Brand History

The first Italian washing machine, the Model 50, was produced in the Eden Fumagalli workshop in 1945. In 1946 the company was renamed Candy after a popular song at the time, then made famous by Nat King Cole. With patents for the first dishwasher secured, Candy followed up with Model 45, a 3kg capacity washing machine heater and drain pump. In 1954 the company presented the Candy Matic with the slogan "Thanks a lot, it's Candy.”

In 1955 Candy opened its first foreign subsidiary in France followed by a German counterpart in 1958. 1957 saw the launch of the Bi-Matic, the first semi-automatic washing machine: one year later the Candy automatic became the first fully automatic Italian washing. From 1959 all the Candy washing machines manufactured in the Brugherio factory benefited from an oval tub and half load option, like the popular Superautomatic 5 launched in 1963.

The first Candy dishwasher called the Stipomatic was launched in 1966. In 1968 the Superautomatic 98 was the first washing machine with 6 wash programmes and a pre-wash cycle. Refrigeration production began in the early 1970s with the acquisition of Kelvinator. Later on, Candy collaborated with famous designers to produce award winning appliances and even went on to win the prestigious Golden Compass award.

During this period the awareness about environmental issues led to a growing demand for more efficient appliances. Candy responded by developing appliances that helped to reduce environmental impact by saving energy and water without sacrificing performance. In 1977 Candy launched a campaign with the slogan "Candy helps you not to waste. The light, the stuff, the detergent". In 1981 the T3 becomes the first freezer with three separate temperature zones. Candy also produced the first fridge freezer with no frost technology.

In '85 on Candy 40th anniversary, the two great Italian brands Zerowatt and Gasfire were acquired by the group. Throughout these years the expansion continued with the addition of major companies like Rosiéres (leading cooking brand), Mayc-Otsein (top-loading washing machines) and Iberna (refrigeration). New innovations quickly followed: Combichef, the first oven with both traditional cooking and microwave functions and space-saving solutions like the Slimmy and Holiday washing machines.

In '95 Candy acquired Hoover European Appliances, the European leader in floor care products. In 2000 Candy changed its logo and continued to grow its business, that by 2002 was exported to 111 countries. The same year the slogan 'Candy can do' featured in a Pan European advertising campaign and is still in use today. 2004 was a record-breaking year with the launch of the Candy Futura; a dishwasher that could fit up to 15 place settings. The first office in China was opened by Candy in Shanghai.

In 2005 Candy celebrated 60 years and acquired the Russian brand Vyatka, leader in washing machines. In 2006 Candy launched GrandÓ, a washing machine with the largest porthole on the market. Candy then acquired Jinling, a Chinese laundry-appliances leader and the Turkish band Susler. In 2009 induction hobs were introduced to the range and the Duo, a multifunction electric oven and dishwasher was launched. In 2010 comes EasyCase, a proper revolution for the tumble dryer market.

In 2011 came GrandÓ Evo: the Candy washing machine with Mix Power System technology. The unique Prodige, a large-capacity oven that can be split into two independent parts was also launched. Other Candy innovations quickly followed: the Evo Plasir top loading washing machine with Gentle Touch Opening, the No Frost Krio Vital Evo with its advanced technology for improved food preservation and the Flexi induction hob with modular cooking zones. 2012 marked the opening of a new factory in China. In 2013 Candy launched the Evospace Maxi plate dishwasher, while a new range of EGO microwaves in exciting bold and vintage colour options was introduced.

In 2014 the GrandOvita washing machine broke new records with its Mix Power System + and perfect wash in only 59 minutes. Ovens and Elite hob were created with unique and refined design. Other unique performances came in the form of the Evospace dishwasher with its huge 16 place setting capacity, while the Alise washer dryer boasted an 8kg wash and 5kg drying cycle in just 45 cm. Even refrigerators become Maxi reaching heights of up to 2 meters. Most remarkable was the launch of simply-Fi, the first full range of Wi-Fi connected appliances.

2017 is the year of two new Candy hero products. Watch&Touch, the only connected oven with full touch control that wins the Red Dot Award. The same year, Bianca is born: the first intuitive washing machine that can wash every fabric in less than one hour. In 2018 comes Bell’Ó, a new Candy smart refrigerator that can manage and organize food in the right way thanks to the simply-Fi App, easily letting you check all the expiring dates.

Connectivity becomes a fundamental value of the Candy positioning. In 2019 Candy launches RapidÓ: a connected washing machine with a complete set of 9 rapid programmes and the unique Snap&Wash function that allows you to choose the best cycle. by just taking a picture of your laundry. In 2020 Candy definitely breaks the rules with the launch of Nova, a new fully-connected washing machine with an innovative and intuitive interface made of just one button, fully manageable by smartphone via the hOn App.