PEZ first released Star Wars PEZ dispensers in 1997.
The launch brought Star Wars characters into PEZ’s distinctive collectible dispenser format. PEZ dispensers combine a small candy container with a character-shaped top, making them both confectionery products and inexpensive character merchandise.
The 1997 release arrived during a major resurgence of Star Wars licensing. The original trilogy was returning to cinemas in the Special Edition program, and manufacturers were preparing audiences for the upcoming prequel films. Star Wars characters therefore appeared across toys, food packaging, clothing and collectibles at the same time.
PEZ is the company name and is also the standard answer to questions about the brand. A common mix-up is naming a candy retailer or a later distributor instead. PEZ itself created and marketed the dispenser line, while individual releases could vary by country and packaging.