Leonard Wurzel, Founder of Calico Cottage, Inc., to Be Inducted into the Candy Hall of Fame

AMITYVILLE, N.Y. - Aug. 12, 2015 - PRLog -- The nation’s largest fudge manufacturer, Calico Cottage, Inc., proudly announces that its founding father, Leonard Wurzel, will be posthumously inducted into Candy Hall of Fame.  Mr. Wurzel will be recognized as an industry pioneer at the October 24, 2015 ceremony.  Previous industry pioneers and giants to receive this acknowledgement are Mr. Frank Mars, Mr. William Wrigley, Mr. Harry Burnett Reese, and many others whose names are synonymous with the confectionary industry.

“We feel privileged and proud to have this honor bestowed upon our father, who served as inspiration to others in every aspect of his life. His vision lives on as we continue to dedicate our lives to the family’s life passion of bringing fudge into the hearts, minds and stomachs of people everywhere,” stated Mark Wurzel, President, and Larry Wurzel, VP Innovation at Calico Cottage, Inc.

The Candy Hall of Fame
The Candy Hall of Fame was founded by the National Confectionery Sales Association (NCSA) in 1971. It acknowledges the accomplishments of those in the confectionery industry beyond their career achievements. Individuals are recognized for giving back to the industry during their careers, supporting the betterment of the industry, and for their social and civic dedication.

In 2015, forty nominees were considered for this highly competitive and coveted honor. This year, two industry pioneers and ten industry leaders will be inducted during a celebration that will take place during the NCSA’s 116^th annual meeting in Tampa, Florida, October 23 to 25. For many honorees, this distinction is considered the pinnacle of their career.

Leonard Wurzel Background
Leonard Wurzel started his career in the confectionary industry in the 1940s at Loft Candy Company, and rose to be its President from 1957-1964. He became a champion of the industry as President of Retail Confectioners International and President of the Association of Manufacturers of Confectionery and Chocolate.  He started Calico Cottage Candies (now Calico Cottage, Inc.) in 1964 with a partner, Claude Barnett, who was a respected candy technologist. Claude sold his interest in 1971, and Leonard’s sons, Mark and Larry, soon joined the company. Leonard retired in 1992.

Leonard consistently gave back throughout his life as a decorated World War II Army Captain, Mayor of his community, on the Board of Trustees of his synagogue, an active participant with the League of Women Voters, the Helen Keller National Center and a longtime supporter of The Community Chest of Port Washington.

Company Background
Since 1964, Calico Cottage has helped thousands of retailers achieve success with a unique, in-store fudge making program that generates high inventory turns, superior sales volume and significant profits. Calico remains invisible to the public, as fudge is freshly made on premise and sold under the retailer’s own name. Calico provides everything needed to make and sell the world’s best fudge – from superior equipment and quality ingredients to personalized training and support to seasonal recipes, packaging, merchandising, and much, much more. For over 50 years, Calico Cottage has been committed to conducting business with honesty, integrity and an unwavering dedication to customers.