Old-fashioned Fruit Caramels: Rarely Recalled by Name Today - Timeless Taffy Treats: A Forgotten Sweet Delight Whose Name Few Recall Today
The Enduring Enigma of a Six-Decade Old Sweets Phenomenon: The Unnamed Candy Synonymous with German Childhood
By Denise Snieguole Wachter
For six decades, a specific candy - square, colorful, and chewy - has been ubiquitous in the lives of many Germans, from their inaugural visits to the bank and the doctor, to lively carnival parades. Its distribution at birthday parties often magnified the festivities, with an array of flavors ranging from cherry, raspberry, lemon, to orange. Yet, for all the joy they have brought, a simple question persists: what is the name of this beloved candy?
Recent endeavors, spearheaded by comedian Ole Waschkau on Twitter, have brought a solution to this nearly six-decade-old mystery. The sweet treat has been identified as "Bohme Fruchtkaramellen," produced in Delitzsch, a town in Saxony. Darren Ehlert, the managing director of the local chocolate factory and board member of the sister company Halloren, affectionately refers to these sweets as "Frukas."
In an interview with "Wirtschaftswoche," Ehlert sheds light on the history of Bohme Fruchtkaramellen. Following German reunification, the Delitzsch chocolate factory became a subsidiary of the company Wissoll. The production of various confectionery brands, including Bohme Fruchtkaramellen, was relocated to Delitzsch. Today, the chocolate factory operates as an independent company, producing an assortment of treats such as Royal Mints, chocolate cream tablets, and, needless to say, Bohme Fruchtkaramellen - which remain among their bestsellers.
Although Bohme Fruchtkaramellen are not a thriving market, demand for the treat remains steady according to Ehlert. The "Süddeutsche Zeitung" quotes him stating that the product is cherished because it is one of their few non-chocolate offerings. Among the flavors, cherry and raspberry are the most popular.
Despite their success, the company contemplated revamping Bohme Fruchtkaramellen. For instance, they experimented with new packaging in the form of a stand-up pouch. However, this endeavor yielded unfavorable results, as the packaging failed to sell and prompted customer complaints. Furthermore, social media users threatened to discontinue their purchase of the product if changes were made.
The relationship between customers and Bohme Fruchtkaramellen appears to be deeper than simple consumption. Ehlert harbors the belief that the candies elicit nostalgic feelings due to their association with formative memories and close familial ties. "People share memories of their childhood, connecting the Frukas to their parents, their first visit to the bank, or the hairdresser," Ehlert tells the "Süddeutsche Zeitung."
Curious about their role in carnival celebrations? Ehlert remains understanding of their being used as throwable treats, acknowledging that it is part of tradition. He further explains that carnival actually bolsters their business, with sales peaking two months after Christmas.
Unbeknownst to many, the recipe for Bohme Fruchtkaramellen's consistent success stems from enduring demand, evocative childhood associations, and a traditional bond with carnival. In a world of constant change, these candies remain a treasured piece of nostalgia.
Sources: "Wirtschaftswoche," "Süddeutsche Zeitung," "Berliner Kurier," Ole Waschkau on Twitter (now X)
The identification of the sweet treat as "Bohme Fruchtkaramellen" raises questions about the community's response to potential changes in the lifestyle product, particularly in terms of packaging and flavor options.As the demand for Bohme Fruchtkaramellen remains steady, it is clear that the candy's association with food-and-drink has created a lasting emotional connection in people's memories and relationships.*The travel tradition of using Bohme Fruchtkaramellen as throwable treats during carnival celebrations showcases the depth of their impact on fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden occasions, beyond simple consumption.
