A Day in the Life as a Candy Factory Worker | On the Job | Priya Krishna | NYT Cooking

The Smarties candy factory in Union, N.J., makes a lot of candy: 12,000 of the sweet little tablets are processed per minute, and up to 120,000 pounds of candy are processed per day, making 4.5 million rolls. In a year, the factory produces more than 2 billion rolls of Smarties. But behind all of that candy and all of that machinery are people.
Meet Isonia Serrano. A shift lead who arrives at the factory early in the morning to start the machinery, she’s been working at Smarties for more than 30 years. It’s where she says she’s learned a lot, and it’s also where she met her husband, Edwin Duarte, who also works there as a mechanic.
“On the Job With Priya Krishna” is a series about labor and the people who shape what we eat and how we eat, and whose jobs often go unseen. In this episode, Priya follows Isonia and Edwin as they ensure the factory’s operations run smoothly.
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[@saraihasegawa1742]

Those are my parents!! So proud of them ❤️🥹

[@CharEl2023]

They are the cutest! Such awesome role models!

[@jenniferdrayton8392]

What a lovely family you have.

[@ralphcharles5132]

I work with one of their nephews. He is EXCELLENT at troubleshooting and very good with people.

[@msjdb723]

You're one lucky girl 😍

[@shellyrosenberg4820]

They are so sweet together!! Beautiful family !!🥰

[@Kawaiimunchkin312]

So so proud of my parents ! They've always been hard workers and I am so beyond grateful for the chance to show how awesome they are !!

[@caso581]

❤

[@isoniaserrano9000]

I’m proud of you to, love you very much

[@flashywordz]

@@isoniaserrano9000 you and your husband are truly beautiful people inside and out! Working in a factory can’t be easy but I’m sure that the passion and care you you bring to the floor play a large part in keeping it from feeling *difficult* I hope that millions of people see this video and get reminded of our capacity to support others!!

[@trudesinadelaide]

They sell these in Australia I'm sure I've had some! Even though I'm 52. Do you think they will adopt me? Haha they seem amazing!

[@Kawaiimunchkin312]

@@trudesinadelaide hahaha if you love weekend get togethers, food constantly being offered and mojitos Im sure theyd love to have you 😁

[@lexica510]

It was kind of wild to realize midway through that almost every Smartie I've eaten in my life must have been made with Isonia's involvement. Thank you, ma'am!

[@isoniaserrano9000]

Your welcome,than you for watching the video

[@Bad_Sick_311]

@@isoniaserrano9000 These are moving stories you told here, making for one of the best features the NYTimes has had so far this year. Thanks for opening up your heart to us! I feel blessed.

[@isoniaserrano9000]

Your welcome ❤

[@marnixmarquez5633]

I wonder if it’s a good pay job

[@RosinDaddy5280]

Same I am 33 and I love those things

[@bleedingcrown_]

so proud of my parents ❤

[@TheWinteste]

they rock

[@lizlopez2534]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@caso581]

❤

[@suzannecanell4630]

❤

[@chestyvulva]

💙

[@starlonferns]

NYT has done something special here. Not only have they educated us about how Smarties are made, but they have also given this family a wonderful memory to hold on to with an important message.

[@jesucio]

I cannot stress enough how much i LOVE this series. I'm a fan of Priya Krishna's in general, but this is some of the best food related reporting content i've come across on the internet. Every time i see Priya out and about somewhere at 4am, i know it's going to be an amazing, intriguing, thoughtful, and caring story to encounter.

[@isoniaserrano9000]

I agree with you she did an excellent job I fall in love with the team through the all interviews.

[@rowanrooks]

7:43 Aww... Edwin's expression when Isonia compliments him is so sweet. I'm glad they enjoy working together. Literal sweethearts 🍬

[@randombrokeperson]

The way he looked at her around 13:25? He loves her real bad

[@juanelo1332]

I love that in the series you highlight how its immigrants who make quintessential American things!

[@mikeismasri]

100%

[@isoniaserrano9000]

Yes is very important that they know there are good people and they are appreciated,

[@jb76489]

Gotta keep those wages depressed and rent high some how

[@smarties]

being the backdrop to their story is the honor of a lifetime

[@bakedtofu420]

The only thing that surprised me more than seeing smarties actually comment, was noticing the channel is EIGHTEEN YEARS OLD... no way I was 4 years old when smarties marketing said yeah we're gonna need a KZbin account 😂

[@smarties]

@@bakedtofu420 sharing this with my boss lol

[@Totallyfine29_]

Came for the Smarties , stayed for the incredible couple behind it ❤ truly inspiring ppl

[@bleedingcrown_]

i’m so happy to see all of these beautiful comments and messages about my parents they’ve deserved to be recognized for so long and it makes me tear up seeing all of these nice comments 😢

[@rafadacosta1675]

Immigrants are the backbone of this country! I love this NYT Cooking series!

