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Posted By RCI,
Tuesday, April 11, 2023
Updated: Tuesday, September 5, 2023
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Do you ever feel like you’re stuck in a rut? Are you looking for ways to gain momentum and taking your business to the next level? If so, then you don’t want to miss RCI’s Annual Convention & Industry Expo in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on June 12-16, 2023! Join fellow confectioners, candy retailers and suppliers looking to gain momentum in their businesses through impactful education and collaboration. Get inspired to take the next step and gain momentum for your business through two days of education led by experts in their fields and designed to meet the unique needs of the retail confectioner. Learn game-changing retail and merchandising techniques from retail strategists and professional store planners, KIZER & BENDER. In two unique education sessions, this dynamic duo will teach attendees how to engage and connect with customers and offer a better understanding of what you need to do—and how to do it—to take your sales to insane, new levels, as well as create store layouts that sell, sell, sell! As a new addition to this year’s educational programming, attendees will have the opportunity to select topics that best fit their unique needs and interests during Roundtables: Conversations for Candy Businesses. Participants can join up to three different small groups to discuss specific topics relevant to their confectionery business. Each group will have a moderator to guide the conversation and address questions. Topics to include: - Business Operations
- Candy Formulations/Troubleshooting
- Human Resources/Hiring
- Marketing/Merchandising
- And more!
Attendees will also gain clarity on FDA packaging and nutrition labeling regulations, as well as how to capture consumer demand by identifying key flavor trends and executing successful new product launches. Click here for a full description of the education sessions offered at RCI’s 2023 Annual Convention & Industry Expo. Educational sessions will be presented on Tuesday, June 13 and Wednesday, June 14. A variety of ticket packages are available, giving attendees the option to create an experience that fits any schedule and budget. RCI offers a 1-Day Education Ticket for just $225 for those looking to focus strictly on education. RCI will conclude the week with off-site tours of local candy maker and supplier business, which takes education to the next level. Discounted early-bird tickets are available through April 28, 2023. Visit retailconfectioners.org/annual now to grab your ticket! Crave more?Click here to subscribe and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices. Follow us on Facebook for even more sweet inspiration. Not a member? Click here to learn how RCI can help you build your sweet business.
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Posted By RCI,
Tuesday, May 4, 2021
Updated: Friday, August 20, 2021
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Now, more than ever, is the time to invest in your business! Many would agree that education is the best investment you can make in yourself, your team and your business. Education is deeply rooted in Retail Confectioners International’s (RCI) mission, which is to advance the confectionery industry by offering members the knowledge to build sweet businesses from entrepreneurial passion. For over 100 years, RCI has developed a reputation as a valuable resource for small business owners both established and new to the industry. With that said, we’re thrilled to share two opportunities for you to invest in education, (1) RCI’s Virtual Merchandising Boot Camp and (2) RCI’s 2021 Annual Convention and Industry Expo. Both events are designed to help you expand your knowledge to build an even sweeter business. Virtual Merchandising Boot Camp
May 18-19, 2021 Get your business on track and on point with 2 half days of in-depth training where you’ll learn how to engage and connect with customers in your store, online and on social media. Retail strategists, professional store planners and the instructors of this course, Rich Kizer and Georganne Bender, KIZER & BENDER, will break down the essentials and offer a better understanding of what you need to do–and how to do it–to increase store traffic and explode your sales. RCI’s Virtual Merchandising Boot Camp will take you through each of the steps necessary to build a merchandising strategy that gets results. During the course you’ll learn how to: - Build a consistent brand inside your store and out.
- Set your sales floor to sell with effective visual merchandising and displays.
- Back up your brand with a successful website and strategic digital marketing tactics.
- Better understand four generations of today’s consumer.
