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Zitner’s Butter Krak eggs return after factory move shortage

Zitner’s Butter Krak eggs return after factory move shortage

Money Moves Philadelphia, PA local

Philadelphia candy maker resumes production in Hatfield and plans December shipments.

Today: Billy Penn reports production resumed

Overview

Updated 1 hour ago

Zitner’s Butter Krak eggs disappeared from Philadelphia-area shelves before Easter 2026. The 100-year-old candy maker was moving to a new factory in Hatfield, Montgomery County, and production stalled.

On Nov. 1, Zitner’s said it is back. The company plans to ship eggs to Acme and Weis in early December and to ShopRite in January.

Why it matters

A Philadelphia Easter tradition returns after a year without it, but the rollout will test whether the 100-year-old brand can refill shelves in time.

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Key Indicators

1922
Year Zitner’s began making Easter candy in Philadelphia
The company has operated for more than a century.
100+
Years in business
Zitner’s has made candy since 1922.
3
Retail chains named for upcoming shipments
Acme, Weis and ShopRite.

Voices

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People Involved

EP
Evan Prochniak
CEO and President of Zitner’s Candy
Leading company as production resumes

Organizations Involved

ZC
Zitner’s Candy
Candy manufacturer
Resuming production after factory move

Philadelphia candy maker known for Butter Krak eggs, founded in 1922.

Timeline

1922 November 2026

5 events Latest: Today
Tap a bar to jump to that date

  1. Billy Penn reports production resumed

    Today Report

    Company is producing eggs in Hatfield, Montgomery County.

  2. Shipment plans announced

    Today Distribution

    Acme and Weis in early December, ShopRite in January.

  3. Zitner’s announces return

    Statement

    Company posts 'We are back' on Instagram.

  4. Butter Krak eggs missing before Easter

    Shortage

    Zitner’s eggs are absent from Acme, Giant, Wawa and Target shelves.

  5. Zitner’s starts making Easter candy

    Founding

    The company begins making Easter candy in Philadelphia.

Scenarios

1

Zitner’s eggs reach Acme and Weis shelves in early December

Likely Resolves by Dec 15, 2026

Discussed by: Zitner’s CEO Evan Prochniak, via the Inquirer

The company says shipments to Acme and Weis will begin in early December. If stores stock the eggs as planned, the 2026 shortage ends before the winter holidays.

2

ShopRite gets Zitner’s eggs in January

Possible Resolves by Jan 31, 2027

Discussed by: Zitner’s CEO Evan Prochniak, via the Inquirer

The company says ShopRite shipments will follow in January. A January rollout would restore the brand to another major regional grocer.

3

Zitner’s eggs missing again for Easter 2027

Unlikely Resolves by Mar 28, 2027

Discussed by: Billy Penn

If production problems persist or distribution stalls, the company could face another holiday without its signature eggs. The company says it is 'humming,' making this less likely.

Historical Context

2 moments from history that rhyme with this story — and how they unfolded.

November 2012-July 2013

Hostess Brands bankruptcy and Twinkies return (2012-2013)

Hostess Brands, maker of Twinkies, went bankrupt and shut down in November 2012. The snack cakes disappeared from shelves, prompting a rush to buy remaining boxes.

Then

Private equity firms bought the brands; Twinkies returned in July 2013 under new ownership.

Now

The episode showed how a popular but financially troubled food brand can survive a production halt if buyers see value in the name.

Why this matters now

Zitner’s is a much smaller, family-run company, but its 2026 Easter shortage and promised return follow a similar pattern: a production halt, then a comeback.

July 2018-2020

Necco Wafers return after bankruptcy (2018-2020)

New England Confectionery Co. abruptly closed in July 2018, and Necco Wafers disappeared. Spangler Candy bought the brand at auction.

Then

Spangler initially said it might not bring back the wafers.

Now

Necco Wafers returned to shelves in 2020, preserving a 170-year-old candy.

Why this matters now

Like Zitner’s, Necco was an old regional candy brand whose fans worried a factory disruption would end it. Both returned under the same ownership.

Sources

(1)
Billy Penn at WHYY