The bankrupt 171-year-old candy maker known for its chalky Necco Wafers and those little inscribed hearts that are everywhere on Valentine's Day got a sweet message from a rival Wednesday: BE MINE.

The bankrupt 171-year-old candy maker known for its chalky Necco Wafers and those little inscribed hearts that are everywhere on Valentine’s Day got a sweet message from a rival Wednesday: BE MINE.

Forget worries about steel tariffs. What really has people panic buying these days is the potential closure of the New England Confectionery Co. — which could mean the loss of the iconic Necco Wafer.

Sweets lovers in the Northeast are evidently going into panic mode now that the country’s oldest candy company, Necco, might be going out of business — and they're rushing to stock up on Necco Wafers, ...