Coronavirus: See’s Candies Shutters South City Plant

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, CA — For the first time since World War II, See’s Candies has halted manufacturing its iconic sweets, San Francisco Business Times reports.

The company shuttered its South San Francisco manufacturing plant last week in response to the outbreak of the new coronavirus.

The north Peninsula city, like most of the Bay Area, is under shelter-at-home orders that were extended Monday through May 1. The state is under stay-at-home orders until further notice.

The company said on its website that it will update customers on its plans to resume operations.

“See’s is always focused on bringing joy to our customers. We are very sorry to have to say that sees.com is not taking orders at this time. In recognition of the guidance provided by local health authorities, See’s has suspended production and shipping of product. We will work to keep you updated as we develop plans to safely resume operations.”

The company was founded in 1921 and has shut down for the first time since during World War II, when it experienced a supply shortage, according to the San Francisco Business Times report.

Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway purchased the company for $25 million 1972, the report said.

“Current events around COVID-19 have been a top priority for all aspects of See’s operations,” See’s Candies CEO Pat Egan told customers in an email, the report said. “Many of us have never experienced an event like this, and all of us are watching the news and talking with others with genuine concern and questions. We are all anxious and looking for that ray of light around the corner.”

“We have been packing and mailing chocolate and peanut brittle to our customers for 98 years, which is long before the internet and daily deliveries to our homes. The near century of uninterrupted direct sale of See's candy has now been paused."

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