[@marnixmarquez5633]

Yes, sir that’s a great point they make America great

[@sarabeacher]

I wish more people understood this. Even people on work visas to work on farms as well.

[@ilovedolphins53]

Don't forget the truckers as well. Everything you have a trucker brought it to your town or city.

[@mr.mclibtard5015]

Legal immigrants yes, illegal immigrants no

[@michaeln9931]

What a beautiful love story right inside a candy factory! I work with a lot of immigrants, and it cannot be overstated the importance of the community support people like Isonia offer. When you live so far away from your family of origin, people like this really are angels and heroes for dozens of people. So proud to have likely eaten thousands of Smarties she helped produce!

[@ellenkuang8853]

Isonia talking about how it took a group effort for her to learn in her first week reminded me so much of my dad. He's a hospital janitor and I remember him telling me that he essentially experienced the opposite. People there refused to properly train him to 100% and would gatekeep information. He'd learn by essentially spying on them and was the reason why he was able to make it so long in the job. He doesn't gatekeep like his predecessors though. It really does take a group to help people succeed. She's amazing to be such a great leader.

[@ashleylange6628]

I just adore the work Priya is doing with this series. So valuable, beautiful, interesting and needed.

[@lizlopezsmiles]

I love that when asked if she gets the same respect as men because she is the only female lead, she replied : “I make sure that they do!” 👏👏👏👏

[@isoniaserrano9000]

😂😂😂😂😂😂❤❤❤❤

[@flashywordz]

I never realized the amount of passion and care that was compressed into one little Smartie!! It’s unbelievable!

[@marissadeweese8951]

I appreciate them showing everything getting turned on and turned off - not everything needs to be a 24-hour operation - and that the workers get to go home for the day.

[@NotKimiRaikkonen]

Probably just because of demand... It was probably 24 hours back before it was automated.

[@MsTaLaiah]

Yeees. Not everything or everyone needs to be run into the ground. 🤎

[@clairecampbell650]

Ahhh I can't get over Isonia and Edwin's connection, it's so cute! Smarties just made me smile more!

[@rachelfisher5968]

Gosh she is exactly what we should think of when we say beautiful!! So glad she had a moment to shine here

[@isoniaserrano9000]

Thank you for those beautiful words it means a lot to me and my family ❤❤❤

[@joruckus]

I am envious of Isonia and Edwin. What a meaningful and purposeful life. Thank you, Priya, for sharing their story. ❤

[@pearltopaz]

what a wonderful video! stories like these make this series truly special

[@AlfonsoGi]

I’m a restaurant manager in the hospitality industry and this is what I call a phenomenal leader. 10/10, confronts on your longevity. ❤❤❤

[@isoniaserrano9000]

Than you

[@MyWalk3296]

What a beautiful American story, hard working good honest people. They don't only look out for themselves but for other's. More please

[@EcomCarl]

Isonia's dedication and leadership at the Smarties factory highlight the invaluable role of experienced workers in maintaining the seamless operation of even the most automated processes. Her story is a reminder of the human element that underpins industrial efficiency and innovation. 🍬

[@isoniaserrano9000]

Thank you very much ❤❤❤

[@chelseajordan5752]

Isonia is a literal BOSS!! No matter how much money she makes, it's not enough!! She is awesome.

[@isoniaserrano9000]

Thank you so much,❤❤❤

[@meganl8728]

As a fan of Unwrapped, I love how Priya also focuses on the people involved in production

[@floydmays1749]

Nice to see workers who have pride in what they do.

[@ChillRichard]

This is my favorite series! Who knew watching how Smarties are made would make me emotional. I love how comfortable Priya is able to makes the people who she interviews; they open up and let us not into their job but also a part of their life

[@ericawolf9658]

Aren't they just the cutest!!!❤ Now everytime I eat Smarties, I will smile, thinking about the love kindness and hugs that start each day!! Beautiful 😍

[@isoniaserrano9000]

Wow thank you that was so nice of you

[@MaureenDrees]

Such a wonderful video! When our daughter was a toddler, she liked to ride along with her dad when he delivered corn or soybeans to the local elevator during harvest. She soon learned to make sure that she was sitting up tall in the semi, so the gals in the weigh office would see her and put a package of Smarties in with the weigh ticket. This video brings back so many wonderful memories of that time in our lives, but even more importantly, it highlights the tremendous couple who make sure that the workers and the machines are taken care of.

