Malaco's export trade grew and in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Swedish Fish and Swedish Berries were developed specifically for the North American market. Malaco was eventually acquired by Leaf International.
During the late 1960s, Swedish Shells were created. These were identical in composition, flavor, and color to the original Swedish Fish, but were in the shape of scalloped seashells and came in red (cherry), yellow (lemon), orange (orange), and green (lime). The Swedish Shells were the first color/shape expansion of the Swedish Fish line. They were sold by the Broadway Department Store chain from the late 1960s well into the 1970s. From the late 1970s until they were discontinued in the early 1990s, they were carried and sold by various bulk candy stores and candy specialty shops.
In Sweden, large amounts of confectionery are sold every year,[1] and a substantial part of it is sold as pick and mix. Wine gums are sold in many different shapes, of which fish is just one.[2][3] The Swedish Fish candy is marketed under the name "pastellfiskar",[4] literally "pastel fish", and under the Malaco brand among others.
The North American variety of Swedish Fish can be found at Swedish IKEA stores under the original name.
Today the Swedish Fish consumed in North America are made in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, by the Cadbury Adams Company, which bought the brand from Leaf in 2005. In Canada, Swedish Fish are distributed under Cadbury's Maynards brand.
The fish are distributed in the U.S. by Cadbury Adams USA in Parsippany-Troy Hills, New