They’re sticky and chewy, sport colors not found in nature, and although unable to fly--or even walk--they travel the world. Peeps, the sugary marshmallow confections manufactured by Bethlehem’s Just Born, Inc., are the stars of several high-concept national contests that give the candy world-wide panache.

In each of the past four Easter seasons, the Washington Post has invited whimsically-minded artists to construct dioramas starring the marshmallow chicks and bunnies. Last year’s winner, among 1,1000 entries submitted, was “Nightpeeps,” an homage to Edward Hopper’s famous diner painting that featured pastel bunny peeps. National Geographic Traveler Magazine’s “Peeps in Places” contest invites readers to pose peeps with famous landmarks and post the results to Flickr

Just Born spokesperson Ellie Deardorff says the St. Paul Pioneer Press came up with the first Peeps contest, with other publications following suit.  Just Born provides prizes for the contestants.

While Deardorff declined to give sales figures for privately-hold Just Born, the 87-year-old company says it produces enough Peeps in one year to circle the earth twice. It also manufactures Hot Tamales, Mike and Ike, and Teenie Beanee candies in Bethlehem and Peanut Chews in Philadelphia. With over 475 employees, it sells its candy in over 45 countries.

Source: Ellie Deardorff, Just Born, Inc.
Writer: Chris O'Toole