The course will be presented virtually via ZOOM. Students will have the opportunity to interact and ask questions live with instructors. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to build a merchandising and marketing strategy that will take your business to the next level—all without having to leave your desk. Visit retailconfectioners.org/page/VirtualMerchBootCamp for complete course details. Registration is open now! Annual Convention & Industry Expo
July 19-23, 2021 – Columbus, Ohio If you attend one in-person event in 2021, this is the one to attend! Join RCI for the 2021 Annual Convention & Industry Expo at the Greater Columbus July 19-23. Safely explore what’s new in the confectionery industry and take away effective business and production strategies to help you build a more successful business. Designed uniquely for the retail confectioner, this event will continue to offer attendees educational sessions, a two-day expo, confectionery tours and connection opportunities. As part of this year’s educational programming, attendees will join the discussion with a panel of retail confectioners whose businesses have adapted or pivoted to not only survive, but thrive, despite the challenges presented in 2020 and today. Learn how they made the most of their opportunities with strategic thinking and action, as well as what worked and what didn’t. In addition, attendees will take away effective business and production strategies with thought-provoking education on the following subjects: - Build an Exceptional Team Through Coaching and Mentoring
- Positioned for Growth
- Nougat: An Artisan Approach
Educational sessions will be presented on Tuesday, July 20 and Wednesday, July 21. While the convention is hosted by RCI, all confectionery professionals are invited to attend. A variety of ticket packages are available, giving attendees the option to create an experience that fits any schedule and budget. RCI offers a 1-Day Education Ticket for just $225 for those looking to focus on strictly on education. RCI will conclude the week with off-site tours of local candy businesses, which takes education to the next level. Register by May 14 for best rates. Visit retailconfectioners.org/annual for complete details on this year’s convention. Don’t miss an opportunity to invest in yourself and your business. Focus on learning this year and watch your business benefit as a result. Crave more? If you like what you read here, look for the "Subscribe now" box on the right to enter your email address and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices. Follow us on Facebook for even more sweet inspiration.
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Posted By RCI,
Tuesday, May 28, 2019
Updated: Monday, April 27, 2020
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This buttery and crunchy treat is “one of the finest confections made,” according to Walter Richmond, author of Choice Confections.
With National Almond Buttercrunch Day at the end of June, now is the time to make plans to perfect your recipe or introduce this popular confection into your product line. Keep reading for expert tips on how to achieve the signature crunch as well as a formulation worthy of a national holiday.
So how do you get the perfect crunch? This confection’s signature crunch comes from a high cook temperature and the right formulation of ingredients, namely butter and sugar. Typically made by caramelizing sugar with butterfat at a high temperature of 290-300° F. Equally important, the ratio of butter and sugar will have an effect of the grain of the crunch. Richmond recommends 37-42 percent butter and 63-58 percent sugar (nuts excluded) for the confection to gradually become softer and melt in your mouth when eating.
Use the following formulation to adapt this classic recipe in your own candy kitchen.
Whether it’s the crunch or rich buttery goodness, consumers love buttercrunch enough to honor it with a national holiday. If you’re looking for opportunities to learn more about improving your buttercrunch and other candy recipes, connecting with fellow candy makers is one of the best ways to do so. It’s not too late to register for RCI’s Annual Convention & Industry Expo in Hartford, Connecticut June 3-7, 2019 at the Connecticut Convention Center. Attend RCI’s two-day Industry Expo for only $5 with promo code RCIHigh5. Click here to register online today!
As always, attending RCI’s Industry Expo is free to members! Extend your stay and we’ll extend the early-bird discount to offer you the best value! Register now and save $100 on the Convention Pass or 3-Day Pass when you use the promo code SAVE100.
Crave more? If you like what you read here, look for the "Subscribe now" box on the right to enter your email address and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's Tip of the Week blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices.
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Posted By RCI,
Tuesday, May 14, 2019
Updated: Monday, April 27, 2020
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RCI’s Annual Convention & Industry Expo is right around the corner! If you haven’t done so already, there's still time to join RCI in Hartford, Connecticut June 3-7, 2019! Click here to see who’s exhibiting by viewing the expo floor plan which includes exhibitor company descriptions and contact information.
Get the 2-Day Expo Ticket for only $5 with the promo code "RCIHigh5" (regularly $10 in advance or $25 onsite--as always, RCI members get into the Industry Expo for free). Visit retailconfectioners.org/annual for more information and to register to attend.
Not only are industry trade shows a great opportunity to see new product innovations and connect with suppliers and fellow confectioners, you can also save money on items such as packaging, equipment and ingredients. Many exhibitors will provide show specials just for those who take advantage of placing orders while at the show. For example, you could secure a reduced shipping rate or discounts on the same orders you may place a couple months from now, when the need arises. Keep in mind, most suppliers will allow you to place an order and arrange for later shipping dates so you could even place your Christmas order and know it will arrive at a later arranged date.
As an added incentive, every order placed during RCI’s Industry Expo is entered into a drawing for great prizes provided by exhibitors.
