Have you ever enjoyed a sour Lemonhead or a hot Atomic Fireball as a sweet treat? Both of those candies and more are a result of Illinois innovation!

Illinois has been the source of several sweet inventions throughout the state, while also being home to production centers for some of the largest, most iconic candy producers in the world.

Lemonheads, Atomic Fireballs, Gobstoppers and more were invented by Ferrara Candy Company. The first Ferrara shop opened as a candy store and bakery in Chicago’s Little Italy by Salvatore Ferrara, an Italian immigrant in 1908. By 1919, Ferrara had established a facility near North Lawndale, where it would be until 1959. Soon, the facility had created some of America’s favorite candies, including adding Black Forest brand gummies under the Ferrara name.

Since the founding of Wrigley Company in 1891, Illinois has been a center for gum production in the country. Wrigley introduced brands like Doublemint, Juicy Fruit and Spearmint to American consumers in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The company still operates an innovation center in Chicago under Mars Inc. Of course, Wrigley is most known for holding the name of the Chicago Cubs’ home stadium of Wrigley Field, and the surrounding neighborhood of Wrigleyville.

Not only does Illinois have a history filled with sweet innovation – it also has an exciting future in the world of sweets. In 2024, Bloomington became the home of the first North American headquarters for Ferrero, Ferrera’s parent company that produces iconic chocolates like Kinder, Ferrero Rocher and Butterfinger.