James O. Welch Company was an American confectionery manufacturer. James O. Welch (1906–1985) founded the company bearing his name in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1927.[1] The company introduced many enduring brands, including Junior Mints, Sugar Daddys, and Sugar Babies. Other candies they produced were Welch's Fudge, Welch's Frappé, Pom Poms, and Sugar Mamas.
James O. Welch Company was purchased by the National Biscuit Company (now Nabisco) in 1963. Welch served as a director of Nabisco from 1963 until 1978, and his son, James O. Welch Jr. (1931-2019) became president of Nabisco when it became part of Nabisco Brands and CEO and chairman of Nabisco Brands when it became part of RJR Nabisco.[2][3]