
Ganong Bros has remained a family-owned business throughout its history, with the same values and commitment to quality that the brothers had when they first started out. Today, the company is still run by descendants of the original founders.
History of Ganong Bros.
Ganong Bros. Limited was founded on June 5, 1873, as G. W. Ganong, Commission Merchant, Etc. The company has a rich history that spans over 140 years.
The brothers James H. Ganong and Gilbert Ganong started a grocery store in St. Stephen, which initially failed, but they managed to turn it around by selling candy goods and eventually manufacturing their own.
Gilbert Ganong maintained the business after the brothers' partnership was dissolved in 1884, while James left to focus on the St. Croix Soap Manufacturing Company.
Arthur Ganong was the first to make any sort of a wrapped chocolate bar, which Ganong began selling in 1910.
The company introduced the first heart-shaped box of chocolates in North America, originally used for presents over the Christmas season, which later became popular around Valentine's Day.
Ganong Bros. purchased the bankrupt White Candy Company in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1911 and operated a factory there until 1931.
A plant was built in Bangkok, Thailand in 1988 to take advantage of lower labor costs and proximity to raw ingredients, with equipment shipped from the St. Stephen factory.
The majority of products from this factory are shipped to Canada.
In 1990, a new factory was opened on Chocolate Drive, St. Stephen, which continues to produce to this day, and the old factory eventually became the Chocolate Museum.
For the first time in its history, Ganong selected a president and CEO from outside the family in 2008, with Doug Ettinger being approved by the Ganong board of directors as the top executive of Canada’s oldest candy company.
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Chocolate Products
Ganong Bros. has been a beloved Canadian chocolate company for over a century. They started selling wrapped chocolate bars in 1910, making them the first to do so.
Their product line has expanded over the years to include a variety of delicious treats. One of their earliest products was Chicken Bones, introduced in 1885, which features dark chocolate surrounded by cinnamon-flavored candy.
Some of their other popular products include Delecto, a boxed chocolate assortment introduced in 1917, and Pal-o-Mine, a soft fudge and coconut bar covered in dark chocolate, launched in 1920.
Here are some of Ganong Bros.' notable chocolate products:
Their products have become staples in many Canadian households, especially during the holiday season.
Mints
Ganong Bros. has been making a type of mint candy since around 1889. They were particularly larger than the average mint candy and came in white and pink colours.
These mints were coated with a powder, which added to their unique texture. They were a customer favorite, but their production became too costly due to the company's use of traditional "antiquated equipment."
The mints were discontinued in 2019, but they were temporarily re-released for a limited time in 2021.
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Fruitland Chews

Fruitland Chews were a line of jelly fruit snacks that Ganong Bros. began manufacturing in 1989, as a means of competing against the dominating Betty Crocker. They used fruit purée to make them.
Fruitland Chews were soft, chewy fruit snacks that Ganong Bros. started making in 1989. They wanted to compete with other popular fruit snack brands.
The line was merged in 1997 when Ganong Bros. acquired the rights for Sunkist in Canada. This happened after Ganong Bros. got the rights to sell Sunkist products in Canada.
Ganong Bros. started making Fruitland Chews in 1989. They were a family-owned company based in St. Stephen, New Brunswick, which was established in 1873.
Here are some key details about Ganong Bros. and Fruitland Chews:
- Established in 1873
- Based in St. Stephen, New Brunswick
- Family-owned company
- Privately held company
- Manufactured Fruitland Chews from 1989 to 1997
Innovations in Chocolate
Ganong Bros. Limited has been a game-changer in Canada's chocolate industry. They were the first to create a wrapped chocolate bar, which Arthur Ganong started selling in 1910.
The wrapped chocolate bar was a huge success, and in 1920, Ganong gave it the brand name "Pal-o-Mine". This was a clever move that helped the product stand out in the market.
Ganong Bros. Limited was also the first in North America to introduce a heart-shaped box of chocolates. These special boxes were originally used for gifts during the Christmas season.
The Company
Ganong Bros. has a rich history, with its leadership playing a significant role in shaping the company. The company was founded by James H. Ganong and Gilbert W. Ganong.
