Shawn Peterson | Pez Historian; Business Manager, Pez Candy
- Shawn is the Director of the Pez Museum.
- He is also a prolific collector of this historic and noteworthy candy.
Podcast
Overview
Step into the vibrant world of Pez collecting with Shawn Peterson, a passionate Pez enthusiast and the Director of the Pez Museum and Visitor Center. In this intriguing conversation, he shares the fascinating journey of Pez, from its origins as an Austrian invention for smoking cessation to becoming a beloved childhood treat around the globe. Discover how Pez dispensers reflect the cultural zeitgeist of their times, the evolution of marketing strategies, and the captivating stories behind rare and valuable collectibles. Join us as we delve into the colourful and nostalgic universe of Pez through the eyes of a dedicated collector.
[01:17] – About Shawn Peterson
- Shawn is the Director of the Pez Museum.
- He is also a prolific collector of this historic and noteworthy candy.
- He has written several volumes of books about Pez.
[06:40] – How did Pez transition from being marketed to adults to becoming popular among children?
- In the 1950s, Pez shifted its marketing focus from adults to children by introducing fruit-flavoured candies and character-themed dispensers.
- The introduction of colourful, three-dimensional characters on top of the dispensers, along with the change in candy flavours, made Pez more appealing to children.
[30:43] – Why did the factory end up in Connecticut?
- The decision was influenced by the sustainable nature of the business in New York.
- After 20 years in New York City, the factory relocated uptown, and by the late ’60s to early ’70s, they decided to set up manufacturing in the U.S.
- Roger Boyd, an Orange, Connecticut resident, discovered a potential partnership with Pez during a reverse trade mission in Europe. Unable to find an existing site, Boyd facilitated the purchase of land from a local family, leading to the establishment of the Pez factory in Connecticut.
RESOURCES:
Learn more about Shawn Peterson: LinkedIn
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Profile
- Shawn is the Director of the Pez Museum.
- He is also a prolific collector of this historic and noteworthy candy.
- He has written several volumes of books about Pez.
