Nips hard candy was originally introduced in the early 1960s by the Pearson Candy Company of California, a business founded by Russian immigrant Barney Pearson in 1928. The first flavor, "Coffee Nips," was specifically created by food chemist Claude Barnett and Barney's son, Dan, to be a sophisticated, long-lasting candy that could be enjoyed during a work "coffee break." The packaging was inspired by high-end European confections. After several corporate buyouts, including Nabisco and Nestlé, the brand is now produced by Ferrara Candy Company, which has preserved the original, classic flavors.