In the summer of 1976, Peter W. De Yager, a high school German teacher, began taking his students abroad so the students could learn more about the language and culture they were studying. After visiting a gummy bear factory in Germany, the students decided to sell the candy as a fundraiser to raise money for next summer¹s trip.The gummy bears sold amazingly well.  Peter had an idea- why not sell Gummy Bears to German Clubs across the country?  This would be a great job for Peter¹s wife, Betsy, in their home, and a great way for high school German students nationwide to raise funds.

The business flourished and Peter resigned his teaching position in the spring of 1980.  They ran out of room in their home, built a new building, doubling the size soon after.  At this time the Profit Potentials Company, a division of The Foreign Candy Company, Inc., also began.  This division sold domestic fundraising candies to groups all over the United States. Sales in all company divisions were booming.

In 1982, The Foreign Candy Company, Inc., with all its divisions, became incorporated.  The following year they expanded the gummy bear sales into the wholesale division and developed the Black Forest® gummy trademark, selling these gummy candies through all retail channels. Since then, many other successful brands have been developed and sold across the United States:  Mega Warheads® Sour Candies, Sidewalk Chalk® Bubble Gum, Paint Brush® Candy, Rip Rolls®, Surprise Bag® and many others.

2000 was an exciting year for The Foreign Candy Company, Inc.  Along with the addition of many new and exciting products, Peter W. De Yager was named 2000 Entrepreneur of the Year.  The Foreign Candy Company, Inc. is setting the trend in the candy industry by consistently developing Innovative products and brands.

Today, The Foreign Candy Company, Inc. continues its innovation and understanding of kids’ demands.  With the Rips® licorice brand, EIFFEL bonbons®, Big Fat Hissee Fit®, The Yardstick® Bubble Gum, and many other exciting candy brands, The Foreign Candy Company, Inc. continues to be a leading marketer of Innovative International Confections.