Lollipops are the kind of confectionery we all take a bit for granted. I mean let's face it, they've been around our entire lifetimes so it feels almost as though they've always existed. But the reality is that someone had to come up with everyone's favourite candy-on-a-stick... so who was it?

1. Ancient origins evolved into modern treat.
2. Lollipop manufacturing transformed by automation.
3. Promotional products industry embraces lollipops.

Lollies: The Origin

Archeologists suggest a form of lolly-on-a-stick has been around for several thousand years, though these early lollipops wouldn't have resembled the colourful promotional lollipops we're used to seeing today. These ancient lollies would have been snacks such as fruit or nuts covered in honey to preserve them. The honey would be adhered to a stick and the ancient foodie would have been able to take their snack with them wherever they went.

We're not sure who came up with these old school lollipops, but we do know who invented the modern version we all know and love today. George Smith from Bradley Smith Company first started selling the modern iteration of the lollipop in 1908 to eager American consumers. Though he claimed the name for the candy came from a race horse named "Lolly Pop", British consumers had been enjoying treats by this name since at least the 1700s (though they were -can you believe it- a soft candy on a stick). Smith eventually trademarked the term in 1938, officially giving us the lollipop.

Like many of the candies available at the turn of the 20th century, Smith's lollipops were hand made. Over time various companies began to see the potential for having a sweet treat on a stick, especially as a marketing opportunity. This led to advances in mechanisation so it didn't take long before there were lollipops for all walks of life, produced by machine for convenience (or still hand made for those after artisan quality).

This leads us to the present, where millions of lollipops are produced every day. We can now make lollipops in any shape or size, branded with any design either inside the candy or as part of an outer wrapper. And to think all this started with one man over a hundred years ago, putting a modern spin on an ancient tradition. Amazing!

Lollipop Manufacturing

The making of promotional lollipops has changed significantly over time. Let's discover how these sweet treats evolved from handmade candies to being mass-produced today.

• Early lollipops were made by hand, with artisans crafting each individual piece with precision and care.
• As demand for lollipops increased, companies began investing in mechanisation to speed up the production process.
• Today, automated machines can create a vast number of lollipops in a short period, allowing for greater variety and quicker delivery times.
• Innovations in manufacturing have enabled the creation of custom lollipops with unique shapes, sizes, and designs, expanding the market for personalised candy products.

Lollipops as Promotional Products

I love-love eating lollies, especially those chocolate flavoured ones. So it's a good thing that lollipops have also found a special place in the promotional products industry. Let's look at the reasons behind their popularity in advertising campaigns.

• Lollipops are a cost-effective promotional item, making them ideal for large-scale giveaways and events.
• The variety of shapes, sizes, and designs available allow brands to create customised lollipops that align with their marketing strategies.
• Lollipops are popular across all age groups, making them an appealing and versatile promotional gift.
• Incorporating company logos or messaging on the candy or its wrapper provides valuable brand exposure and creates a memorable impression on consumers.

Takeaway

Lollipops have come a long way since their ancient origins. Through evolving manufacturing techniques and the promotional products industry, lollipops continue to bring joy to people around the world. Cubic Promote Australia recognizes the value of these tasty treats in advertising campaigns and offers custom lollipops and other promotional products to help your brand make a lasting impact.

Information discovered through: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lollipop