D. L. Clark Company

D.L.ClarkBuildingPittsburgh

D. L. Clark Company was an American candy manufacturer founded in 1886 by David L. Clark in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The company is best known for producing a variety of popular candy bars, including the Clark Bar, which became a staple in American confectionery.

History

The D. L. Clark Company was established in 1886 by David L. Clark, an Irish immigrant who initially started his business by making candies in his home. The company quickly grew, and by the early 20th century, it had become one of the leading candy manufacturers in the United States. The company's headquarters and main production facility were located in the North Side neighborhood of Pittsburgh.

Products

The D. L. Clark Company is most famous for the Clark Bar, a chocolate-coated peanut butter crunch bar that was first introduced in 1917. Other notable products included the Zagnut, Teaberry gum, and Black Jack gum. The company also produced a variety of other candies, including coconut bars and marshmallow treats.

Acquisitions and Ownership Changes

Over the years, the D. L. Clark Company underwent several ownership changes. In 1955, the company was sold to Beatrice Foods, a major food processing company. Later, in 1983, it was acquired by Leaf, Inc., a subsidiary of Hershey Foods Corporation. In 1996, the Clark Bar brand was sold to Necco, the New England Confectionery Company. After Necco's bankruptcy in 2018, the Clark Bar brand was acquired by the Boyer Candy Company.

Legacy

The D. L. Clark Company left a lasting legacy in the American candy industry. The Clark Bar remains a beloved treat, and the company's innovative approach to candy making has influenced many other confectionery products. The company's history is also a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of its founder, David L. Clark.

Related Pages

• Clark Bar
• David L. Clark
• Boyer Candy Company
• Necco
• Beatrice Foods
• Leaf, Inc.
• Hershey Foods Corporation