The consensus on who invented the lollipop is by a man called, George Smith, an American who resides in Connecticut around the 1900s. Before that though, it seems many ancient cultures from around the world have had a history of putting sweets onto a stick. From Africa, the Arabs, the Egyptians and the Chinese. Today lollipops are customised into all sorts of shapes and colours. In this post, we'll discuss the history of lollipops and where to give them away as a promotional item.

 

  1. George Smith invented the modern lollipop.
  2. Customised lollipops enhance brand promotion.
  3. Distribute promotional lollipops creatively.

 

custom lollipops

Ancient Lollipops

Lollies in the past, do not resemble what we currently associate with lollipops. They do share a few things in common, in that they are desserts served on a stick. Ingredients such as fruit, nuts and honey, had a stick stuck into them to make eating them more manageable. I believe that the sticks were inserted into them, to make the eating experience longer. Afterall if it's on a stick, you can just place the lolly down easier to be eaten later.

Lollipops in the middle ages were mainly eaten by royalty as well as the wealthy. Very very different compared to today of course. Later in the 1800s, the lollipop began to resemble what we know of today. This was when the English started feasting large boiled hard lollies on a stick.

The Modern Lollipop

The modern shape of the lollipop is widely thought to have been invented in 1908 by George Smith in America. In the same year, the first mass-produced lollipops began to go on sale. Supposedly a company called the Racine Confectionery Machine Company created a machine that made 2400 lollipop sticks per hour. This is rather impressive, even by today's standards.

Who Invented the Name?

There are a few different theories on who came up with the name. What we do know for sure is that George Smith trademarked the name in 1931. Some of the theories on who invented the lollypop name are that it is a Roman word for Red Apple. Others believe that the English created the name which supposedly meant "tongue slap," a slang word for this type of candy.

Who Invented Promotional Lollipops?

The idea of placing logos onto lollipop to make it a promotional lollypop is unclear. It is a recent phenomenon though that would have occurred in the past 20 years. Why do I say that? Well growing up and having travelled around, I have not seen any custom branded lollipops, until recently. These promotional lollipops are everywhere from retail showrooms, car yards and tradeshow expos.

How to Distribute Them

Custom branded lollipops are an excellent way to advertise your brand while providing a sweet treat to your customers. Customising lollipops with your branding creates a lasting impression that your customers will appreciate. Here are some ways you can use promotional lollipops to enhance your brand:

  • Include them in gift bags: By including branded lollipops in gift bags, guests will have a memorable treat from your event.
  • Use them for product launches: Handing out branded lollipops at product launches is a fun and enjoyable way to show appreciation to your customers and promote your brand message.
  • Sell them in-store: If you own a retail store or online shop, branded lollipops are a great way to encourage impulse purchases.
  • Distribute them during trade shows: During trade shows, handing out branded lollipops at your booth will help attract visitors and keep them engaged in your message.

Conclusion

We hope this article has provided insights into the history and customisable options for lollipops. From fruit and honey sticks to the modern candy on a stick, lollipops are enjoyed around the world in all forms. By investing in promotional lollipops, you not only provide a sweet treat to your customers but also create a lasting impression of your brand. As a promotional product, customised lollipops are fun, cost-effective, and easy to distribute at events, trade shows, and in-store promotions. Consider the various options for customisation when selecting lollipops for your brand or to give your customers a delightful treat.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lollipop