Crave more? If you like what you read here, look for the "Subscribe now" box on the right to enter your email address and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's Tip of the Week blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices.
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Posted By RCI,
Tuesday, March 19, 2019
Updated: Monday, April 27, 2020
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For entrepreneurs, the challenges of purchasing for a business are an everyday concern. In this week’s post, RCI 1st Vice President, Barry Bomboy of Bomboy’s Home Made Candy, shares five purchasing habits that help his family’s business maintain or increase the quality of their products while staying conscious of the bottom line.
COOPERATIVE PURCHASING
As a member of RCI, we have been able to network with other great companies and build relationships, which allows us to have greater purchasing options. In some cases, we are able to combine our orders with other companies' orders to purchase ingredients and supplies. This allows us to collectively meet larger minimums and receive better pricing.
Cooperative purchasing can add great value to your business, however, you may have to adjust your buying patterns to get this type of cooperative buying to work. It is important to figure out who has the best options for receiving larger shipments and make sure you have the storage available for a larger purchase. You may be at the mercy of someone else’s buying schedule, but when you join forces you will find that your buying power can save a significant amount of money, which goes right to your bottom line.
STAGGERED DELIVERIES
We try to schedule our deliveries so that they are staggered at a pace that will allow us to keep our everyday flow moving. We want to make sure we have raw materials for manufacturing and also packaging materials for finished goods. We also have to ensure that we have enough space to continue working and to store inventory. We are able to schedule seasonal employees based upon the delivery dates we have chosen to keep production at a maximum.
KEEPING RECORDS
We keep records of all of our purchases and sales leading up to and during each holiday season so we can plan for the following year. At the end of a season, we ask ourselves if the timing worked and if we had enough or too much inventory. We track not only what we sold, but also how much and when it sold. We feel that we can never have enough notes to make the following year better.
ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS
Another challenge is making larger purchases of equipment for manufacturing and packaging. To prevent unnecessary spending, we, first, have to answer the following questions:
- Do we need it?
- Will it improve efficiency?
- Is there room for it?
- Do we need to change electric hookups or plumbing?
By taking steps to address these questions, we are able to avoid making decisions that could be counterproductive, if for instance, the equipment is of no use because we don't have room for it or we don't have the proper electrical hookups.
TRACKING WEATHER
Lastly, there is one other major item that we track from year to year, because we are located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the country: weather. We know that our sales could have been affected by that major snowstorm that hit three days before Valentine’s Day or a late 85-degree Easter. Our customer’s buying habits often reflect that our business is driven by weather.
Look for ways to incorporate one or more of these proactive approaches to help you form smart purchasing habits that will propel the success of your business.
Now is the time to start planning for the holidays! Explore what’s new in the confectionery industry and connect with fellow candy makers, chocolatiers and suppliers at RCI’s Annual Convention & Industry Expo on June 3-7,2019 at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, CT. Register by March 29 to get the best rates!
Crave more? If you like what you read here, look for the "Subscribe now" box on the right to enter your email address and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's Tip of the Week blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices.
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Posted By RCI,
Tuesday, June 5, 2018
Updated: Monday, April 27, 2020
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RCI’s Annual Convention & Industry Expo is right around the corner! If you haven’t done so already, there's still time to join RCI in Cleveland from June 18-22, 2018. Click here to see who’s exhibiting by viewing the expo floor plan which includes exhibiting company descriptions and contact information. Visit retailconfectioners.org/annual for more information and to register to attend.
Not only are industry tradeshows a great opportunity to see new product innovations and connect with suppliers and fellow confectioners, you can also save money on items such as packaging, equipment and ingredients. Many exhibitors will provide show specials just for those who take advantage of placing orders while at the show. For example, you could secure a reduced shipping rate or discounts on the same orders you may place a couple months from now, when the need arises. Keep in mind, most suppliers will allow you to place an order and arrange for later shipping dates so you could even place your Christmas order and know it will arrive at a later arranged date.
As an added incentive, every order placed during RCI’s Industry Expo is entered into a drawing for great prizes provided by exhibitors.
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Expo
Owning a Business
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Posted By RCI,
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
Updated: Monday, April 27, 2020
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Wanna ROCK your candy business or chocolate shop? Retail Confectioners International (RCI) is cranking up the volume for the 2018 Annual Convention & Industry Expo in Cleveland, Ohio on June 18 through 22. Keep reading for three ways attending RCI's Annual Convention & Industry Expo will help you ROCK your candy business.
