The Atkinson Candy Company is a candy company based in Lufkin, Texas, best known for producing the Chick-O-Stick.

History

Atkinson Candy Company is a private company founded in 1932 by B.E. Atkinson, Sr., and his wife, Mabel C. Atkinson. It started when Basil E. Atkinson made two-day treks to Houston to purchase candy and tobacco, then he would sell it to mom-and-pop shops on the return trip. The company currently operates out of a 100000 ft2 facility, and is led by Eric Atkinson, grandchild of the founders. The third and fourth generations of the Atkinson family are now running the Atkinson Candy Company.

Judson-Atkinson Candies

In 1983, Atkinson purchased another local company, the Judson Candy Company, later known as Judson-Atkinson Candies, from the Pearl Brewing Company. Judson-Atkinson was founded in 1899, and was based in San Antonio, Texas. In 2011, Judson-Atkinson shut down business due to the high prices of sugar and raw materials. Judson-Atkinson Candy Company used about four million pounds of sugar each year to make their bulk candies.

Product line

Atkinson Candy Company specializes in peanut butter and peppermint-flavored candies. The current product line includes the Chick-O-Stick, Coconut Long Boys, peanut brittle, mint twists, Peanut Butter Bars, and holiday candy. Atkinson also produces a premium hard candy line known as Gemstone Candies. In 2013, Atkinson acquired the candies Black Cow, Slo Poke and Sophie Mae from The Warrell Corporation. In 2019, they reached a licensing agreement with Spangler Candy Company to make the former Necco candy, Mary Janes.