[@isoniaserrano9000]

Oh wow what’s a wonderful memory’s you have there,❤❤❤

[@kathleenpolly2219]

Thank you for profiling the behind the scenes work done by so many nameless people! It should make us be more focused on who is doing what for us. What a wonderful couple!

[@rachaelgoldman5846]

I live in New Jersey and teach in Union County. How could I not know this? Lots of candy businesses are located in Union County. New Jersey should be proud!

[@zag288]

incredible storytelling and filmmaking

[@shannahbrace4865]

Edwin and Isonia are the cutest on the planet.

[@isoniaserrano9000]

❤❤❤❤

[@endtwoducing]

In this weird and crazy world there are still beautiful places where things are just good. Thank you for this video and all the best to all these wonderful people.

[@MyWalk3296]

Now that's how you put the real smarts in smarties, thank you for all of your hard work & for helping to create a candy that so many enjoy.

[@MelvisVelour]

It takes sweet people to make a tart candy....and a wonderful person to bring their story to all of us. Thank you for what I honestly think is the best "On The Job" so far.

[@diggleda2952]

Closest thing to “made with love” with that wonderful couple working together on the machines

[@lelandgaunt9834]

Oh Preya, this was such a moving little piece. As if the Smarties weren’t already enough, thank you

[@wwinvt]

This is the kind of work ethic and real care for people that more of our country's CEOs, CFOs, politicians, billionaires, and Supreme Court Justices and other leaders need! Thanks, NY Times, for such a heartwarming and moving story.

[@MyWalk3296]

Amen

[@Kawaiimunchkin312]

Absolutely!!!!

[@jmanuo87]

Not my kids asking me why I’m crying in a candy manufacturing video. Those throwback photos 😍

[@peteronister1488]

aaawweee!! memories!! im 38 and this brought me to happy tears too! I hope you're having a blessed day friend!

[@StuttersDaily]

This is so real. I absolutely love it. These two built a beautiful life for themselves and their loved ones based on the principles of respect, love, and hard work. Priya's interview style is so approachable -- it allows me to feel like I'm actually connecting with these awesome people while also learning about what some would consider to be a rather mundane topic.

[@kashgohel]

Isonia is so cool! So much confidence and care. Beautiful story by NYT. Thank you for sharing.

[@isoniaserrano9000]

I can’t thank them enough to make this happen ❤❤❤

[@perlariojas]

This is such a fantastic and interesting series that showcases real humans and real stories. And the cherry on top is that you can tell these folks are proud of their job and also so warm and kind. I can’t wait for more episodes! ❤

[@DeliaLee8]

❤🧡💛💚💙💜🤎 Love this couple. Love how this factory is run. Love this series. From now on, whenever I see Smarties I will see Isonia and Edwin.

[@Oh_Em_Gee_]

I met the then-CEO of this company and his wife a few years back. They were super nice. He was the son of the founder. And the current co-CEOs are all grandchildren of the founder. It's never been sold to a bigger firm, which might be why they appear to have a factory full of workers who actually care about their job and the product and the business.

[@Kawaiimunchkin312]

The whole family is amazing. My parents have known them for years and yes the owners and ceos care very much about their employees. My mother would not have it any other way, she ensures everyone is working, getting overtime if they need it and even in their personal lives she is always willing to do more to help.

[@isoniaserrano9000]

Mr Dee and Mrs Anita ,they were the nicest people in the world so is the entire DeeFamily,with support like that, ho doesn’t love there’s jobs,and pass the passion to others

[@peteronister1488]

Edwin, the mechanic is SO humble and wise; I respect all mechanics! much love to all of these hard workers!

[@alie4605]

I love this series so much! It humanizes the foods that we eat and makes me better appreciate the little things.

[@isoniaserrano9000]

Than you so much

[@EricHunt]

I see a Priya video I stop everything and watch. Probably the best On The Job yet. Was it dusty in my room by the end of the video? Maybe.

[@JillKnapp]

This looks like a pretty great place to work, and having such wonderful co-workers fills it with love. (I also love how Isonia's face lit up when she saw Edwin; they're so cute!) Gonna go buy me a bag of Smarties tomorrow and know they were made with love (and in Jersey, too!).

[@isoniaserrano9000]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@CFaith-qq2md]

Fantastic journalism. I will subscribe to the NYT forever if it includes Priya Krishna coverage like this. And hat tip to the Serrano family for your work ethic, amazing love for your family and, of course, ensuring that we are never without our Smarties.