Education That Rocks
Get ready to rock with an energetic, interactive and funny keynote designed for the retail confectioner. Discover how to reinvent and revolutionize your candy business using innovative success secrets that created household names like The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Tina Turner and Aerosmith. Using the same techniques as these bona fide rockstars, attendees will learn how to:
- Create a grand vision
- Channel uniqueness into huge growth
- Use the three keys of awesome teamwork
- Build an action-oriented culture
- Drive and lead change
In addition to the keynote session “Opportunity Rocks,” attendees will learn how to outshine the competition through two days of education sessions led industry experts on the subjects of merchandising, product development and hiring. Attendees will also have the opportunity to apply key merchandising concepts during a hands-on workshop.
Game-Changing Insight
RCI takes education to the next level through exclusive behind-the-scenes tours. Gain a new perspective of your craft while touring the following rockstar local businesses, sure to inspire ideas to take home to your own retail shop.
- B.A. Sweetie Candy Company
- Gorant Chocolatier
- Linnea’s Candy Supplies, Inc.
- Malley’s Chocolates
- Mitchell’s Fine Chocolates
- Popped!
- Sun America LLC
- Tap Packaging Solutions
Rock Star Networking
Join RCI for a red-carpet after party you won’t forget! Dressed as your favorite rockstar, roll VIP-style with private access to all seven floors of exhibits at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame! Jam with an 80s tribute band, enjoy a hosted bar, capture memories in photos taken by the “paparazzi” and more!
Simply attending this event will expose you to relevant education, inspiring and insightful behind-the-scenes tours and network opportunities fit for rockstars. Don't miss this great opportunity to learn, connect and discover how we can help you build your sweet business!
Registration by April 20 and save $100 on the Convention Pass! Registration is open to RCI members and non-members with industry credentials. Visit retailconfectioners.org/annual or call 800-545-5381 for more details.
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Posted By RCI,
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
Updated: Monday, April 27, 2020
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As an association, RCI is committed to supporting the next generation of confectionery leaders. In 2012 RCI developed the Next Generation group as a platform to encourage members in their twenties and thirties to build relationships and connect through fun, interactive events.
Being part of a multi-generational, family business, RCI Board President Steve Vande Walle, shares his first experience as the new kid on the block and why supporting young confectionery professionals is important to the industry as a whole.
"[RCI's Next Generation event was created to help the younger generation] develop relationships with members their age, many of whom will turn out to be life-long friends, creating a network of confectionery colleagues facing many of the same challenges who can turn to each other to solve problems and learn from, "says Vande Walle. "I wish they had something like this 30 years ago, when I first started attending conventions. I remember attending a networking reception in those days, and seeing all of the “older” members chatting and socializing like they were all best friends." As a reminder for the more "seasoned" professionals, Vande Walle states, "as leaders of RCI, it is our responsibility to make sure professional growth and networking opportunities for our younger members continues to be available as a way to help our next generation flourish. I believe the next generation events are a step in that direction. Please encourage all young RCI members to attend Next Generation events and even consider becoming a member of our Next Generation Committee. Being a part of the inner workings of the association is very interesting and even more rewarding."
Regardless of your age, you, too, can help foster the success of future industry leaders by mentoring younger staff or members of your community, encouraging them to participate in local organizations for young professionals, enrolling them in an education course or by sending them to a industry-related conference.
Consider bringing a young member of your team to RCI's Annual Convention & Industry Expo in Cleveland, Ohio June 18-22, 2018. Aside from all the great education, networking and tours, these "next geners" will leave having made meaningful and lasting connections with colleagues their age that could have an impact on their professional careers for years to come. Visit retailconfectioners.org/annual to learn more and register to attend.
Stay connected with RCI through Facebook for more tips and inspiration dedicated to the retail candy maker. Not a member? Click here to learn how RCI can help you build your sweet business.
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Posted By RCI,
Tuesday, August 22, 2017
Updated: Wednesday, April 29, 2020
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For members looking to gain creative ideas at RCI’s 2017 Annual Convention & Industry Expo, Candy Clinic did not disappoint. Since the thirties, this member-exclusive event has allowed RCI members from across the United States, Canada and abroad to share their best ideas and gain inspiration from fellow candy makers. Keep reading for an idea that won the award for best innovation at the latest Candy Clinic.
