Tootsie Roll Industries, the conglomerate behind childhood favorites like Charleston Chew, Junior Mints, Sugar Babies, and, of course, Tootsie Rolls, happens to hold a lot of secrets. More than just secret formulas and recipes, very little is actually known about the company. Read on for the The Wall Street Journal's investigation on what's behind the scenes of this 116-year-old company.
The history of the Tootsie Roll dates back to 1896 when Leo Hirshfield began making the chocolate flavored candy named after his daughter. The company began to acquire other candies like Dot gumdrops over the years, and eventually Andes Mints and Dubble Bubble.
However, while other candy brands were being bought out by Kraft Foods and Cadbury, Tootsie Roll Industries remained intact. The company is a bit of an enigma in the stock market, providing little to no information to analysts and headed by a CEO in his 90s. In fact, the company has refused interviews and denied access to the factory for decades.
What lies ahead for this company founded on nostalgic candies? Just as the famous Tootsie Pop advertisement says about how many licks it takes to reach the center: No one really knows.
Read more: Tootsie's Secret Empire at The Wall Street Journal
Related: Fast, Pretty Party Favors: Re-Wrap Store-Bought Candy!
(Images: Flickr user oskay licensed for use under Creative Commons)
How To Make Perfect Bacon in the Oven
How To Cook Tender, Chewy Wheat Berries on the Stovetop
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Straw Mat from The ...
Must-See Small Cool Homes: Week Two
Beth's Romantic & Retro Residence
Tootsie Rolls are one of the few candies I enjoy. I've given up most store bought sweets over the years (including chocolate bars.)
One of these days I'll have to try making my own: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZjB-9SrHGw
What right do we have to go into their factory? What business is it of anyone how this company is run. Get a life people. I love Tootsie Rolls.
I love Tootsie Rolls, too. Very interesting WSJ article. I find get a life comment to be uncalled for. Lighten up people!
Sounds like two very wise people. Interesting, don't you think, how the co has prospered while maintaining a respectable distance from media instrusion. Perhaps there is a lesson to be learned from their example.
Tootsie rolls taste like chocolate wax to me. Not a fan, sorry.