Goetze's Story
Goetze's Candy story began in 1895, with a father, August Goetze, and his son William. August worked as an engraver, producing many of the printing plates for the Baltimore Chewing Gum Company. During this time, he became aware that the gum business was performing poorly and made an offer to buy the business for his son.
William's son, R. Melvin Goetze, Sr., joined the company in 1909. Not long after that, the First World War began. The family stayed in the confectionery business during this time, despite the shortage of commodities, such as chicle. This inspired the family to develop new confections, and in 1917 Melvin began making "chuees" (Caramel Creams® without the center) out of the family's kitchen. Caramel Creams were developed soon after and were released the following year.
William's son, R. Melvin Goetze, Sr., joined the company in 1909. Not long after that, the First World War began. The family stayed in the confectionery business during this time, despite the shortage of commodities, such as chicle. This inspired the family to develop new confections, and in 1917 Melvin began making "chuees" (Caramel Creams® without the center) out of the family's kitchen. Caramel Creams were developed soon after and were released the following year.
During the early 20th century Goetze's Candy saw a steady growth in business, and in 1928 they moved manufacturing to a new 24,000 square foot production facility. This allowed the company to increase production and triple its output. Although the building has been modified over the years, Goetze’s Candy still manufactures caramel in the same location.
In 1945 Melvin Goetze, Jr. returned from World War II and joined the family business. In the 1940’s, Goetze’s Candy dedicated production to the making of Caramel Creams and later renamed The Baltimore Chewing Gum Company to Goetze's Candy Company.
In 1945 Melvin Goetze, Jr. returned from World War II and joined the family business. In the 1940’s, Goetze’s Candy dedicated production to the making of Caramel Creams and later renamed The Baltimore Chewing Gum Company to Goetze's Candy Company.
Goetze Family (center): Melvin, Jr.; (left to right): Todd, Spaulding Sr., Randle III, Mitchell
Goetze’s Candy Company was officially incorporated in 1959. At that time, Melvin, Jr.'s son, Randle Goetze III, joined the company, followed by his brother, Spaulding Goetze, Sr., in 1965. Over the next few decades, Goetze’s Candy introduced new Caramel Creams flavors and grew distribution, leading to the first international sale. In 1984, Goetze’s Candy Company launched a new brand of chewy caramel candy called Cow Tales®.
In the 1990’s, Spaulding Sr.'s sons, Mitchell and Todd Goetze, along with another family member, David Long, joined the company. The 5th generation has carried on the tradition of Goetze's Candy, while improving production, introducing new products, and incorporating technology into the everyday operations.
In the 1990’s, Spaulding Sr.'s sons, Mitchell and Todd Goetze, along with another family member, David Long, joined the company. The 5th generation has carried on the tradition of Goetze's Candy, while improving production, introducing new products, and incorporating technology into the everyday operations.
