Print Page   |   Sign In   |   Join RCI
RCI Blog
Blog Home All Blogs

Trend Alert: 5 Must Try Tie-Dye Ideas

Posted By RCI, Tuesday, June 23, 2020
Updated: Thursday, July 30, 2020

 

Whether you like it or not, tie-dye is one of the biggest fashion trends of 2020—no doubt thanks to quarantined DIYers looking to pass time and upcycle their wardrobes.

Oftentimes popular fashion trends find their way into other industries. With all the fun, bright colors and happy vibes it creates, we think the tie-dye trend is a perfect fit for the candy industry. If you’re looking to jump on this psychedelic bandwagon, keep reading for five must-try tie-dye ideas.

 

 

Tie-Dye S’mores

Tie-dye + s’mores! Does it get any better than this? Whip up a batch of these colorful and gooey marshmallows and dare your customers NOT to plaster photos of them all over social media! They won’t be able to resist! Click here for a tutorial from Studio DIY.

 

 

Tie-Dye Chocolate Bars

Create yummy swirls of color on a chocolate bar, then take it a step further by embellishing it with a fun, little moulded chocolate piece—like this ice cream cone—and lots of sprinkles.

 

 

Tie-Dye Moulded Chocolates

You don’t even have to like tie-dye to love this colorful bunny! What other moulded chocolates would look great in tie dye? All of them!

 

 

Tie-Dye Packaging

What goes best with tie-dye? More tie-dye, of course! Complete your collection of tie-dye confections with equally psychedelic packaging. Contact MOD-PAC for more information about these tie-dye boxes.

 

 

Tie-Dye Merchandise

For the truest tie-dye enthusiasts, consider adding branded tie-die merch to your offerings, like these t-shirts from Asher's Chocolates.  

 

 

In the world of tie-dye, the possibilities are seemingly endless! These are just a few of our favorite ways for your business to ride the tie-dye trend. Similar techniques could also be applied to chocolate-covered sandwich cookiespretzelsfudge and more. What confections would you transform with tie dye? Share in the comments below.

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.

Not a member? Click here to learn how RCI can help you build your sweet business.

Tags:  Colors  Creativity  Displays  Fudge  Ideas  Inspiration  Marketing  Marshmallow  Oreo  Oreos  Packaging  S'mores  Spring  Summer  Trends 

PermalinkComments (0)
 

Throwback Tip #296: Shipping Chocolate in the Summer is Possible! Here's How!

Posted By RCI, Tuesday, March 3, 2020
Updated: Monday, April 27, 2020

Are you using the correct size of gel pack?

What are you doing to prevent condensation from turning your shipping box into a soggy mess?
 
Shipping chocolate in the summer is tricky, but not impossible with the right supplies. With summer around the corner, we're sharing a list of must-have supplies and important considerations to ensure your precious cargo is properly packaged--thanks to the shipping experts at InsulTote by Innovative Energy, Inc.

SUMMER SHIPPING TOOLBOX
When shipping temperature-sensitive products, like chocolate, frozen gel packs are a given. Maximize the life of your gel packs by equipping yourself with the following summer shipping tools.
 
  • Insulated box liners
  • Large frozen gel pack(s)
  • Dry ice (for shipping frozen items)
  • Shrink wrap
  • Absorbent pads
  • Packing tape

CHOOSING YOUR GEL PACK
When choosing gel packs, look for the largest size you can afford to ship. One large gel pack will provide better performance than several smaller ones. For example, if you place four ice cubes next to one big block of ice both at room temperature, the ice cubes will melt faster than the block of ice. The larger the mass, the longer it will take to thaw.

WITH AIR COMES HEAT
It is equally as important to fill your box as full as possible, allowing the energy from the gel pack to focus on keeping the enclosed products cold and not the surrounding air. If using an insulated box liner, press down on it to release air before sealing. For added protection, taping the outside of the box at every seam will also slow down the infiltration of air.

LINER STORAGE
Extend the life of your gel packs by storing insulated liners, in a cool place prior to use. Starting with cool air inside each bubble means the gel pack doesn't have to work overtime to cool down the air inside the liners.

SHIPPING WITH DRY ICE
To save on shipping cost, you may want to use dry ice for frozen items that will be in transit for more than 24 hours. A combination of dry ice and gel packs is the best insurance. Dry ice will keep the gel pack frozen the first day and after the dry ice evaporates, the frozen gel pack will keep the contents of the package cool for the second day. The amount of dry ice depends on the size of package, freight carrier requirements and transit times. If using dry ice, do not tape the outside seams of your boxes to allow the carbon dioxide gas to escape as it evaporates.

Using dry ice is not always recommended for foods that are not frozen, as it may give off an odor that could be absorbed by foods, such as chocolate. To keep dry ice from effecting the flavor of your product, carefully cover your product with shrink wrap and only use dry ice when necessary. To ensure product meets your quality standards, taste test it after it's been packaged with dry ice for 48 hours.

CONTROLLING CONDENSATION
The space between the inside of a corrugated box and the outside of an insulated liner may condensate in warmer weather. Occasionally this may be enough to dampen a corrugated box and cause it to become soft. To avoid this, place an absorbent pad in the bottom of the corrugated box under the insulated liner. Absorbent meat pads can be found online and are an inexpensive way to abate excess moisture.

