Apr 12, 2009 4:14 pm US/Eastern
Peeps Still Fresh After Over 25 Years
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
Easter
might be just around the corner but at Just Born in Bethlehem, home of the "Peep," they
are already working on Halloween Ghosts and Christmas Trees.
The
Bethlehem plant
pumps out more than two million of the sugary, marshmallow Peeps each day.
Over the years they have added new colors, shapes, and flavors, even sugar free
peeps.
To
keep up with the ever evolving line and voracious demand, the Peep-making process
is much different from when they were first "hatched" back in 1953.
"The
marshamallow was squeezed through a tube, it used to take 27 hours to make one,
now with technology, it takes 6 minutes," said Ellie Deardorff, Just Born
Spokesperson.
Deardorff said the
time saved makes all the difference because the Easter basket staples are in
big demand this time of year.
"Outside
research indicates peeps are in 70 percent of Americans Easter baskets," Deardorff
said.
Aside from
chocolate, Peeps are the number one selling Easter candy in the United States
with yellow being the best selling color.
But peeps are
more than just sugary treats, they're an art. Over 30 newspapers from all
across the country are holding contests this year spotlighting fan dioramas
created by those passionate about their Peeps.
Deardorff said
Peep enthusiasm during contest at the Chicago Tribune put the paper in a sticky
situation.
"I know
that last year on their deadline they received so many entries it took their
computer system down," said Deardorff.
After over 50
years, the marshmallow mouthfuls from Bethlehem
continue to be a sweet idea that really stuck.
Are you a fan of Peeps? Send us your photos of the soft treats and we'll display your Peep pride
Click here to send in your Peep Photos
Related Links:
http://www.justborn.com/
http://www.marshmallowpeeps.org/
http://www.peepresearch.org/
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Send In Your Peep Photos
SLIDESHOW: Peeps Pride Photos
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