History of
Pocky
1966
Initially Named Choco-teck
Initially handmade, the product was called “Choco-teck” during test sales, but it was discovered that this name had already been trademarked, so the product was renamed “Pocky” after the sound it makes when eaten.
1966
Pocky Chocolate
The backdrop for the development of Pocky was to improve sales performance in the chocolate sector, which at the time was increasing its presence in the market. At a time when chocolate bars were at their peak, this original product was born out of a never-give-up attitude to overcome many obstacles, including the idea of pouring chocolate over the Pretz, the innovative idea of the snack with a “handle”so chocolate does not get on the fingers, and the development of manufacturing technology, in order to differentiate the product.
1971
Pocky Almond
To expand the target market, Glico set out to develop a new flavor based on consumer feedback and coated the product with paste-like almonds.
1976
Package Changed to a Vertical Design
1976
Pocky Strawberry
In response to requests for flavor variations, the strawberry-flavored cream coated Pocky was born. It was very popular with women.
1976
Pocky on the Rocks Sales Campaign
1977
Pocky for Your Trip! Sales Campaign
1978
One Piece of Chocolate, Pocky Hospitality Sales Campaign
1989
Giant Pocky
Initially, six boxes of Pocky chocolates were packaged in a large box, but in response to customer demand, the Pocky sticks were made huge and released at gift stores and other retailers, creating a buzz.
1989
Pocky Almond Crush
In an age when people were looking for comfort and satisfaction, Pocky became more upscale and high-value-added. The first round was a luxurious Pocky made with crushed almonds.
1990
Pocky Crunchy Strawberry
The second round of upscale and high value-added products. This was Pocky covered generously with freeze-dried strawberries.
1990
Marble Pocky
The third round of upscale and high value-added products was a fun-looking Pocky with a marble pattern.
1994
Giant Pocky (Yubari King Melon)
Developed from Giant Pocky, which was designed to be given as a gift, this is the first in a series of limited-edition regional souvenir products.
1995
“Pocky 4 Sisters!” Shown in Toho Cinemas Nationwide
1999
Pocky & Pretz Day (November 11)
This day was established in honor of the shape of the products and certified by the Japan Anniversary Association.
2000
Mousse Pocky
The bubbly smoothness of the texture made it a big hit.
2004
Complete Revamp of the Original Pocky (Red Box)
More chocolate and more savory pretzels. The packaging and brand logo were redesigned to include an “All New” mark.
2006
Pocky Gokuboso
The pretzel was half the thickness of the regular pretzel with a lighter texture.
2013
Launch of Pocky's Global Brand Website
Information was shared with overseas fans in order to spread the brand concept “Share happiness!”
2013
Launch of “Pocky & Pretz Rockets”
Two 3.3-meter-long rockets were launched on November 11, Pocky & Pretz day, both of which flew past the target height of 1,111 meters.
2020
Pocky Certified by Guinness World RecordsTM as No. 1 in Global Sales*
*Largest chocolate-coated biscuit brand (also includes cream-coated biscuits for international market research data classification purposes). Latest annual sales: 2019 annual global sales estimated at $589,900,000 (based on international market research data).
