Katydids Candy traces their beginnings to 1854, when J.L. Green started a confectionery business in Bloomington, Illinois. The company was later acquired by Paul F. Beich, who went on to establish the Paul F. Beich Company in 1905. As the business expanded, it introduced several popular treats—such as Laffy Taffy and Golden Clusters—before adding Katydids to its lineup. In the early 1950s, Kathryn Beich recognized the importance of giving back and supporting local communities. She helped create a fundraising program centered on Katydids Candy, giving schools and nonprofit organizations a simple way to raise money by selling the chocolate caramel clusters. Over time, Katydids Candy became one of the earliest and most iconic fundraising candies in the country, earning a lasting place in school fundraising traditions across generations.
As demand grew, the fundraising model helped establish a broader network of distributors and participating organizations, allowing Katydids to reach communities well beyond its original regional roots. The candy itself—known for its distinctive combination of caramel, pecans, and milk chocolate—maintained consistent appeal due to both its flavor and its association with charitable causes. This dual identity as both a treat and a fundraising staple contributed to its longevity in the market, helping it remain relevant even as fundraising strategies evolved with changing times. Today, Katydids continue to be recognized not only as a classic confection but also as a symbol of community-driven fundraising efforts that have supported countless schools, teams, and organizations over the decades.
Sell Candy Fundraising Introduces Katydids Sleeves
Sell Candy Fundraising has been providing Katydids Candy to fundraising organizations for over twenty years and can also take credit for introducing sleeve packaging as an additional option for distributors and groups selling fundraising products.
Prior to the introduction of sleeve packaging by Sell Candy Fundraising, Katydids Candy was most commonly offered in its recognizable 8-ounce collectible tin, a format that fundraising groups across the United States have used for decades. With the addition of sleeve packaging, the candy can now be distributed in a different format while still maintaining its traditional taste and familiar identity.
Overall, the introduction of sleeve packaging by Sell Candy Fundraising has helped modernize the way Katydids Candy is offered while preserving the product’s long-standing appeal. By expanding packaging options beyond the classic collectible tin, fundraising organizations now have greater flexibility in how they present and distribute the candy. At the same time, the enduring quality and recognizable identity of Katydids remain unchanged, allowing the product to continue serving as a trusted and effective choice for fundraising efforts across generations.
To learn more about Katydids Sleeves and to start your candy fundraiser, click on sellcandy.com/product/katydids-sleeves/.
