Necco Wafers production paused, but the candy is not gone
Necco Wafers temporarily ceased commercial production after the Necco brand was sold in 2018, leading to widespread reports that Necco Wafers were out of business. The original New England Confectionery Company shut down in 2018, discontinuing the familiar pastel scallop wafers. However, the brand was acquired by a competitor, and limited runs returned to shelves. This evergreen explainer clarifies the timeline, ownership shifts, and current availability of Necco Wafers.
What Necco Wafers are and why they mattered
Necco Wafers are thin, pastel-colored wafers with a subtly sweet creme center, first produced in the 19th century. They became an American holiday staple, often packed in holiday tins and given as gifts. Their long shelf life and distinctive texture made them a candy-counter classic. The original NECCO brand stood for New England Confectionery Company, a historic New England candy maker known for dependable quality and nostalgic appeal.
Why Necco Wafers disappeared from shelves in 2018
In early 2018, the Necco brand and its manufacturing facilities were put up for sale after financial pressures. The company ceased production in May 2018, triggering headlines that Necco Wafers were out of business. Retailers quickly sold through remaining inventory, and many assumed the iconic wafers were discontinued for good. The closure was widely reported as the end of an era for the New England confection.
Immediate effects of the 2018 shutdown
- Production halted at Necco’s Revere, Massachusetts factory
- Retail shelf space cleared as remaining stock sold out
- Online searches for Necco Wafers out of business surged
- Concern among loyal customers about availability
The 2018 brand sale and early revival attempts
In the summer of 2018, the Necco brand, trademarks, and a small production line were sold to the Florida-based company called Doscher’s Candies. Doscher’s planned to bring Necco Wafers back in limited form, but initial relaunch attempts faced quality-control and supply-chain hurdles. Smaller batches appeared regionally, and some fans were able to buy the wafers again at select drugstores and online.
Key details about the 2018 revival
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| May 2018 | Necco factory closes | End of original production; widespread out-of-stock reports |
| Summer 2018 | Brand sold to Doscher’s Candies | New owner with rights to trademarks and recipe |
| Late 2018 | Limited relaunch of Necco Wafers | Small regional availability; mixed consumer response |
| 2019 | Necco brand transitions to new owner | Wafers continue on a smaller scale through online and gift-market channels |
Current ownership, production status, and availability
By 2020, the Necco brand was acquired by Spangler Candy, a larger confection supplier already producing other classic candies. Under Spangler, Necco Wafers returned more broadly but remain a limited-run product rather than a year-round mainstream SKU. The candy is frequently available seasonally, around holidays, and through online and gift-store channels, which explains why many people still ask whether Necco Wafers are out of business.
What to expect when buying Necco Wafers today
- Seasonal spikes in availability around holidays, especially winter
- Smaller packaging sizes and regional distribution
- Pricing comparable to other nostalgic, mass-market candies
- Online and direct-from-brand options as reliable purchase paths
How to buy Necco Wafers in 2025 and beyond
You can buy Necco Wafers consistently by ordering directly from the brand’s website, checking major online retailers, and looking in drugstores and big-box candy aisles during the holiday season. Stock levels vary, so checking stock alerts or buying slightly ahead of gift-giving times improves your chances of finding them on the shelf. While Necco Wafers are no longer a mass-market year-round item, they are still produced and sold.
Recipe ideas and serving suggestions
Necco Wafers work well on their own and in simple nostalgic treats. Crushed wafers can top desserts or fold into whipped cream for a light confection. Pair them with coffee or tea for a classic after-moment. Because the creme center is sensitive to heat, store in a cool, dry place and avoid warm stacking to preserve texture.
Quick serving ideas
- Necco Wafer tower: stack with creme side up for a colorful display
- Crushed wafer topping for cupcakes or ice cream
- Gift tins with a mix of flavors and seasonal notes
- Classic holiday mix-ins alongside chocolate coins and mint candies
Final verdict: are Necco Wafers still made
Necco Wafers are still made, but production is scaled and seasonal rather than continuous. The confusion around whether Necco Wafers are out of business stems from the 2018 factory closure and multiple ownership changes. Today, the candy is available, albeit less widely than at its peak. For reliable purchases, buy directly from the brand or check retailers during peak seasons.
