[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 120 (Monday, July 14, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S4334]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING SANDERS CANDY

 Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I rise today to honor Sanders Candy 
as they celebrate 150 years of confectionery arts in the State of 
Michigan. Since 1875, Sanders has touched the hearts and taste buds of 
Michiganders through their delicious, handcrafted treats, a staple of 
special occasions, and gift giving across the State of Michigan. It is 
a privilege to recognize such a significant milestone for a Detroit 
institution.
  Frederick Sanders Schmidt opened his first candy shop with a 
``passionate dream and a borrowed barrel of sugar'' on June 17, 1875, 
on the corner of Woodward and Gratiot Avenue. Visitors were dazzled to 
find a breathtaking variety of sweet treats, such as chocolates, 
caramels, cakes, and pies. The company expanded at a rapid pace across 
southeast Michigan, opening new locations like the aptly named ``Palace 
of Sweets,'' known for its ornate and spacious interior and wide array 
of confections, including new desserts like their iconic bumpy cake.
  Over its 150 years, Sanders has gone through many changes, but their 
values and innovative spirit have never wavered. To accommodate 
increased demand, their factory became one of the first in Detroit to 
install an electric motor, a novel technology at the time, and hired a 
then unknown mechanic named Henry Ford to service it when it inevitably 
broke down. They were also recognized as an early pioneer in carryout 
services and the use of dry ice for safe food storage.
  In recent years, the company has continued this innovative spirit by 
altering their business strategy to adapt to changing consumer habits, 
including expanding their online presence and offering delivery 
directly to customers' homes. In 2021, they launched the Second Nature 
Brands Innovation Center at their factory in Clinton Township as part 
of a new initiative to expand research and development. Visitors to the 
Innovation Center meet the artisans behind Sanders' treats and indulge 
in the creation of new desserts.
  Today, Sanders continues to delight customers at their locations in 
Rochester and Clinton Township and beyond. On Mackinac Island, their 
vast selection of fudge is a vital part of what makes the location so 
memorable to visitors from around the world. And their expansion into 
national supermarket chains means that customers no longer need to live 
here in Michigan to enjoy the treats that have delighted Michiganders 
for now 150 years.
  Given their renowned history and their legacy of innovation and 
excellence, I ask you to join me in recognizing Sanders as they 
celebrate their 150th anniversary. Since their founding, they have 
grown from a small Detroit candy shop to a Michigan icon, and I wish 
them all the best as they continue to satisfy the sweeter tastes of 
customers all around the country.

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