Last updated 4 months ago | Originally Published: May 25, 2021

About Cincinnati Ohio’s Famous Old-Fashioned Candy Company 

Absolutely nothing can compete with the sweet sugary goodness of old-fashioned-style Doscher’s Candy! Better yet, is a delicious vintage candy company with a rich legacy and inspiring family backstory! As it happens, that’s exactly what the Doscher’s Candy Company has created over the last 150 years. 

Indeed, over the last century and a half, the Doscher’s Candy Company in Cincinnati, Ohio has gone from a small one-man operation to one of the greatest candy businesses Ohio has ever seen! Below, we’ll walk you through this company’s history, legacy, and deliciously popular candies.  

The Early Beginnings of Doscher’s 

Like every great story, it all started with one man. The man, myth, and legend, are none other than Claus Doscher himself. After immigrating from Germany, Claus began making candy when he was just 19 years old! Back in 1871, Claus Doscher created his first-ever handcrafted candy cane. 

At the time, he was living in Cincinnati Ohio. After using real peppermint oil and a copper kettle, he hand-rolled the minty candy treat to perfection. Before long, Claus was working for his uncles and making handmade candy 24/7!

In time, Claus went on to create a range of flavorful and delicious candy confections. In fact, Doscher’s French Chews were one of his original signature creations that still delight candy lovers across the nation! Freshly crafted using a chewy nougat-like toffee, Doscher’s French Chews were, and still are, a hit.

Growth and Changes in the Company 

Later, Claus Doscher partnered up with his brothers John and Heinrich, who had also come over to America as immigrants from Germany. Together, they worked hard to form Doscher Bros. Wholesale Confections. This business was located in Cincinnati, Ohio, just off of Sycamore street. In time, this candy company would grow and evolve to great success! 

Although Claus Doscher had lived a full and sweet life, he passed away at only 37 years old. Leaving his wife Sophia and two young sons behind, his brother John took over the company and expanded its product lines. Before long, the company was creating chewing gum, creamy candies, molded Maple confections, and Bon Ton chocolates.

To help the company profit, John Doscher moved the company toward wholesale production. A four-story factory was built on Central Parkway, which was then known as Canal Street. Here, the Doscher brothers worked to sell their candies wholesale to local businesses in the Cincinnati area! 

Braving the Great Depression  

As the Great Depression began to take its toll in the year 1932, the second generation of Doscher’s would begin to take over the candy business. Harry Doscher passed away in 1939. He was soon followed by his brother John, in 1941. 

Now, it was up to the second generation of Doscher family members to ensure that the company would survive through these difficult times. Luckily, these young pioneers had been raised in the candy business and knew exactly how to keep things running sweetly. 

At this time, Harry Doscher’s widow, Elsie Beck, stepped up to the plate and began working tirelessly to save the company from economic peril. Along with her children Harry and Marilyn, she preserved the business throughout the entire Great Depression! She may not have had very much money, but she had the brave fighting spirit necessary to keep Doscher’s legacy alive. 

The Sweet Family Legacy Continues 

Throughout the years, the Doscher’s Candy Company managed to keep the business in the hands of family members. In 1953, after graduating from the University of Cincinnati, Elsie’s son, Harry, joined the business officially. Along with the rest of the family, he worked until the 1990s to keep Doscher’s Candy Co. going strong! 

Doscher’s Candy Today 

Today, Doscher’s is still creating deliciously sweet confections in the old-fashioned style that started it all. In fact, some of Doscher’s most popular products include Doscher’s French Chews, French Chew Minnis, and Doscher’s Handmade Candy Canes! 

Interestingly enough, Doscher’s Candy Canes are still hand-rolled and made in copper kettles just like the candy canes that started it all! Additionally, Doscher’s French Chews now come in a range of tantalizing flavors and offer creamy-chewy goodness like no other candy in the world. 

Popular Doscher’s French Chew flavors include Strawberry, Vanilla, Chocolate, Banana, and Cincinnati Redlegs Chews! With all of this being said, the best way to experience the rich history and homemade legacy of the Doscher’s Candy Company is to savor some of their confections personally!