Founded in 1921 by Charles See, his wife Florence, and his mother Mary in Los Angeles, See’s Candies has grown from a single chocolate shop to an iconic American confectionery brand with over 200 stores across the U.S. and international locations. Now headquartered in South San Francisco, this century-old chocolate manufacturer has maintained its commitment to handcrafted quality while expanding its global footprint. The acquisition by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway in 1972 marked a pivotal moment for See’s Candies, solidifying its position as a leader in the premium chocolate market. With its signature black and white checkered stores and recognizable packaging, See’s has become synonymous with high-quality, American-made chocolates that continue to delight customers worldwide.
The Rich History Behind a Chocolate Empire
The story of See’s Candies begins with Mary See, whose original homemade recipes formed the foundation of what would become a chocolate empire. Charles See, along with his mother and wife, opened their first shop in Los Angeles with a simple philosophy that continues today: quality without compromise. These family recipes, many of which are still used today, featured only the finest ingredients and no preservatives.
What started as a small family business has transformed into a beloved institution with a dedicated following. The distinctive black and white color scheme of See’s stores was inspired by Mary’s kitchen and has become an instantly recognizable brand element. Despite its growth to over 200 locations, each See’s Candies shop maintains the warm, welcoming atmosphere that made the original store successful.
The company reached a turning point in 1972 when it was acquired by Berkshire Hathaway, the conglomerate led by legendary investor Warren Buffett. This acquisition proved to be one of Buffett’s most successful investments, as See’s Candies continued to grow in popularity and profitability. Buffett has often cited See’s as a textbook example of a business with a strong competitive advantage and customer loyalty, referring to it as having an economic “moat” that competitors find difficult to cross.
The company’s international expansion has brought its classic American chocolates to fans in Hong Kong, the Philippines, Taiwan, Singapore, and South Korea. This global growth demonstrates the universal appeal of See’s quality-focused approach to confectionery, which has remained consistent through a century of business. I’ve found that authentic flavor traditions like those preserved by See’s often become treasured across cultural boundaries.
Commitment to Craftsmanship and Quality
See’s Candies stands apart in today’s mass-production world by maintaining its commitment to handcrafted chocolate excellence. The company produces over 800 million candies annually, but remarkably, many are still hand-packed and decorated, preserving the artisanal touch that has defined the brand for over a century. This dedication to craftsmanship is increasingly rare in the confectionery industry, where automation often replaces human skill.
Quality ingredients form the backbone of See’s reputation. The company partners with premium suppliers like Guittard Chocolate and Challenge Butter to maintain consistent, high-quality standards across all their products. These partnerships ensure that every piece of chocolate maintains the level of excellence customers have come to expect from the See’s name.
The production process at See’s combines traditional methods with careful attention to detail. Many candies still follow Mary See’s original recipes, with techniques passed down through generations of candy makers. In their kitchens, you’ll find skilled chocolatiers hand-dipping centers and decorating specialty pieces—particularly during holiday seasons when intricate designs become showcases of confectionery artistry.
This unwavering focus on quality has created generations of loyal customers who associate See’s with special occasions and heartfelt gifts. Many families have traditions centered around these chocolates, whether it’s selecting favorites from a box during holidays or receiving them as birthday gifts. The company’s philosophy proves that when quality is prioritized over shortcuts, customer loyalty follows naturally.
Seasonal Celebrations Through Chocolate
See’s Candies transforms each holiday into a chocolate-filled celebration with their seasonal collections. Their limited-time offerings have become eagerly anticipated traditions for many families, creating moments of joy throughout the year. The seasonal product lineup demonstrates See’s ability to balance traditional favorites with creative new offerings.
Halloween brings a playful side to See’s offerings with products like Chocolate Marshmallow Jack-O’-Lanterns and Trick or Treat Lollypops. The Mini Halloween Cat Box, Happy Jack and Friends Box, and Halloween Orange & Chocolate Creams showcase the company’s attention to festive packaging and thematic designs. These seasonal Halloween treats elevate ordinary candy to something special—much like festival favorites such as churros that become central to celebratory occasions.
Easter collections feature springtime classics, with pre-order options available for those wanting to secure their favorites before they sell out. The Easter line demonstrates See’s ability to create candies that are visually appealing while maintaining their commitment to taste excellence. Pastel colors and special packaging make these items perfect for Easter baskets and family gatherings.
St. Patrick’s Day brings Irish-themed confections like One Sweet Spud and Irish Cream treats that highlight See’s creativity. These holiday-specific candies reflect cultural celebrations through chocolate, demonstrating the company’s understanding of how confections connect to traditions. Each holiday collection reveals See’s knack for creating products that feel special yet familiar, innovative yet comforting—a balance that few confectioners achieve so consistently.
Industry Leadership and Advocacy
See’s Candies has established itself as a significant voice in the confectionery industry, participating in trade organizations that shape policy and standards. The National Confectioners Association (NCA) represents the industry’s interests, with companies like See’s playing important roles in advocacy efforts. This involvement helps maintain favorable conditions for chocolate manufacturers while promoting responsible industry practices.
The company’s century of experience gives it particular authority in discussions about traditional confectionery methods and quality standards. See’s representatives often share insights about maintaining artisanal practices while scaling production to meet demand. Their perspective is especially valuable as the industry navigates changing consumer preferences and regulatory environments.
In 2024, the NCA’s Advocate of the Year award was presented to Michael Rosenberg and PIM Brands at the State of the Industry Conference in Miami. As NCA president and CEO John Downs noted, “Michael’s unwavering commitment to advocacy has significantly benefited the interests of the confectionery industry.” While this recognition went to another industry leader, it highlights the type of advocacy work that benefits all quality-focused manufacturers, including See’s Candies.
Industry advocacy efforts focus on issues ranging from ingredient sourcing to labeling requirements to international trade policies. These behind-the-scenes activities help ensure that traditional candy makers can continue their craft while adapting to modern market demands. Some of these advocacy efforts have helped preserve traditional treats across cultures, similar to how global food traditions have been maintained through changing times.
A Sweet Legacy Looking Forward
After more than a century in business, See’s Candies has achieved what few companies manage: remaining relevant while staying true to its founding principles. The acquisition by Berkshire Hathaway in 1972 provided stability and resources for growth without compromising the quality-focused approach that defines the brand. This balance of tradition and adaptation positions See’s well for its second century of operation.
The company continues to innovate while honoring its heritage, introducing new flavors and products that complement its classic offerings. Limited-edition releases and seasonal specialties keep the product line fresh while the core selection maintains the consistency that loyal customers appreciate. This approach to product development recognizes that while tastes evolve, quality never goes out of style.
See’s online presence has expanded its reach beyond physical store locations, allowing customers worldwide to enjoy their chocolates. The digital strategy includes virtual store experiences and gift options that recreate the personal touch of in-store shopping. This online expansion has introduced See’s to new generations of chocolate lovers who might not have a store nearby but can still appreciate the handcrafted quality that makes See’s unique.
Looking to the future, See’s appears poised to continue its legacy of excellence while finding new ways to share its chocolate traditions with a global audience. The enduring appeal of properly made confections suggests that there will always be demand for chocolates crafted with care and quality ingredients. I’ve discovered that traditional treats with authentic ingredients, like properly made churros, maintain their appeal across generations, much like See’s has done with its chocolates.
The story of See’s Candies reminds us that business success doesn’t always require reinventing the wheel—sometimes it comes from doing simple things exceptionally well, decade after decade. As new customers discover the joy of selecting their favorites from a black and white box of See’s chocolates, they become part of a tradition that spans generations and connects to the rich history of confectionery arts that have brought happiness to people for centuries.