Duck Soup, a gourmet food store marking its 55th year in business, has become an unlikely candy maker after acquiring the rights to the Sky Bar during NECCO's 2018 bankruptcy proceedings. The store, known for its eclectic inventory, constructed a purpose-built manufacturing plant in an adjacent storefront featuring a custom molding line dedicated exclusively to Sky Bar production. The move transformed Duck Soup from retailer into manufacturer—a pivot aimed at preventing the iconic candy from disappearing entirely. "We saved an iconic candy bar from extinction by bidding on the rights to the Sky Bar in the NECCO bankruptcy in 2018," the company said. "We created a purpose-built plant in the storefront next door, with a custom molding line just to make Sky Bars and today we are selling across the country in places like Cracker Barrel, independent candy and specialty stores, and local supermarkets."
Why It Matters
The acquisition underscores how specialty retailers are filling gaps left by larger confectionery consolidations. Sky Bar's resurrection through a boutique operation signals that niche brands can find viable distribution channels outside traditional mass-market networks, particularly through independent retailers and regional chains willing to stock heritage products.
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Written by FBM Publications Editors
