Founded in 1895 as the Baltimore Chewing Gum Company, Goetze's Caramel Creams continues to manufacture its candies in the same Baltimore facility where they’ve been produced for decades, using real dairy ingredients and sourcing from American suppliers whenever possible. 

With National Caramel Day (Sunday, April 5) right around the corner, we reached out to Ella Goetze, lead, packing department, and Emily Goetze, manager, materials planning and packaging development, to learn more about the history of the sixth-generation family business, and what's next to come.

Liz Parker Kuhn: Can you talk about the 130-year legacy of Goetze’s, one of America’s last remaining family-owned candy companies? How did you get to 130 years—any secrets?

Ella Goetze: Goetze’s Candy Company started as the Baltimore Chewing Gum Company. In 1895, father-son duo, August and William Goetze purchased the chewing gum company and the rest is sweet history. The family began making Caramel Creams in 1918 and launched the Cow Tales brand in 1984, appealing to a new generation of consumers with its playful and fun elongated shape and fairytale themed packaging. Our success and legacy can be accredited to the dedication of all six generations of the Goetze family, as well as our employees who have devoted their careers to supporting us in making our nostalgic brands. Due to our unique products and rich history, Caramel Creams and Cow Tales have remained a favorite for many generations.

LPK: How have your products and flavors changed over the years?

EG: As a family and a company, we have always stayed consistent and focused on doing one thing well and efficiently. We do not get distracted by all the “shiny new things"—rather, we align our energy on strengthening our core brands. Consumers find comfort in continually supporting brands that stay authentic and true to what they are familiar with year over year. We have been fortunate to be a part of consumer legacy. This genuine connection with our consumers cannot be bought with marketing, but is achieved through core memories associated with our products throughout our consumers’ lives. Memories that stem from that distinct glass dish filled with Goetze’s products sitting on your grandmother’s coffee table as a child, connection through walking to your local convenience store back in the day to pick up your favorite sweet treat, connection of sharing little moments with those you love in twist wrap form. Ultimately, our brands are recognized through connection and nostalgia, unique to every one of our consumers.

LPK: Why have Caramel Creams remained a nostalgic favorite for generations?

EG: With our nostalgia and longevity of consumer legacy, we keep the excitement around our brands alive with the expansion of flavor profiles, new pack types, elevated brand identity, encouraging innovation at home, as well as supporting our consumers through wholesome traditions. Over the decades we have experimented with many different flavors including banana, licorice, and chocolate. Our current lineup includes our Original, Strawberry Smoothie, Honey Bun, Brownie, Caramel Apple, and seasonal Pumpkin Pie.

We continually explore innovative ways to elevate our brands through packaging and brand identity. New formats, pack types, and displays drive fresh consumers to try our products but we never stray too far from what our legacy consumers know and love. A great example of this is the introduction of Melvin the Bakerman this year. Melvin is a modern take on Goetze’s original Bakerman design, honoring our heritage and legacy while allowing us to bring an engaging and welcoming touch for all ages to our Caramel Creams brand. We have also encouraged our consumers to bring innovation and excitement home using Caramel Creams and Cow Tales in a plethora of everyday and moment specific recipes and crafts.

In addition, we have increased our involvement in good American family experiences such as rodeos, tractor pulls, and state fairs. Reinforcing our love and support of wholesome family traditions and our country through brand exposure and allowing our consumers to create new memories with our products. We are lucky that our Cow Tales brand connects us to these types of events not only through brand name but with the wholesome ingredients that we use every day supporting American farmers and businesses.

LPK: Any new flavors/products on the horizon for 2026 or beyond?
Ella and Emily Goetze: This year and beyond we are focused on the continued growth of our Caramel Creams and Cow Tales brands through remaining committed to bringing innovation and excitement to our consumers in and outside of the plant.

As both Caramel Creams and Cow Tales continue to be consumed and loved generation after generation, we as a family continue to dedicate ourselves to operating under the same foundational values as our predecessors while producing sweet moments of nostalgia and indulgence for consumers across the country. Over 130 years in business and six generations strong is an honorary and sweet legacy to be a part of.

What is your favorite Goetze’s product to enjoy?

EG: My favorite is definitely the original Caramel Creams, but I like to indulge in the Brownie!

---

Related: Goetze's Candy collaborates on chocolate bar