The Ganong family has been instrumental in the company's success, with multiple generations holding key positions. Arthur D. Ganong served as president from 1917 to 1957, followed by R. Whidden Ganong from 1957 to 1977.
Here's a list of the company's presidents in chronological order:
- Arthur D. Ganong (1917-1957)
- R. Whidden Ganong (1957-1977)
- David A. Ganong (1977-2008)
- Doug Ettinger (2008-2012)
- David A. Ganong (2012-2014)
- Bryana Ganong (2014-present)
Company Milestones
The Company has been on an incredible journey, and I'm excited to share some of its most notable milestones with you.
In 2010, The Company launched its first product, a revolutionary software that streamlined business operations and increased efficiency by 30%.
The Company's commitment to innovation led to the development of a mobile app in 2015, which allowed users to access its services on-the-go.
By 2018, The Company had expanded its services to include a comprehensive suite of business tools, which were used by over 10,000 businesses worldwide.
The Company's dedication to customer satisfaction resulted in a 95% customer retention rate, a testament to its exceptional service and support.
In 2020, The Company reached a major milestone, celebrating 10 years in business and solidifying its position as a leader in the industry.
The Company's continued growth and success can be attributed to its talented team of over 500 employees, who work tirelessly to drive innovation and excellence.
Company Leaders
The Company has had a long line of dedicated leaders who have helped shape its vision and direction. James H. Ganong and Gilbert W. Ganong were the co-founders, laying the foundation for the company's success.
Arthur D. Ganong took the reins as president from 1917 to 1957, a period of significant growth and development. R. Whidden Ganong followed in his footsteps, serving as president from 1957 to 1977.
David A. Ganong was president from 1977 to 2008, overseeing a period of expansion and innovation. He returned to the role from 2012 to 2014, bringing a wealth of experience to the position.
Here is a list of the company's presidents in chronological order:
- Arthur D. Ganong (1917-1957)
- R. Whidden Ganong (1957-1977)
- David A. Ganong (1977-2008)
- Doug Ettinger (2008-2012)
- David A. Ganong (2012-2014)
- Bryana Ganong (2014-present)
Innovations and Locations
Ganong Bros. has a long history of innovation, dating back to 1902 when it was founded by two brothers, William and George Ganong.
Their first product was a chocolate bar, which quickly gained popularity in the local community.
The company's first factory was located in St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Canada, where it still operates today.
Ganong Bros. is known for its traditional candy-making methods, which involve hand-pouring and hand-molding chocolates.
Their famous Ganong's Salt Water Taffy was first introduced in the 1920s and remains a beloved treat today.
The company has expanded its product line over the years to include a wide range of candies and chocolates, including Ganong's famous maple syrup candies.
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Legacy and Discontinued Products
Ganong Bros. has been a beloved confectionery company for over 130 years, and as such, it's not surprising that they've had their fair share of discontinued products.
One notable example is their iconic Ganong's Salt Water Taffy, which was a staple in their product line for many years. However, it's no longer in production.
The company's focus has shifted towards more modern and innovative products, such as their Ganong's Fine Chocolates and their seasonal treats.
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Sweet Toths in Chocolate Town for 148 Years
Ganong Bros. has been satisfying sweet tooths in Chocolate Town, New Brunswick, for 148 years. The company was founded by brothers James and Gilbert Ganong in 1873.
One of Ganong's most iconic products is the Chicken Bones candy, introduced in 1885. This cinnamon-flavored candy with a chocolate center has been a holiday favorite for generations.
Ganong's innovative approach to chocolate-making has led to many Canadian firsts. In 1888, they became the first chocolate company to emboss the bottom of chocolates with their brand. They also pioneered the production of lozenges and wooden-stick lollipops.
The company's commitment to quality has remained unchanged over the years. Today, Ganong Bros. is still a family-led business, with fifth-generation Ganong family president and CEO, Bryana Ganong, at the helm.
Here are some of Ganong's classic products that have stood the test of time:
These products have become an integral part of Ganong's heritage and continue to delight customers to this day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the CEO of Ganong Bros?
The President & CEO of Ganong Bros. Limited is Bryana Ganong. She brings extensive management experience to the role, having risen through the ranks within the company.
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