[@caso581]

❤I always thought it was so cool that such a classic iconic candy was made in my hometown of Union, N.J. ! I drove by this factory soooo many times! Now i actually got to see the inside and the amazing people that keep the candy factory going for all of these years!!! ❤ Thank you all !!!😊

[@DenverBound2008]

Well, I did not expect to cry during a candy factory video. Such a sweet couple and a beautiful love story.

[@hummersd]

Love all of Priya's segments, but bravo/brava to this team for putting this together. Always about the people behind the products we love, and their story -- this one in particular tugs at the heartstrings. And kudos for that classical music over the visuals of the candy getting made/packed. 👏

[@dmcdan1004]

More than ever today, we need to be reminded of why this country is so great. They embody everything that is good in this country. Dedication, hard work, sacrifice and love for their family and everyone else in their life. Their children should be so proud of what they have accomplished and how they have made such a positive impact on so many lives, (and maybe a few waistlines)!

[@Kawaiimunchkin312]

We are all immensely proud of them. They taught all of us what it means to really work hard and honestly. And always willing to help someone.

[@dmcdan1004]

@@Kawaiimunchkin312 I feel so fortunate to have learned about them via this video. My folks have both passed, and they raised me the same way. My mother was a state representative for 20 years, so 'love thy neighbor' and helping others was a big part of our family. Cherish the time you have with them and make the most of it!

[@lylebignon8219]

A captivating short featuring two beautiful and golden souls. So sweet to hear of their passion for the job and for life. A great edit! I hope Smarties Candy Company value Isonia and Edwin, and look after them and the workforce

[@justalittleguy733]

the way he looks at her....love!

[@missidc8254]

Hopefully they're compensated really well for dedicating over 30yrs of their life.

[@jgordonanderson]

I have always loved smarties… now I love them even more!!! What an amazing candy and company… in large part because of this amazing woman and her husband! This is such a great story!!!

[@thirtynine3955]

I haven't had Smarties in years. After watching this and watching the Serranos at work...I need some Smarties!

[@rodrigotavara5959]

Priya is like a really personable Marc Summers. I used to watch that show obsessively and this feels like a next step up with the personal touch.

[@woohoojazelyn]

this series always makes me sob haha... 😭😭 sweet people, great workers, great role models.

[@isoniaserrano9000]

Thank you so much

[@wyominggal010]

My absolute favorite candy all my life! What a beautiful love story to go with it ❤ now it's even more precious

[@sulychamp722]

oh Maria's supervisor, greetings from the Dominican Republic, continue with that beautiful heart that they tell me you have 🙏🏼blessings

[@isoniaserrano9000]

Thank you,she’s a beautiful lady love to work with her

[@TreasureBijon]

They should make a movie about them. I’m curious what their first jobs were at the factory.

[@LC-le9ew]

I love this video! I wish Isonia was my boss!

[@user-mq8fo3tr5u]

Oh please more videos like this….how things are made! The best NYTs video ever!

[@leahleeds4289]

That was the sweetest thing I’ve ever watched ❤

[@jenniferdrayton8392]

Sweeter than the Smarties themselves!

[@isoniaserrano9000]

Thank you so much

[@jeriwarhaftig6246]

You have fulfilled my ultimate fantasy. I live in NJ and always dreamed of visiting this factory. ❤

[@SuperMustache555]

So cute to see this couple working together!

[@isoniaserrano9000]

Thank you 😊😊😊

[@kayp.3377]

Wow, I didn’t know they had this factory in Union..

[@GlamGoddes101]

It’s crazy I’m from around there and I didn’t know the Smarties Candy factory was here until a few months ago, they don’t tell anybody!! It’s not really publicized in the town at all

[@RyanCoomer]

what a beautiful story!!!!! love it!!!! They are great folks you can just tell. All the goodness of life sent to them!!!

[@isoniaserrano9000]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@marycoleman7217]

Absolutely beautiful story!! I watched this because my husband loves Smarties candy. Now I’m going to make him watch it. Lovely family, too!!! 😊

[@pqrstsma2011]

this looked more like a Isonia and Edwin story, with Smarties being a minor background character

[@lpburrows]

There wouldn't be Smarties without the people who make it-or any food, for that matter. That's one of the most important lessons about food you could ever learn.

[@Bad_Sick_311]

One of the best videos I've seen this year.

