Confectionery Production in Besieged Leningrad. 1941–1943

Abstract

The article based on archival materials analyses a problem that has not received comprehensive coverage in the historical literature. In Soviet times, it was considered the height of cynicism to talk about the confectionery factories during famine and mass mortality in besieged Leningrad. Later the authors often preferred to focus on the real and fictitious abuses by the Leningrad leaders, who allegedly enjoyed sweet life even under the blockade. The analysis of documents, many of which were previously inaccessible for researchers, indicates that candy and chocolate factories did not cease their work during the blockade. Like all food industries facing the lack of supplies they had to actively use substitutes. As a result, new varieties of sweets emerged, produced with a minimum content of sugar and maximum filling with confectionery waste. At the same time, the factories switched to manufacturing products needed for the front and were engaged in the production of medical supplies and consumer goods. Since the autumn of 1941 the local party bodies supervised all the branches of industry in Leningrad. They had the final say on management decisions and planned performance, including the production of chocolate and sweets. The distribution of confectionery products had a clear focus. Its main consumers were the army, the navy and the population of the besieged city. However, the reduction in the production during 1941–1942 and conservation of a number of factories made chocolate and sweets a scarce product, inaccessible to many residents of Leningrad. The situation changed only after the blockade was breached in 1943 and the confectionery production was restored as its capacity increased.