Ganong Bros.

GanongBros. is a Canadian confectionery company that manufactures and sells a broad range of chocolate and candy products. Its portfolio includes classic chocolate bars, assorted boxed chocolates, and specialty items such as Chicken Bones, peppermint sticks, and molasses kisses. The company distributes its goods across Canada through national grocery chains, independent retailers, and convenience stores, while also operating a flagship retail store in its hometown of St. Stephen, New Brunswick. In addition to domestic sales, Ganong Bros. exports selected product lines to the United States and other international markets, where they are marketed under the Ganong brand. The firm operates a manufacturing facility in St. Stephen that handles production, packaging, and quality control for all of its confectionery offerings. Visitors to the facility can tour the adjacent Ganong Chocolate Museum, which showcases the company’s heritage equipment, historic packaging, and interactive exhibits about chocolate making. The retail outlet and museum together attract tourists and locals, contributing to the regional economy of southern New Brunswick. Ganong Bros. also supplies private‑label chocolate products to other businesses under contractual agreements. The company maintains a focus on using locally sourced ingredients where feasible, supporting regional dairy and sugar producers.

Ganong Bros. traces its origins to 1873, when brothers James and Gilbert Ganong established a small candy shop in St. Stephen, New Brunswick, marking the beginning of Canada’s oldest continuously operating chocolate manufacturer. Over more than a century and a half, the business has remained under family ownership, with leadership passing through five generations of the Ganong family. This long‑standing familial stewardship has allowed the firm to preserve original recipes and artisanal techniques while gradually incorporating modern production technologies. Among its signature creations, the Chicken Bones candy—a cinnamon‑flavoured chocolate‑covered peanut butter treat—was first introduced in 1885 and remains a popular seasonal item. The company’s peppermint sticks and molasses kisses are likewise rooted in early 20th‑century formulations that continue to be produced using traditional methods. Ganong Bros. has been recognized for its contributions to the local community, sponsoring events, supporting charitable causes, and providing employment opportunities in the St. Stephen region. In February 2025, the firm suffered a ransomware attack that disrupted operations at its St. Stephen plant; the PLAY ransomware group claimed responsibility, prompting the engagement of cybersecurity experts and legal counsel for containment, remediation, and forensic investigation. After implementing countermeasures, the company restored normal operations and pledged to notify affected individuals if any personal information was found to have been compromised.