Our History

MIDWESTERN ROOTS

American Licorice Company founder Martin Kretchmer started out in the chocolate business… unsuccessfully. So, in 1914, he purchased a licorice formula and started American Licorice with his son and son-in-law. At first making small batches out of their homes, they began to sell their black licorice candy from a cart in front of department stores in downtown Chicago. The business quickly expanded, and a few years later they purchased a building on the northside of Chicago and started manufacturing there.

Chicago Factory of American Licorice Co. Where the Finest Line of Licorice Confections is Produced
American Licorice Company Factory in San Francisco, California circa 1925

WESTWARD EXPANSION

In 1925, American Licorice Company expanded westward to San Francisco, California. Martin Kretchmer asked his son, Clarence, to run the new facility out west. The original building had been a police station in the 1800s, with an attached barn for the police horses. Bite-sized black licorice pieces called Lic-ris-ets were the only item made in California at that time, and for decades after. During WWII, the California business struggled due to labor shortages. In fact, men willing to work for the day were sometimes recruited off the streets of San Francisco to come and make candy.

LET'S CALL THEM
"RED VINES"

In the 1950s, American Licorice decided to innovate beyond black licorice, creating a fruit-flavored candy piece originally known as Raspberry Vines. When informed that the original name could not be used for legal reasons, Clarence Kretchmer reportedly called out across the factory floor in frustration, “Well, fine – let’s call them Red Vines!” At the time, it was doubtful among the team that Red Vines candy would amount to much. We can only assume they would be both surprised and proud of Red Vines’ success today!

Sour Punch Blue Raz Lemonade Filled Straws

SOUR PUNCH

While the Red Vines candy business was bustling in California, the midwestern branch of American Licorice Company was looking for new ways to boost sales. An opportunity presented itself in a new sour candy product which could be made using the same equipment used for producing licorice candy. The Sour Punch candy brand was born. Though sales were slow at first, things began to take off with the introduction of the now-iconic two-ounce tray of Sour Punch straws. This item is still being made in the Midwest today, though operations moved out of the Chicagoland area to the current location in La Porte, Indiana.

New Innovations & New Additions

American Licorice Company continues to innovate, entering new categories with new products. Joining the family in 2021, the Torie & Howard organic candy brand has introduced some new favorites to the American Licorice portfolio, including their original hard candy and lollipops. 2023 brought the arrival of organic chocolate brand, Theo Chocolate – the company’s first foray into the chocolate category since before its inception in the 1900s! And this year, the legacy Red Vines brand has introduced a brand new line of Vines candy, including Gummies, Filled Ropes and even a few surprises for Halloween.