by SHAYLYNN MARKS
Sponsored by Visit Central Florida
Even before Walt Disney World opened its gates in 1971, Glen Davidson was already giving travelers a reason to stop and savor the Sunshine State. A World War II veteran and former Sunline Candy Co. employee (creators of Pixy Stix and SweeTARTS), Glen knew candy — but he also knew citrus, Florida’s most famous flavor. Combining the two by creating Davidson of Dundee was a recipe for something special.
“He still had groves down in the Winter Haven area — that’s where he got his idea from,” recalls his son, Thomas “Tom” Davidson, who now owns and operates the family business.
Davidson adds that his father set it up so you could watch everything being made through plate-glass windows. “You’d get a free tour and free samples at the end — and we still do that today.”
Now in its 58th year, Davidson of Dundee remains one of the last family-run citrus candy and marmalade factories in the region; producing more than 100 flavors of jams, jellies, and marmalades, and over 70 varieties of candy, all made in small batches using copper kettles and old-fashioned techniques.
The Sweet Taste of Old Florida
For Davidson, “old Florida” is more than just a slogan.
“Citrus flavors are so unique and refreshing,” he says. “Even just the smell of citrus is invigorating. When you add southern touches like pecans, pralines, marmalades, it becomes something truly special.”
Davidson’s signature flavors range from classic orange marmalade to more adventurous blends like guava jelly, and even spicier options like raspberry-jalapeño pepper.
“We use Florida fruit whenever possible — it tastes like you’re biting into the real thing,” Davidson says.
Growing Through Greening
Florida’s citrus industry has weathered its share of storms, but none more devastating than citrus greening disease. Once owners of several hundred acres of groves, Davidson of Dundee now maintains just 45 acres of productive land for citrus.
“The rest is waiting to be replanted,” Davidson explains, “either with cattle or sod farms on it for now. We’re just being patient. We’ve heard they’re experimenting with trees resistant to the bacteria, and that’s promising.”
While the family waits for a greener future, they’ve kept their roots firmly in Florida soil, sourcing fruit from local groves and adapting their offerings.
“You have to stay creative,” he says.
Despite the challenges, Davidson of Dundee continues to thrive thanks to its commitment to quality and community.
“We’re a small manufacturer, so we have to make the best product possible,” Davidson says. “If we made something average, no one would care. You’ve got to stand out.”
Tradition You Can Taste
The factory’s open kitchen is a testament to transparency and pride.
“Our crew is incredible,” Davidson shares. “We’ve got people who’ve been with us decades, single moms, retirees — everyone takes such pride in what they make. You can see it in their faces when they finish a batch.”
Generations of visitors have made Davidson of Dundee a family tradition.
“We had a man come in last summer,” Davidson recalls. “He brought a Polaroid from when he was a little boy visiting with his parents and wanted to recreate the photo with his family. The original showed him and his father posing with one of our longtime employees at the candy counter. He asked if she was still here — and she was. They posed again, decades later, in the same spot with the same woman smiling between them.”
Preserving the Past, Sharing the Future
Through changing times, Davidson of Dundee has managed to stay both timeless and relevant. They ship to 48 states, appear in major gift catalogs, and still operate the same charming factory building from 1967 — right down to the original plate-glass windows.
For those who can’t make it to the factory, Davidson says they’re just a call or click away.
“If you’ve got an idea of what you want, we can make just about anything.”
Davidson remains hopeful on the future of the citrus industry.
“When greening is conquered, we’ll jump back in with both feet,” Davidson says. “Florida citrus is hard to beat.”
Until then, the sweet scent of old Florida still lingers along Highway 27, where the copper kettles keep bubbling and the Davidson family’s legacy continues one delicious candy batch at a time.