Astro Pops Are Blasting Off Again As Astro Pop, LLC Acquires Worldwide Rights for Astro Pops

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Astro Pop®, LLC announced the acquisition of the worldwide rights for Astro Pops®, one of the most popular candy suckers of all time, from Spangler Candy of Bryan, Ohio at the 2010 Sweet and Snacks Expo here today.

“We understand the brand and are excited to bring it back to where it all started”

Astro Pops will be at the Sweet and Snacks Expo in Chicago from May 25^th-May 27^th in Bee International’s Booth #1967 as Bee International has been named the exclusive distributor for Astro Pops in the U.S.

In 1987, Spangler Candy acquired the Astro Pops brand from the Nellson Candy Company of Los Angeles, California. Astro Pops, which are rocket-shaped lollipops, were reputed to be the longest lasting lollipop on earth. In September of 2004, Spangler discontinued the product line.

“As a big fan of Astro Pops, I was so unhappy that Spangler stopped producing the pop that I decided to buy the rights and re-introduce the brand,” said Ellia Kassoff, CEO of Astro Pop, LLC. “The product had a huge following for over 40 years, but the product didn’t fit in Spangler’s long term strategy. The plan is to re-introduce Astro Pops in the fall. Right now, we’re talking to several manufacturers, focusing on making the pop exactly as people remember it. We plan to certify the pops Kosher, expanding the product to a larger and growing kosher market worldwide,” Mr. Kassoff added.

Nostalgia is big and Astro Pops® are part of the nostalgic culture of America

For over 40 years, Astro Pops have been a favorite among people all over the world. Millions of the famous pops had been sold in countries such as Italy, India, Canada, Mexico, UK and Israel. There are also many websites and Facebook pages that tout the cone-shaped pop with three different flavors. People are always looking for nostalgic brands that bring them back to their childhood and Astro Pops is one of those brands that people remember and now want to share with their children.

“I’m receiving calls from all over the country as people find out Astro Pops are coming back. It really makes their day,” Mr. Kassoff commented. “In tough times, people revert to what makes them happy, and candy (especially nostalgic candy) fills the need. We’re also receiving calls from candy stores everywhere, saying they still get many people walking into their store every day asking for an Astro Pop! They can’t wait to stock them back on their shelves.”

Expanding the Product line for Astro Pops

Astro Pop, LLC plans on re-introducing many of the original flavors, plus adding some new ones. They also plan to introduce novelty items, t-shirts and POS displays to strengthen the brand in-stores, so customers can identify the product.

Bee International will become the distributor of Astro Pops®, for the U.S. market

Chula Vista, Calif.-based Bee International is a perfect fit as the distributor of Astro Pops. The company was started in the 1960’s by Louis Block, one of the original employees of Nellson Candy in charge of distribution of Astro Pops. “We understand the brand and are excited to bring it back to where it all started,” said Chuck Block, Louis’s son and co-owner of Bee International. “We have a large distribution network and many loyal customers.”

For more information on Astro Pops, call 949-947-0077, email [e-mail], or visit their website at www.astropopcandy.com or The-Official-Astro-Pop-Candy-Fan-Page on Facebook.