Traditional Candy Apples: Few Recognize the Moniker - Classic Fruit Caramels: Rarity Lies in Familiar Name
Article:
After six decades, a colorful confectionery enigma persists among Germans: the square, sweet, chewy candies that have accompanied numerous childhood milestones, from bank visits to carnival parades. For generations, these fruity delights have been integral to birthday celebrations, with their cherry, raspberry, lemon, and orange flavors signaling the start of all good parties. But what exactly are these enigmatic sweets called, and why have they maintained the same design for six decades?
Comedian Ole Waschkau recently unraveled this childhood mystery on Twitter: they are known as Bohme Fruit Caramels, produced in the Saxon town of Delitzsch. Darren Ehlert, CEO of the Delitzsch Chocolate Factory and a board member of sister company Halloren, affectionately refers to them as "Frukas."
Ehlert clarifies how the Delitzsch Chocolate Factory became a subsidiary of the company Wissoll post-reunification, with the production of various sweet brands shifting to Delitzsch. Today, the chocolate factory operates independently, producing a range of products including Royal Mints, chocolate cream tablets, and, of course, Bohme Fruit Caramels. According to the "Berliner Kurier," these caramels are among their bestsellers.
The steady demand for Frukas remains "very stable at a very good level," according to Ehlert. He values the product for its uniqueness as the only non-chocolate sweet in their product line. Cherry and raspberry are the most favored flavors, as Ehlert told the "Süddeutsche Zeitung."
Despite their success, efforts to modernize the fruit caramels have proven unpopular. For instance, the packaging switched to a stand-up pouch, but this change was met with customer complaints and social media threats of boycotts.
The bond between consumers and Frukas turns out to be remarkably strong, with Ehlert suggesting that these sweets spark nostalgic feelings due to their association with first experiences or close family ties. "People report memories of their childhood that they connect the Frukas with their parents or with the first visit to the bank or the hairdresser," Ehlert told the "Süddeutsche Zeitung."
During carnival celebrations, Frukas are often used as throwable treats, much to Ehlert's dismay, as it involves tossing food. Nevertheless, he acknowledges that carnival is beneficial for the chocolate factory's business, with sales peaking two months after Christmas.
The enduring success of Bohme Fruit Caramels can be attributed to consistent demand, emotionally charged memories, and the traditional connection to carnival. In an ever-changing world, they serve as a beloved reminder of yesterday.
- Sources:
- "Wirtschaftswoche"
- "Süddeutsche Zeitung"
- "Berliner Kurier"
- Ole Waschkau on Twitter (now X)
(Updating previous publication to include sources)
- Relevant Enrichment Data:
- While the Boehme brand is associated with chocolates, confusion may exist between the name Bohme and Bohme Fruit Caramels, given their similar spellings and German origins.
- To confirm the specifics of Bohme Fruit Caramels or find more information about the product, contacting the manufacturer directly or checking local German confectionery stores is recommended.
- In the ever-evolving world, some traditions remain strong, like the community's deep affection for Bohme Fruit Caramels, a nostalgic sweet that's integral to childhood milestones and lifestyle.
- The combination of ties to fond memories and the unique product design has made Bohme Fashion-and-Beauty, a non-chocolate sweet in the Delitzsch Chocolate Factory's product line, a perennial favorite among consumers.
- When it comes to food-and-drink preferences, cherry and raspberry flavors reign supreme in the Bohme Fruit Caramels, much to the delight of many customers.
- While the Delitzsch Chocolate Factory has explored modernizing their packaging with a stand-up pouch, feedback from the loyal community made it clear that some things are best left untouched, such as the traditional design of the Bohme Fruit Caramels wrappers.
