Necco Wafer Sales Soar Amid Reports Of Company's Closure

REVERE, MA – News that the New England Confectionary Co., known as Necco, may shut down has reignited interest in one of its most popular candies. People are "panic-buying" the Necco Wafer after CEO Michael McGee told Revere officials earlier this year it may shut down its headquarters if the company doesn't sell soon.

The company has been making the Necco Wafer since 1847. Since the March announcement, Necco sales have soared more than 50 percent, and Wafer sales have gone up 63 percent, according to blog candystore.com.

Necco also makes candy hearts, a Valentine's Day staple, Candy Buttons and Clark Bars. It claims to be the oldest continuously operating candy company in America, opening up shop in 1847.

It moved from Cambridge to cheaper Revere in 2003. Last year the company's headquarters were sold for $55 million to developers looking for space for robotics. Necco stuck around the digs, but its lease reportedly expires in August.

The vast majority of the Necco workforce – about 400 employees – may be laid off if a buyer isn't found. Negotiations that would allow Necco to continue operations are "ongoing," McGee said in a letter to Revere Mayor Brian Arrigo in March.

Necco is the largest employer in Revere.

Image via Shutterstock