The history of **Ronchito**, one of León's most emblematic candies, is closely linked to the history of the only candy factory in León that is still in operation today. After the Spanish Civil War, the shortage of raw materials and the state control of sugar -an essential ingredient in the production of candies- caused the confectionery tradition in the province to practically disappear. However, at the beginning of the 1950s, **Caramelos Santos** was born, a company that, with scarce resources but with great enthusiasm, made its way in the difficult economy of León at that time. Its objective was clear: to create an original candy, handmade and representative of its land. The idea came from the simplest of things: heating sugar over a fire until caramel was obtained, as had always been done, and adding pieces of dried fruit bought at the market. Little by little, this formula was perfected until it resulted in a recipe that conquered all palates: **sugar, peanuts, cocoa... and something more**. That "something more", as its creators said, was time, dedication and love. It was necessary to give it its own identity, and it found it in its name: **Ronchito**, derived from the Leonese verb *ronchar*, which means to chew or undo with the teeth. It was joined by a slogan that became a sign of identity: *"Rico, rico, rico, caramelo Ronchito "*. During the 60's and 70's, Ronchito was consolidated as a very appreciated candy in the province. Its artisanal character limited its production and distribution only to León, which made it a typical product that visitors took home as a souvenir. This gave rise to the nickname with which it is still known: **"Ronchitos de León "**. In 1980, **Andrés Martínez Puente** took over the reins of the factory, continuing the family tradition and giving a new impulse to Ronchito. Under his leadership, the product was consolidated and its artisanal essence was preserved, while the company incorporated technological innovations and quality systems such as the ISO structure. Today, **Caramelos Santos** continues to be a 100% family-owned company from León, combining the most advanced machinery with the careful artisan tradition that gave birth to Ronchito. A genuine, natural and endearing candy that is part of the collective memory and sweet heritage of León.
MoreThe history of **Ronchito**, one of León's most emblematic candies, is closely linked to the history of the only candy factory in León that is still in operation today. After the Spanish Civil War, the shortage of raw materials and the state control of sugar -an essential ingredient in the production of candies- caused the confectionery tradition in the province to practically disappear. However, at the beginning of the 1950s, **Caramelos Santos** was born, a company that, with scarce resources but with great enthusiasm, made its way in the difficult economy of León at that time. Its objective was clear: to create an original candy, handmade and representative of its land. The idea came from the simplest of things: heating sugar over a fire until caramel was obtained, as had always been done, and adding pieces of dried fruit bought at the market. Little by little, this formula was perfected until it resulted in a recipe that conquered all palates: **sugar, peanuts, cocoa... and something more**. That "something more", as its creators said, was time, dedication and love. It was necessary to give it its own identity, and it found it in its name: **Ronchito**, derived from the Leonese verb *ronchar*, which means to chew or undo with the teeth. It was joined by a slogan that became a sign of identity: *"Rico, rico, rico, caramelo Ronchito "*. During the 60's and 70's, Ronchito was consolidated as a very appreciated candy in the province. Its artisanal character limited its production and distribution only to León, which made it a typical product that visitors took home as a souvenir. This gave rise to the nickname with which it is still known: **"Ronchitos de León "**. In 1980, **Andrés Martínez Puente** took over the reins of the factory, continuing the family tradition and giving a new impulse to Ronchito. Under his leadership, the product was consolidated and its artisanal essence was preserved, while the company incorporated technological innovations and quality systems such as the ISO structure. Today, **Caramelos Santos** continues to be a 100% family-owned company from León, combining the most advanced machinery with the careful artisan tradition that gave birth to Ronchito. A genuine, natural and endearing candy that is part of the collective memory and sweet heritage of León.
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