Our History

Founded in 1896

Leo Hirschfield invents the Tootsie Roll and names it after his daughter. His new hand-rolled candy sells for one penny.

Tootsie Rolls Move to New York

Tootsie Rolls are now made in a four story New York City Candy Factory!

Tootsie Rolls... Delivered by Horse & Buggy!

Did you know that back in 1905, Tootsie Rolls were delivered by horse and buggy?

1914 Tootsie Roll Advertisement

One of the first ads for Tootsie Rolls was introduced this year, highlighting how an entire package only cost 5 cents!

Tootsie Roll Delivers

Tootsie Rolls are delivered by a delivery truck now!

WWI Advertisement

Tootsie Roll Industries has supported America’s troops throughout history and continues to do so today.

Making the World Sweeter

Tootsie Roll Advertisement.  March 27th, 1920.

Invention of the Tootsie Pop

The Tootsie Roll Tootsie Pop is invented.
We still don’t know how many licks it takes to reach the center, but we will continue to try.

Sweet Company of America - Tootsie Rolls Truck

Tootsie Rolls Truck from 1931.

New Tootsie Roll Factory Opens in New Jersey

Much larger space and so many more Tootsie Rolls can now be made.

The Tootsie Roll Factory

A 1940’s Factory Worker inspects Tootsie Pops as they are being made.

The Tootsie Roll Factory

Factory workers packaging Tootsie Rolls by hand.

Gene Autry and Tootsie Roll

Tootsie Rolls and Gene Autry in the 1940’s.

Frank Sinatra and Peggy Lipp

Frank Sintra and Peggy Lipp in a Tootsie Roll Advertisement.  It is said that Frank Sinatra’s favorite candy was the Tootsie Roll and he was even buried with them.

Tootsie Roll Goes to War

From 1942 – 1945 Tootsie Roll goes to war in G.I. rations, providing “quick energy” for American troops in World War II.

Captain Tootsie is on the Scene

Life Magazine Advertisement

The Life of the Party!  Life Magazine Advertisement.

Sweet,  Popular and Wholesome.  The most popular candy roll for generations.

Tootsie Roll and Television

As television sweeps the country, Tootsie Roll sponsors children’s shows on national television.

Tootsie Roll Television Commercials

Tootsie Roll sponsors television programming as shown in this advertisement from 1954.

Tootsie Roll Industries Moves to Chicago

In 1968, Tootsie Roll Industries moved to Chicago, Illinois where we are still making 64 Million Tootsie Rolls every day.  Tootsie Roll Pops and DOTS are also manufactured at the Chicago location.

Mr Owl is Born

Mr Owl is born August 4th, 1970 and takes his first attempt to try and find out just how many licks it takes to get the Tootsie Roll center of a Tootsie Pop!

You can always visit Mr Owl on Twitter @MrOwl

DOTS and Crows Join the Tootsie Family

Two famous candy names – Mason Dots and Crows – joined the Tootsie Roll family in 1972.  Production of DOTS and Crows has exceeded over 23 million in a day.

Cellas Chocolate Covered Cherries Join the Tootsie Roll Family

On 1985, Cellas Chocolate Covered Cherries join the Tootsie Roll family.

Charms Joins the Tootsie Roll Family

The Tootsie Roll Family Continues to Grow

In 1993, Tootsie Roll Industries welcomed the addition of Junior Mints, Sugar Daddy, Sugar Babies and Charleston Chew.

Tootsie Roll Turns 100!

Happy 100th Birthday to the Tootsie Roll!

Tootsie Roll Industries Acquires Concord Confections

In 2004, Tootsie Roll Industries acquired Concord Confections adding a variety of Dubble Bubble, Wack-o-Wax, and vending candy products to its family.

Tootsie Roll Joins Social Media

Tootsie Roll joined the world of social media on August 26th, 2008.  With a YouTube Channel, multiple brand pages on Facebook and Twitter, Tootsie Roll has expanded into Pinterest as well as Instagram and continues to expand its reach.

Tootsie Pop Squad

Meet the Tootsie Pop Squad, team devoted to finding out the age old question… How many licks does it take to get to the Tootsie Roll center of a Tootsie Pop? Will the world ever know?

Tootsie Roll Joins TikTok

Tootsie Roll Industries joins TikTok as the CEO of your childhood and the King of Candy!

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