Esther Price Candies Celebrates 100 Years of Sweet Tradition in Ohio
Ohio has long been a hub for manufacturing and innovation, from automobiles to aerospace. But nestled in the heart of southwest Ohio, a company is weaving history, tradition, and modern touches to create a legacy as sweet as its confections. Esther Price Candies, a family-owned business, is marking its 100th anniversary this year, continuing to delight customers with timeless recipes and unwavering quality.
The story of Esther Price Candies begins in Dayton in the 1920s, when its namesake, Esther Price, started making fudge at night to help support her family. As a teenager, she sold her homemade treats door to door, quickly gaining a loyal following. Her dedication paid off, and she eventually built her candy factory around her home on Wayne Avenue—a location that still serves as the company’s headquarters today.
A century later, the company remains true to its roots. Jennifer McElroy, the newly appointed Vice President of Operations, is the first woman to hold this position since Esther herself walked the factory floors. “A lot of it is still hand-rolling, hand-cutting, and hand-feeding onto the belt,” McElroy explained as she watched hundreds of candies being coated in rich chocolate. This hands-on approach ensures that every piece of candy meets the high standards Esther set decades ago.
The factory is a hive of activity, with women at the forefront. Approximately 90% of the workforce is female, with many employees dedicating decades to the craft. “Every day is a challenge, and I love that,” said Markeeta Higgins, who has worked in nearly every department, from candy production to the mailroom. Higgins thrives on the constant motion, noting, “There’s hardly any downtime. Just moving and moving.”
Easter is one of the busiest times of the year for Esther Price Candies. Customers flock to the shops for seasonal treats that are only available during this time, embracing the tradition of filling Easter baskets with the company’s signature chocolates. The company’s commitment to consistency is evident in its use of vintage equipment, including giant mixers from the 1940s and 1960s. “One of the most important things we remember here is good quality. It doesn’t have to change—you can keep doing things the same way,” McElroy said.
While tradition remains at the heart of the business, modern technology has also found its place. Advanced machinery helps streamline production, particularly when making large batches like 500 pounds of caramel. “We’re trying to incorporate things to make everyone’s lives a bit easier and offset labor shortages, which we’ve really struggled with,” McElroy explained.
In the packing department, employees work tirelessly to ensure every box is ready for its iconic red bow. “They work really hard to get a lot out in a day, hand-packing everything still. A lot of care has to go into packing those boxes,” McElroy noted.
Over the years, Esther Price Candies has expanded its reach, with seven beautifully decorated shops spread between Dayton and Cincinnati. Each location offers a glimpse into the company’s rich history, showcasing its commitment to quality and tradition.
As the company celebrates its centennial, McElroy reflects on its enduring legacy. “It’s a big deal—100 years is a big deal,” she said. Through thick and thin, Esther Price Candies has remained a beloved Ohio institution, proving that some traditions are worth preserving.
— Reported by Nexio News
