Candy Maker Uses AI to Elevate Romance

The candies use AI scanning tech that lets consumers book a moving truck, buy a headstone and even get married.

Transcript

Spangler Candy Company’s Sweethearts have a history that spans over 100 years. From traditional sayings like “BE MINE” and “KISS ME” to last year’s “Situationship” limited-edition release that included intentionally blurred phrases, the candies are a Valentine’s Day staple.

This year, Spangler shifted away from the no-label lifestyle with its “Commitment Hearts,” which feature artificial intelligence scanning technology that lets consumers express their desire for cohabitation, symbolic headstones and even matrimony.

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The new candies read “MOVE IN?”, “MARRY ME” and “4EVER EVER?”. After buying these new sweethearts, customers can visit sweetheartcandies.com, where they will find a button that says “Commit to your Sweetheart.” Clicking the link brings up a page that lets them scan their candies with a webcam.

Scanning the candies will direct users to websites where they can access moving trucks, marriage licenses and buy heart-shaped headstones.

Spangler Vice President of Marketing Evan Brock explained that the “Commitment Hearts” represent a transition from ambiguity to relationship-defining.

The company based the new release on a study that surveyed 2,000 millennials and Gen Z. The research revealed that 39% of the respondents want to commit to a serious relationship, and 34% want to fall in love for the first or last time. 

Ohio-based Spangler was founded in 1906 and offers various brands, including Necco Wafers, Dum-Dums and Bit-O-Honey. According to the company’s website, it is one of the largest lollipop producers globally.

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