Made on Long Island: Choward's Fine Mints and Gum
Inside the facility, the process hasn't changed much over the years. The company will manufacture its signature Choward's mints locally.
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A nearly century-old Long Island company is still making sweet treats in the old-fashioned way. C. Howard Company Inc. in Bellport continues producing its nostalgic candy using traditional methods.
Inside the facility, the process hasn't changed much over the years. The company will manufacture its signature Choward's mints locally. It's something C. Howard Company president Arthur Pratz takes pride in.
The business started in 1934, when founder Charles Howard began packaging mints in a New York City loft and selling them on the streets of New York City. What started as a small operation quickly expanded into wholesale distribution, with the company becoming widely known for its signature violet-flavored mints. Decades later, Pratz joined the company and worked his way up from the ground level. “I started from the bottom up. I packed the cases. I would learn the business, which is the way it should be done,” he said.
Now leading the company, Pratz has helped preserve its old-school charm, from the iconic foil packaging to its distinct flavors. Today, the product line has expanded to include lemon, peppermint, and spearmint mints, as well as gum. The candies are sold online and in stores across the country, bringing a taste of Long Island to customers nationwide.
With the next generation already involved, the future looks just as sweet. Pratz’s son, Michael Pratz, is set to take over the family business, ensuring that this Long Island staple continues for years to come.
