I've never heard of Ganong Bros. Limited (makers of chocolates and candies "since 1873," says their press bumph). But according to an expat NB'er in our newsroom, they are the Purdy's of New Brunswick. They sell their products right across the country from their home base in St. Stephen and are the "undisputed leader in the fruit jellies category across Canada."
And yes, they sent me a cardboard container with several boxes of chocolates and fruit candies. It was unasked for and not something we will write about. Our Sweetspot columnist, for example, focuses on local producers. With our emphasis on civic politics, neighbourhood issues, schools, development, community events and Vancouver sports and entertainment, writing about packaged seasonal food items is not something we really do. New Brunswick is far out of our coverage area, despite Ganong's apparent national retail reach.
They seem like decent chocolates, and the newsroom enjoyed the one box we opened. As for the rest, one went to a deserving intern and the others will go to our annual Courier Christmas Drive for the enjoyment of staff and youth at Directions Youth Services.
