tech
Hunting for the Holy Grail of PEZ dispensers
PEZ candies were invented in Austria in 1927, but the mints were not a hit in the United States, until cartoon characters were added to a dispenser that ejected fruit flavors. Today, PEZ makes five billion candies a year, and its dispensers have become collectors' items. Correspondent Luke Burbank talks with PEZ historian Shawn Peterson, and collector Brian Trauman, who holds the Guinness World Record for most PEZ dispensers – 6,481 and counting.
TL;DR
- PEZ candies were invented in Austria in 1927.
- U.S. popularity increased with the addition of cartoon characters to dispensers featuring fruit flavors.
- PEZ produces five billion candies annually.
- PEZ dispensers are now collector's items.
- PEZ historian Shawn Peterson and collector Brian Trauman were interviewed.
- Brian Trauman holds the Guinness World Record for the largest PEZ dispenser collection with 6,481 items.