Inspired by an associate’s manicured finger nails, RCI member Cher Diamond of Maurie’s Fine Chocolates of Madison, shared a creative technique for applying cocoa butter to moulded chocolates. Water marbling is a technique used to create a unique nail polish design by adding droplets of nail polish to water before applying it to the nail. A similar effect can be achieved with cocoa butter and water.
Start by filling a bowl with room temperature water. If you read tutorials online for water marbling, they recommend using filtered or bottled water. Get cocoa butter spray, shake it up and spray it into the water. Because the oils in cocoa butter resist the water, the cocoa butter will float on top of the water, allowing you to create a unique design with a variety of different colored cocoa butters. Drag a toothpick or other similar object through the cocoa butter, cleaning it after each use.
Once the desired marbleized effect is achieved, take a finished moulded piece or just the shell and run it through the cocoa butter. Let each moulded piece dry for three hours or overnight. You may finish the piece by applying a glaze spray, but according to Cher, the cocoa butter will not rub off or detemper the chocolate.
If you’re looking to create stunning chocolate pieces, give this simple and fun water marbling technique a try and let us know how it turns out by leaving a comment below.
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Candy Clinic
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Posted By RCI,
Tuesday, April 11, 2017
Updated: Wednesday, April 29, 2020
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We're giving you more than ever before at RCI's 2017 Annual Convention & Industry Expo at The Westin Lombard! In addition to the same great benefits of attending as a candy maker or a supplier, we're giving you more in terms of education, tours and networking! Keep reading for reasons why you don't want to miss out on this event!
More Education
For as long as RCI has existed, education has played an integral role in the convention experience. This year, attendees can expect a more individualized educational experience with the addition of new one-on-one appointments and interactive workshops.
RCI members looking for solutions to problem candies or to maximize their social media presence, have the opportunity to schedule personal 30-minute consultations during our new one-on-one appointments. Consultations are exclusively available to RCI members registered for the event and are available by appointment only. View retailconfectioners.org/annual for more information on how to schedule a consultation.
Also new for 2017, two interactive workshops designed to equip attendees with the tools needed to successfully engage consumers and to create a pipeline of new and innovative products. Workshops are exclusive to Convention Pass holders, interested parties may reserve their seats when registering. Space is limited.
More Tours
One of the most popular components of RCI events are the behind-the-scenes tours, which take place on the final two days of the week. This June, RCI tours will include eight tour locations.
- Albanese Confectionery
- Arway Confections
- Barry Callebaut
- Blommer Chocolate Co.
- Long Grove Confectionery Co.
- Morkes Chocolates
- Primrose Candy Co.
- Savage Bros. Co.
See what chocolate looks like at every step of the process, how state-of-the-art confectionery machinery is built and experience candy production from hand-dipped chocolates to full-scale robotics. Each tour location has been selected to help attendees gain a new perspective of the craft and inspire new ideas to use in their own retail stores.
More Networking
After the conclusion of the first meeting of retail confectioners, attendees recognized the value in connecting with industry colleagues to share ideas and learn from each other. Since that time, these relationships have been a driving force in the continuation of our association.
No doubt, one's 100th anniversary is cause for celebration! We have scheduled more social events to mark RCI's significant milestone anniversary and make it easy for attendees to mingle and build relationships. Make plans now to attend the following new social events for 2017, included in the Convention Pass, 3-Day Pass or A La Carte (as a package or as individual tickets).
New Networking Events For 2017:
Welcome Reception
Monday, June 12 | 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Reconnect with industry friends and meet new colleagues as we gather together for this
opening reception to kick off the convention week.
100th Anniversary Gala
Wednesday, June 14 | 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Celebrate RCI's rich history in grand fashion during our 100th Anniversary Gala. Relive
memories of the past through a visual tribute while enjoying a five-course meal, live music
and dancing.
The Finale Reception
Thursday, June 15 | 8:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Watch the 1920s come to life during this fun, interactive farewell reception and murder
mystery party! An experience you'll never forget, attendees get the chance to play a role in
a murder mystery, win prizes at the gaming tables, have their likenesses drawn by a
caricature artist and more!
Be part of this historic event by celebrating with us! Register at retailconfectioners.org/annual by April 28 and save $100!
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