From Hershey's Employee to Candy Mogul
Harry Burnett Reese, the founder of the H.B. Reese Candy Company, had a long journey before inventing his most famous creation. After working on a dairy farm and in a variety of other jobs, he was hired by the Hershey Chocolate Company in 1916. While employed by Milton S. Hershey, Reese began experimenting with his own candy recipes in his basement. In 1923, he founded his own company and, with Hershey's approval, used Hershey's chocolate for his creations. Initially, his offerings were diverse, including candy bars named after his children, the 'Lizzie Bar' and the 'Johnny Bar,' which featured caramel, coconut, and nuts. These early products, however, would not become his lasting legacy.
The Invention of the 'Penny Cup'
In 1928, H.B. Reese struck gold with an idea that combined a creamy, roasted peanut butter filling with a rich chocolate coating. This innovative treat was added to his assortment of candies. Originally, they were not marketed as Reese's Peanut Butter Cups but rather as "Penny Cups". As the name implies, each cup was sold for just one cent, making it an affordable luxury during the difficult years of the Great Depression.
The 'Penny Cups' proved to be incredibly popular, and this early success played a pivotal role in keeping Reese's business afloat during a tough economic period.
The Impact of World War II on the Reese's Brand
World War II brought significant challenges to the confectionery industry, including sugar rationing and other economic constraints. To cope with these shortages, Reese was forced to make a difficult decision: he had to discontinue his less popular candy lines and focus on his best-selling item. This proved to be a stroke of genius. By concentrating all his efforts on the Peanut Butter Cups, Reese cemented the candy's place as his company's signature product and ensured its survival. The decision paved the way for the candy's future dominance in the market.
The Hershey Merger and Continued Expansion
After H.B. Reese passed away in 1956, his six sons took over the family business. Recognizing the immense potential of the Peanut Butter Cup and facing the scale needed for further growth, the brothers made a significant move. On July 2, 1963, they merged the H.B. Reese Candy Company with the Hershey Chocolate Corporation in a stock-for-stock merger. This partnership was mutually beneficial, as Hershey had been supplying Reese with chocolate from the beginning and now had access to a product that would soon become its top seller.
Six years after the merger, in 1969, the Reese's Peanut Butter Cup became The Hershey Company's best-selling product. The acquisition and subsequent marketing efforts under the Hershey umbrella helped to expand the brand's reach and cemented its status as an American icon. Today, the product line has expanded far beyond the original cups to include bars, pieces, and seasonal shapes, but the classic peanut butter cup remains a favorite.
Early Reese's Candy vs. The Iconic Peanut Butter Cup
| Feature | Early Assorted Candies (Lizzie & Johnny Bars) | Reese's Peanut Butter Cups |
|---|---|---|
| Main Ingredients | Milk chocolate, caramel, coconut, nuts (in Johnny Bar) | Milk chocolate, peanut butter |
| Original Marketing Name | Named after children, sold as part of assortment | "Penny Cups," sold individually |
| Production Era | Early years of H.B. Reese Candy Co. (1920s) | Introduced in 1928, became sole focus during WWII |
| Reason for Discontinuation | Sugar rationing during WWII | Continued and expanded production, top seller |
| Pricing Strategy | Sold in boxes of assorted candy | Initially sold for one cent each |
Conclusion
The journey of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups from a penny-priced item to a globally recognized brand is a testament to the vision of its founder, H.B. Reese. The answer to what did Reese's used to be called reveals a history of humble beginnings and shrewd business decisions. From the creation of the simple "Penny Cups" in a basement to the strategic focus during wartime, the story is one of determination and a perfectly crafted flavor combination. The eventual merger with The Hershey Company propelled the cups to new heights, ensuring that Reese's remains a beloved classic for generations to come.
For more information on the founder, H.B. Reese, visit the official Hershey Community Archives page dedicated to the history of the Reese Candy Company.
