The Sweet History of Bobs Candies

When you think of holiday sweets, it's hard not to imagine the iconic candy cane. But did you know that the candy cane’s legacy was forever changed in Albany, Georgia?

Bobs Candies Video

The Birth of Bobs Candies

It all began in 1919 when Bob McCormack, a Birmingham, Alabama investor, saw potential in Albany, Georgia as the ideal spot for a candy company. Leaving his job at the Martin Biscuit Company in Nashville, McCormack ventured south, and soon he and fellow investor Bob Mills founded a candy-making operation in the heart of Albany. Initially known for producing coconut, peanut, and hard candies, the company quickly grew its offerings, adding chocolate and pecan varieties.

By 1924, McCormack and Mills had bought out the original company, officially renaming it Bobs Candy Company. Over the next few decades, Bobs Candies would become a name synonymous with innovation and quality, making it one of the few candy companies to weather the Great Depression. In fact, McCormack’s decision to produce affordable pecan candies—such as "Bobs Pe-Kons"—helped keep the brand afloat during some of the hardest times in American history.

Revolutionizing the Candy Cane

Bobs Candies didn’t just survive—it thrived by embracing innovation. One of their most significant achievements was the invention of break-proof packaging for candy canes, a game-changer that made it possible to ship their famous treats nationwide without the fear of breakage. The Keller Machine, invented by McCormack’s brother-in-law, Father Harding Keller, was another revolutionary development. This machine perfected the twisting and cutting of candy canes, giving them their signature spiral stripes.

But Bobs didn’t stop there. In the 1940s, the company began wrapping their candy canes in cellophane, making them the first candy maker to do so. This simple but effective move helped preserve freshness and appeal to a growing market. By the 1950s, the company’s production had reached new heights, and Bobs Candies was churning out millions of candy canes and sticks every day.

The Bobs Candies Boom

Bobs Candies’ success wasn’t limited to holiday treats. As the company grew, it expanded its product lineup, introducing new innovations like moisture-proof candy wrappers and the vacuum-sealed peanuts that became a hit during World War II. By the 1960s, Bobs had grown into a national brand, with its iconic candy canes sold in stores across the country.

By the late 1990s, Bobs Candies was not only a beloved brand for its seasonal candies but also a year-round treat with the introduction of the Sweet Stripes line. Under the leadership of Greg McCormack, the company acquired its competitor, Fine Candy, and continued to grow well into the 21st century, reaching over $40 million in annual sales.

Family, Tradition, & Legacy

Throughout its history, Bobs Candies remained a family business. Bob McCormack’s children and grandchildren were integral to the company’s success, with roles ranging from bookkeeping to managing production. McCormack’s daughter Bee once said, “There was no such thing as the candy cane industry until the Keller Machine,” reflecting the company’s central role in transforming the candy business.

As the years went on, Bobs Candies expanded its operations, including a state-of-the-art climate-controlled facility in 1968 and the use of NASA-developed cooling systems in the 21st century to ensure product quality. However, by the spring of 2005, the McCormack family sold the company to Farley’s and Sathers Candy Company, marking the end of an era for the Albany-based company.

A Sweet Farewell

Though Bobs Candies’ operations in Albany ceased by the end of 2005, its legacy lives on in the memories of those who enjoyed its sweet treats for decades. The company’s story is a testament to the power of innovation, resilience, and family—and its influence on the candy industry can still be felt today.

Next time you enjoy a candy cane or a sweet treat, take a moment to remember the rich history of Bobs Candies, a company that helped shape the way we enjoy our favorite holiday sweets.

Author

Macee Palmer

Marketing Manager