Reintroduction of licorice completely shuts down webshop

Viral TikTok video causes a rush to Strekdrop

Rotterdam, August 18, 2025 – The reintroduction of the classic candy "trekdrop" (trampoline) last Friday – back on the market under the name "Strekdrop" – has led to a veritable run. An initial TikTok video by Rotterdam-based candy company Candyfestival.nl, which has now been viewed almost a million times, generated over a thousand orders within hours. As a result, the webshop was temporarily down, and the entire stock of the nostalgic candy sold out in record time.

Photo Caption: Owners Youri van Slingerland (left) and Olaf Ouwerkerk (right) of Candyfestival.

From pull to stretch

The iconic oblong licorice candy suddenly disappeared from store shelves about five years ago, much to the disappointment of many licorice fans. "For the past few years, we've been receiving weekly messages from customers asking if licorice would ever return," say Olaf Ouwerkerk and Youri, founders of Candyfestival.nl.

"After a long search, we collaborated with a Dutch candy manufacturer to develop a new licorice candy, completely inspired by the iconic "trekdrop" (traditional Dutch "pulp-and-pull licorice) of the past," says Olaf. The result is Strekdrop – a stretchy licorice candy that perfectly matches the beloved classic in terms of taste, texture, and composition.

Viral on TikTok, sold out in no time

"We worked with the factory for a long time to bring back this candy," says founder Olaf. "Actually, on Friday I just wanted to test if people still knew about "trekdrop" on TikTok. It was my very first video ever, made in the middle of the summer holidays. The whole of the Netherlands was at the beach in the beautiful weather, and I thought it wouldn't be that popular. I never expected the video to be viewed almost a million times and go viral. After that, orders went through the roof, my phone was ringing off the hook, and we sold out in no time. The Netherlands really missed "trekdrop" massively."

Link to the TikTok video.

Production still limited

Production is currently still limited and will be ramped up in the coming months. "We already know we can't please everyone for a while," says Youri. "But we're doing everything we can to have sufficient stock as quickly as possible, every week."

Availability

Strekdrop has been available since Friday, August 15th, at www.candyfestival.nl/trekdrop