1873 GANONG IS BORN
On June 5th 1873, two brothers James and Gilbert (G.W) Ganong founded Ganong Bros., Limited in St. Stephen New Brunswick.
Established in 1873, Ganong has the distinction of being Canada’s oldest independently family owned and operated chocolate company, manufacturing all its products in St. Stephen, New Brunswick. Discover our Sweet Canadian Heritage.
On June 5th 1873, two brothers James and Gilbert (G.W) Ganong founded Ganong Bros., Limited in St. Stephen New Brunswick.
Ganong candy maker Frank Sparhawk invented the Ganong original Chicken Bones, spicy cinnamon flavoured candy filled with bitter-sweet chocolate.
Ganong was the first to imprint their hand-dipped chocolates on the bottom by use of embossed celluloid pads, patented by Gilbert Ganong. Each pad is covered with the stamp: ‘GB Ganong’s’
Gilbert Ganong purchased the first Lozenge machine from Europe. Chris Laubman was Ganong’s original lozenge candy-maker.
Ganong was the first in Canada to make lollipops and suckers using a butcher’s wooden skewers
Ganong first released boxed chocolates with a figure of a comely young woman: the Evangeline.
Gilbert Ganong in collaboration with nephew Arthur Ganong decided to package their finest chocolates under a new name: Delecto, a slightly cosmopolitan twist on the word ‘Delectable’. Delecto, Ganong’s best known boxed chocolates was, born during the First World War.
In 1917, Arthur Ganong became President of Ganong Bros., Limited. Arthur was President for 40 years and was famous for eating 2-3 pounds of chocolate every day.
The Finest Delecto solid milk chocolates box, circa 1920’s
Invented by Ganong maker Ed Bosein in 1920, the Pal-o-Mine is one of the oldest continuously produced candy bar in North America. Two pieces of rich fudge centres enrobed with premium dark chocolate and bits of peanuts. The name Pal-o-Mine evokes a sense of loyalty, of a man's best friend faithfulness, the kind that passes from one generation to the next.
Ganong introduced the first heart-shaped boxes to Canada in the 1930’s.
One day a courtly Englishman named Vivien Mansell stopped by the Ganong Chocolate Factory. Mansell owned a printing plant in London that produced decorative scenes. He told Ganong’s that his plant printed a special gold colour that would not tarnish with age.
Mansell’s second visit presented Ganong with a gold print featuring a gold coach and horses. This became the iconic symbol on Delecto boxes and lasted for more than 50 years.
Whidden Ganong, 3rd generation family member to become President of Ganong Bros., Limited
Ganong broke tradition from the horse and coach in favour of a more contemporary design of the era for its Delecto brand.
Delecto with horse & coach is re-born
David Ganong, nephew of R.W. Ganong, becomes 4th generation
Delecto launched a series of different box sizes filled with a mixture of premium milk and dark enrobed chocolates.
‘They may cost a little more, but they’re worth it!’ That unforgettable commercial of Whidden Ganong describing Delecto boxed chocolates during his T.V. debut.
Ganong and the community of St. Stephen launched Chocolate Fest, a unique festival held annually the first week of August in St. Stephen, New Brunswick. http://chocolate-fest.ca/site/
Ganong moved into its new factory located on One Chocolate Drive, St. Stephen New Brunswick.
Ganong becomes the official Canadian Licensee of Sunkist brand.
The Chocolate Museum opens its doors for all to explore the wonders of Chocolate and history of Ganong. www.chocolatemuseum.ca
Ganong becomes a proud partner with Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF) for the Gift for the Cure Campaign. The recognizable pink ribbon was printed on every Delecto boxed chocolates to help raise funds in support of the cause.
Ganong introduced a new Delecto package and transformed with a new branded logo and piece illustrations. The Assorted Nuts and Caramels and the Truffle Assortment boxes are introduced to the Delecto family.
New face of Delecto brand. Focus more on our Canadian Heritage incorporating a Maple Leaf. Significance of the Chocolate Swirl to represent the ‘G’ motif in the Ganong logo.
Canada’s Premier Chocolatier, Since 1873
In Celebration of the 140th anniversary, Ganong launches new heritage designs of the Delecto boxed chocolates and re-introduced traditional favourites: Maraschino Cherries and Peppermint Creams.
Ganong Fruitfull jellies are now made with natural fruit flavours and colours: Blueberry, Peach, Orange, Raspberry, Lemon and Strawberry.
Christmas 2014, Ganong launches its first series of limited edition Delecto commemorative tins.
Ganong adds a NEW Sunkist item for adult snacking. Exotic fruit flavour blends: Coconut-Lime, Orange-Mango, Blackberry-Grape; smothered with premium dark chocolate. Now available in retailers across Canada