[@flashywordz]

Well, the title of the video is “a day in the life of a candy factory worker” not “How it’s made: Smarties” so I feel like they made it clear what you were getting into before you watched the video

[@pqrstsma2011]

@@flashywordz good point, I should have noticed that

[@hanschristianbrando5588]

The candy looks like it has fun riding all those conveyor belts, which considering how much pleasure Smarties have given me over the decades seems only fair.

[@anarey-oktay2683]

I still love Smarties. I buy Smarties every year for Halloween “for the kids.” 😉

[@krschulman]

I just loved this story. Isonia and Edwin are truly admirable people. I cried at the end - so touching.

[@isoniaserrano9000]

Than you so much

[@marypaniagua2296]

Omg, how nice to know a little more about you you are a great woman a great fighter a woman who knowing her story inspires us to be better every day, I know that it comes out of nowhere and has managed to become a successful woman my respect and admiration for you may God bless you always and thank you for the opportunity to meet you and work next to you. Thank you for supporting us every day and motivating us to do it well

[@isoniaserrano9000]

Oh my God than you so much is my privilege to work with you,you guys are my angel ❤❤❤❤

[@jamalsjones]

please please please do more videos like this!

[@elmella3]

Feliz y orgulloso de formar parte de esta compañía en la que ya llevo 18 años trabajando y donde muchos de ellos se han convertido en parte de mi familia, lugar donde te apoyan y te respetan como empleado

[@isoniaserrano9000]

Manuelito que te puedo decir que no te haya dicho,eres mi orgullo mi incondicional no me imagino trabajando sin ti tu aces cada día el mejor día no importa por lo que estés pasando tu llegas con la mejor disposición ayudas a todos ,todos te queremos ❤❤❤❤

[@felizmar]

I watch a lot of “how this is made” videos for fun. But wow this was a pleasant surprise. I loved getting to hear about the people behind the scenes who are often left out of these types of videos. This was so thoughtful & what amazing people ❤

[@emdr-therapy-]

Underrated candy

[@CampbellsCNoodleSoup]

what a beautiful beautiful family and story

[@sophiasideris3814]

raise your hand if you're canadian and these are called Rockets!

[@ldkmelon]

I knew of the canadian smarties which are so different, but never knew you also had these under a different name, now I know for next trip north!

[@DavidChong]

I'm Canadian but I thought these were sweet(t?)arts

[@lynnstlaurent6789]

@@DavidChongthose are larger in circumference than a rocket plus a slightly different texture.

[@isoniaserrano9000]

It’s the same company that made Rockets and smarties,same owners,ene is New Jersey ,and the other one is in Canada ,

[@vdjKryptosRock]

Oh damn, I was wondering what was happening

[@pyzikscott]

A taste acquired in childhood and a mom’s best “sit still while I cut your hair” bribe!

[@cloverbee35]

great vid of good folks. Good candy also.

[@blueberryblues3365]

Another great video by Priya and crew. What an amazing story about all of those people working together. I grew up with Smarties too. So interesting to see all of the machinery it takes to make and package them. Thank you xx

[@cesarpmaia]

wish every human had a family like this

[@bleedingcrown_]

this means the world to me 😢❤

[@goobah1389]

That couple dynamic is so cute.

[@jumbo1701]

I love when people film inside factories! So much visual appeal and eyecandy everywhere

[@patriciaa.tudosa2838]

I watched this (absolutely wonderful) video waiting for them to be asked: do you still eat Smarties, after 35 years? and the question never came!!

[@Kawaiimunchkin312]

Every now and then we still will eat them lol but not as much as I did as a kid!

[@isoniaserrano9000]

The answer is yes ,it’s a temptation not to 😊

[@michelleb1248]

I really enjoyed the video on how the Smarties are made but what I loved the absolute most was hearing about Isonia’s family. I can only dream to have a family like that someday.

[@isoniaserrano9000]

They’re my pride and joy

[@leoarzola4791]

I thought this video was about a candy company. But it was about a couple in love. We need a KZbin channel about them

[@isoniaserrano9000]

Hahaha ❤❤❤❤

[@JoseReyes-yn3xj]

Always a tear jerker watching these

[@sarabeacher]

More Priya, please!!!

[@richardprietob2088]

Isonia es un ángel en el camino de muchos de los empleados, los jefes y compañeros hacen de este lugar de trabajo uno de los mejores en el mercado.

[@1114gg]

Excellent! There are so many lovely people in the world.

[@hemulek]

I thought I’m going to watch a video about sweets, I was not prepared to watch a video about sweet strong and beautiful woman and her family. I’m crying guys

[@isoniaserrano9000]

Oh my gosh thank you so much ❤❤❤❤