Judson-Atkinson Candies Suspends Production

WASHINGTON, D.C. and SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- Judson-Atkinson Candies has suspended production of its products due to the high cost of sugar and other raw materials, according to a press release issued by the Coalition for Sugar Reform. The current state of the economy was also cited as a contributing factor.

"This has been a very difficult decision for the owners; however our business and costs trends are consistent and similar to many businesses like ours around the country," said Amy Atkinson Voltz, president of Judson‐Atkinson Candies Inc. "We are incredibly proud of our employees and wish to thank them and our customers for their loyal support."

The company's history goes back more than a century to 1899, when it was known as the Jenner Manufacturing Co. The Atkinson family purchased Judson Candies in 1983 to create Judson-Atkinson Candies.

"It is a shame to see a hard‐working family company like Judson‐Atkinson close its doors, especially this close to the holiday season," said Larry Graham, chairman of the Coalition for Sugar Reform and president of the National Confectioners Association. "This unfortunate story is yet another example of why reform of the current government‐controlled U.S. sugar policy is so desperately needed. We urge policymakers to end this archaic program in order to protect American confectioners, food manufacturers and other small businesses from the crippling effects of record‐high sugar prices."