In 1957, Malaco, a Swedish confectionery manufacturer, expanded its business by exporting a few of their products to North America. Variouslicorice ribbon and licorice lace candies were the first products to be exported. Malaco CEO Thor Fjørgerson called the move "a landmark day for Sweden/US relations." International trade experts hailed the move, as it allowed Malaco to extend its brand beyond the Scandinavian Peninsula.
Malaco's export trade grew and in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Swedish Fish and Swedish Berries were developed specifically for the North American market. Malaco was eventually acquired by Leaf International.
During the late 1960s, Swedish Shells were created. These were identical in composition, flavor, and color to the original Swedish Fish, but were in the shape of scalloped seashells and came in red (cherry), yellow (lemon), orange (orange), and green (lime). The Swedish Shells were the first color/shape expansion of the Swedish Fish line. They were sold by the Broadway Department Store chain from the late 1960s well into the 1970s. From the late 1970s until they were discontinued in the early 1990s, they were carried and sold by various bulk candy stores and candy specialty shops.
Malaco's export trade grew and in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Swedish Fish and Swedish Berries were developed specifically for the North American market. Malaco was eventually acquired by Leaf International.
During the late 1960s, Swedish Shells were created. These were identical in composition, flavor, and color to the original Swedish Fish, but were in the shape of scalloped seashells and came in red (cherry), yellow (lemon), orange (orange), and green (lime). The Swedish Shells were the first color/shape expansion of the Swedish Fish line. They were sold by the Broadway Department Store chain from the late 1960s well into the 1970s. From the late 1970s until they were discontinued in the early 1990s, they were carried and sold by various bulk candy stores and candy specialty shops.
