History of the PEZ Dispenser

    The first PEZ dispenser was invented in 1948 by Oscar Uxa and was officially introduced the following year at the Vienna Trade Fair. The dispenser was a small mechanical box used to dispense the candy in a hygienic way. This original dispenser was in the shape of a cigarette lighter and held 12 PEZ tablets. The dispensers are now referred to as PEZ Regulars.The first PEZ regulars introduced in 1949 had “BOX Trademark” engraved on the side of the stem. The second issue of PEZ regulars were released the same year and had “BOX Patent” engraved on the side of the stem. A rare third variation was also released and was called the “locking cap” regular due to a unique mechanism on the stem and sleeve of the dispenser.

    Following moderate success of the PEZ BOX Regular across Europe, Haas and his company decided to expand the business to the United States. In 1952, U.S. operations commenced in New York City, though all products were imported from Europe and then distributed across North America. The first U.S. patent for a PEZ dispenser was 2.620.061 and was established on December 2, 1952. Within two years of U.S. operations, PEZ decided to reinvent their product due to unsuccessful business in the U.S. market. In addition to adding fruit flavors to the candy, new dispensers with 3-D cartoon heads were created and the product was marketed to children. A Space Gun and a Witch Regular were introduced in 1956. The following year a Halloween Witch dispenser became the first traditional character head dispenser. In 1958, Popeye became the first licensed character to appear on a PEZ dispenser, followed by Bozo the Clown and Casper the Ghost in 1960. 1960 also saw the addition of die-cut dispensers, which featured designs that were cut into the side of the stem. Known Die-cut dispensers include Casper in 1960 and Mickey Mouse, Easter Bunny, Donald Duck, and Bozo the Clown in 1961. Many characters have appeared atop dispensers over the years. However, in 2006, the possibilities greatly increased when PEZ broke it's long standing tradition of not putting a real person atop a dispenser. The Teutuls of Orange County Choppers became the first living people to appear on a PEZ dispenser. A special set was released that featured the motorcycle building family and included Paul Jr., Paul Sr., and Mikey. The following year, a three-dispenser limited edition Elvis set was released, which brought even more awareness to the PEZ brand.

    

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