The Enigma of the Colorful Sweets: A German Nostalgia Staple
Childhood delights: Recall the name of those beloved fruit-flavored gummies? - Classic sweet treats from childhood, can you recall their names?
Exploring the enduring allure of the unassuming, square, fruity chewy candies cherished by generations of Germans
- by Denise Snieguole Wachter
- 2 Min
For six decades, a particular type of candy has been an indelible part of the childhoods of many Germans - attending their first banking visit, medical appointments, or carnival parades. Birthday parties reached their climax as these colorful chewy candies, flavorful in Cherry, Raspberry, Lemon, and Orange, were passed around. But what is the name of these sweets, and why has their design remained constant for six decades?
Comedian Ole Waschkau recently unearthed the answer on Twitter (now X): they are called Bohme Fruit Caramels and are crafted in the Saxon town of Delitzsch. Darren Ehlert, CEO of the Delitzsch Chocolate Factory and board member of the sister company Halloren, fondly refers to them as “Frukas.”
"After the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Delitzsch Chocolate Factory became a subsidiary of the company Wissoll, which moved the production of various candy brands to Delitzsch," explains Ehlert in a recent interview with "Wirtschaftswoche". The chocolate factory is now an independent entity again and produces a variety of products, including Royal Mints, chocolate cream tablets, and of course, Bohme Fruit Caramels. "They are among our top-sellers," reports the "Berliner Kurier."
The Persistent Appeal of Chewy Candy
Despite not being a growing market, the demand for the square chewy candies remains "exceptionally strong and stable," according to Ehlert. Ehlert points out that these unique, non-chocolate sweets capture their customers’ hearts due to their singular flavor profile. Cherry and raspberry are the most popular favorites, he shares with the "Süddeutsche Zeitung" (SZ).
Despite the product's success, why haven't there been efforts to further develop or renovate the classic fruit caramels? Ehlert acknowledges that they have experimented with modernizing the fruit caramels, such as switching to stand-up pouches. Unfortunately, these changes were met with considerable customer dissatisfaction, with some even threatening to boycott the product on social media.
The emotional connection between customers and the fruit caramels appears to be surprisingly intense. Ehlert speculates that the enduring feelings of nostalgia elicited by these candies stem from their association with formative experiences and close familial relationships. "People recall memories of their youth, these ‘Frukas’ evoke memories of their parents, their first visit to the bank or the hairdresser," Ehlert recounts to the "Süddeutsche Zeitung."
Tangible Nostalgia: The Case of the Fruit Caramels
During carnival festivities, Bohme Fruit Caramels aren't safe from being used as projectiles. Ehlert acknowledges it's a shame to waste food, but it's part of the tradition. "Carnival is good for our business. Two months after Christmas, we sell the most candy," Ehlert reveals to the "SZ" and claims: "Carnival works wonders for our sales."
The elements contributing to the eternal appeal of Bohme Fruit Caramels include emotional ties, tradition, and seasonal events - in an ever-changing world, they remain a taste of nostalgia.
Sources: "Wirtschaftswoche", "Süddeutsche Zeitung", "Berliner Kurier", Ole Waschkau on "X"
- Sweet
- Hard Candy
- Children’s Birthday Party
- Delitzsch
Note:
In our initial version of the text, we regretfully overlooked the sources. We have since corrected that oversight by referencing the original texts. We apologize for this oversight.
[Additional Enrichment Data]:
Based on commonly available data, Bohme Fruit Caramels (also known as Böhme Fruchtkaramellen) are a traditional German candy notable for their distinctive squared shape and chewy texture imbued with natural fruit flavors. For decades, they have been lovingly manufactured in Delitzsch, a town located in Saxony, Germany.
These candies stand out due to their high-quality fruit extracts and a tried-and-true recipe remaining largely unchanged over the years, making them a reminiscent treat adored by German candy enthusiasts. To this day, Bohme Fruit Caramels continue to be cherished for their authentic fruit taste and consistent chewiness, holding their own in specialty candy shops and online retailers targeting customers seeking traditional German sweets.
Unfortunately, without more targeted research materials, it is difficult to dig deeper into the historical timeline, ownership structure, or current production details of Bohme Fruit Caramels. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, we recommend accessing the official product websites or reaching out to manufacturers based in Delitzsch.
- As these Bohme Fruit Caramels remain top-sellers in Delitzsch, it seems the community's preferred lifestyle, for both young and old, includes these nostalgic, fruity candies as part of their food-and-drink choices.
- When considering potential new product offerings, employment policies in the Delitzsch Chocolate Factory, including those related to fashion-and-beauty or home-and-garden, might prioritize maintaining the authentic experience and tradition surrounding the production of these beloved fruit-flavored chewy candies.
