Eduard Haas

Eduard Haas

Eduard Haas
Born	(1877-03-13)March 13, 1877 Vienna, Austria-Hungary
Died	September 13, 1941(1941-09-13) (aged 64) Vienna, Austria
Nationality	Austrian
Occupation	Inventor, Entrepreneur

Eduard Haas (March 13, 1877 – September 13, 1941) was an Austrian inventor and entrepreneur. He is best known for his contributions to the confectionery industry, particularly for inventing the iconic Pez candy dispenser.

Early Life and Education

Eduard Haas was born on March 13, 1877, in Vienna, Austria-Hungary. He showed an early interest in mechanics and engineering, which led him to pursue a career in the field. Haas attended the Vienna University of Technology, where he studied mechanical engineering and gained a solid foundation in the principles of design and manufacturing.

Career

After completing his education, Haas started working in a small mechanical workshop in Vienna. He gained valuable experience and honed his skills in designing and building various mechanical devices. In 1927, Haas founded his own company, which he named "Eduard Haas III." The company initially focused on manufacturing and selling various mechanical and electrical devices.

However, Haas's breakthrough came in 1927 when he invented the Pez candy dispenser. The Pez dispenser was a small mechanical device that dispensed candy in a fun and interactive way. It quickly gained popularity and became a beloved collectible item among children and adults alike.

Pez Candy Dispenser

File:Pez dispensers.jpg

A collection of Pez candy dispensers

The Pez candy dispenser, invented by Eduard Haas, revolutionized the way candy was consumed. It consisted of a small rectangular container that held candy tablets and a mechanical dispenser mechanism. By pushing a lever at the back of the dispenser, a single candy tablet would be dispensed from the top.

The original Pez dispenser was designed to resemble a cigarette lighter, reflecting the popular smoking culture of the time. However, as societal attitudes towards smoking changed, the design of the Pez dispenser evolved to include various characters and themes, making it a highly collectible item.

Legacy

Eduard Haas's invention of the Pez candy dispenser had a lasting impact on the confectionery industry. The Pez brand continues to be popular worldwide, with a wide range of dispenser designs and flavors available. The collectible nature of Pez dispensers has also made them sought-after items among collectors.