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Sturdivant Family Biograghy
The Sturdivant family takes the helm at Idaho Candy Company, proudly following in the footsteps of the Wagers family, who have carefully preserved the brand’s legacy in downtown Boise since the 1980s.
Paul Sturdivant brings a strong background in food production, with hands-on experience in chocolate, coffee, and tortilla manufacturing since completing his service in the U.S. Navy in 2014. His operational expertise ensures Idaho Candy’s iconic treats continue to be made with care and quality.
Megan Sturdivant will lead marketing efforts, sharing Idaho Candy’s rich story with longtime fans and new customers alike. With deep marketing experience, Megan is especially passionate about making Idaho Candy more accessible online and expanding direct-to-consumer reach.
Together, the Sturdivants are committed to honoring Idaho Candy’s historic roots while introducing its one-of-a-kind flavors to a new generation. With a deep respect for the brand’s heritage and a clear vision for its future, they are excited to continue Idaho Candy’s legacy as a proud Idaho original.
Today's Facility
Even though we have been in the same candy plant since 1909, that doesn't mean the factory has stayed the same. We have upgraded all four manufacturing floors including new cooking floors, ceilings and new electrical service. Some of the old equipment has been replaced, but some is nearly as old as the building. All employees now undergo food safety and safety training on a regular basis. We undergo annual food safety audit ensuring our candy is made safely.
Idaho Candy Company sells our candies to retail customers that come in our door, internet customers from around the world, direct to businesses across the country, and to distributors in 12 states. In short, Idaho Candy Company continues to thrive thanks to our customers and our employees who strive to make great, nostalgic candy, one piece at a time.
The Story of Owyhee (OH-WY-HEE)
Owyhee was the name given to the beautiful Sandwich Islands by Captain James Cook when he visited and named them on his second voyage in 1778. Afterwards, they were called the Hawaiian Islands.
The Owyhee River originates in land originally inhabited by the Shoshone and Bannock tribes. The Owyhee River was named in honor of three Hawaiian trappers, sent to explore the uncharted river, but likely killed by Snake Indians in 1819. At the time, before the use of the name “Hawai’i” used today, Owyhee was the proper spelling for the Hawaiian islands. Subsequently, the mountains and county were named after the Owyhee river.
After this time the river was known as the Sandwich Island River and was later called the Owyhee River. The mountains and the county were subsequently named from the river. Idaho Candy Company uses Owyhee as a registered brand name on our candy. Originally, as expressed by Captain Cook, the word meant "delightful", "beautiful", or "satisfying", which is truly symbolized in the famous Owyhee Chocolates.
The Story of Violet Brewer
Idaho Candy Company's most famous employee is definitely Violet Brewer. Vi began work at Idaho Candy in 1913, when her mother took ill and Vi had to work to help support the family. Vi was only 13 years old at the time and her first job was stoking the furnace. Later on she became the premier hand chocolate dipper for the company. Vi dipped and rolled chocolates for 50 years and later went to the weighing department where she worked for another 30 years. Vi finally retired in 1995, 82 years after she started with the company. She passed away at the age of 101 after living a "sweet" life.