Shipping in warm weather is definitely a challenge, but when successful, it can surprise and delight your customers and create new sales opportunities.
 
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.

Tags:  Chocolate  Packaging  Shipping  Summer 

PermalinkComments (0)
 

Throwback Tip #257: 5 Sweets that Beat the Heat

Posted By RCI, Tuesday, May 21, 2019
Updated: Monday, April 27, 2020
 

The first day of summer is a month away! If this means more outdoor festivals, farmers markets, picnics and parties on the horizon, don’t let warm weather keep your business from shining at outdoor events. Read on for ideas on more sturdy treats that aren’t as likely to melt in consumers' hands.

Photo by Romulo Yanes


Marshmallows

RCI member Hilliard’s Chocolates’ toasted coconut marshmallow is their “tried and true” summer confection. Try it yourself with this recipe from Epicurious.


Kakao Chocolate presented Truffle Shots during RCI's Candy Clinic in 2016.


Truffle Shots

RCI member, Kakao Chocolate shared a creative idea at a past Candy Clinic for a mess-free summery chocolate treat. By piping ganche into compostable cups, Kakao Chocolate’s truffle shots allow them to deliver the same great chocolatey taste their known for at farmers’ markets and other outdoor events without the threat of chocolate melting in customers’ hands.

MarthaStewart.com

Brittles & Toffees

As long as they’re not coated in chocolate, you can count on these hard candies to stand tough. This recipe for sweet and smoky brittle from MarthaStewart.com would make the perfect addition to a summer BBQ or pool-party themed display or sold at a farmers’ market.

Tastemade.com
 
Fudge
Not only do many fudge recipes hold up to reasonable heat, no-cook fudge recipes can help you keep the temperature down in your candy kitchen. Check out this tutorial for watermelon fudge that screams summer! Consider inserting popsicle sticks into watermelon wedges to serve as fudge pops.

Chocolate Storybook


Cotton Candy

A staple at any outdoor carnival or boardwalk, these sugary clouds melt in your mouth, but not in your hand. When stored properly, cotton candy can withstand relatively high temperatures and deliver pops of color to your booth or retail shop. If you don’t want to make it yourself, Chocolate Storybook wholesales 31 unique flavors of hand-spun, specialty cotton candy from classic pink vanilla to spicy jalapeno.
 
Outshine the sun this spring and summer with these 5 delicious treats that can tolerate the heat, without turning into a melty, soupy mess. 

Register now for RCI's Annual Convention & Industry Expo

Get more inspired ideas like these from fellow confectionery professionals and join us at RCI's Annual Convention & Industry Expo June 3-7, 2019 at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, CT. Register now to attend RCI's two-day Industry Expo for only $5 with the promo code "RCIHigh5." For more information and to register online, visit retailconfectioners.org/annual.

Note: The above recommendations are intended for use in reasonable conditions and not guaranteed to withstand extreme heat, such that might occur in shipping during spring and summer months.

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.

Tags:  Brittle  Cotton Candy  Fudge  Heat Tolerant Candy  Marshmallow  Member Ideas  Summer  Toffee  Truffles 

PermalinkComments (0)
 

Throwback Tip #264: Celebrate Christmas in July

Posted By RCI, Tuesday, May 7, 2019
Updated: Monday, April 27, 2020
Do stagnant summer sales leave you longing for Christmas (well, maybe, minus the crazy schedule)? If so, you’re not alone. Blame it on the heat, summer vacations and the lack of major holidays, if you’re in the retail industry it’s no surprise summer is likely going to be a slow season (unless your business is in a tourism location).
 
A summertime spin on Christmas, could be a great opportunity for your business to heat things up this summer! Get the most out of your Christmas in July promotions by meeting these three objectives.
 
Photos: Dallas News
Stand Out & Increase Sales
You wouldn’t expect to hear Christmas carols or see Santa posing for photos in board shorts and a Hawaiian shirt in the peak of summer. Make your business stand out by hosting a Christmas party in July, complete with a sampling of your favorite Christmas treats, giveaways, live music and Santa in his vacation attire.
 
Generate New Customers
A study published by Adobe Digital shows repeat customers spend 25% more per transaction during the holiday rush, compared to a new customer who spends only 15% more during the holiday season.To help convert new customers into return customers, CaffeineInteractive.com suggests offering those who make a purchase during your Christmas in July promotion, a discount on future purchases between Black Friday and New Year’s Day. Consider keeping a separate email list for these customers, to send them a coupon just before Black Friday.
 
Reward Loyal Customers
Celebrate loyal customers by throwing a Christmas-themed customer appreciation party or offering a free gift for shopping in July. Shopkeep recommends inviting loyal customers to a flash sale in their honor and offering additional incentives for bringing a friend. Spread the word by sending invitations with details via email or snail mail.
 
Creating memorable shopping experiences for new and return customers may help pad more than just your summer sales. Kathy Allen of the National Retail Federation told USA Today, “When the holiday season does come, maybe that person who had a wonderful experience shopping in July remembers to come back, and will spend their holiday dollars there, or their Halloween dollars or their birthday dollars.” Do you celebrate Christmas in July? If so, share your ideas in the comments below.
 
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.

Tags:  Christmas in July  Loyalty  Marketing  New Customers  Summer 

PermalinkComments (0)
 

Tip #302: 5 Ways to Build Even Better S'mores

Posted By RCI, Tuesday, April 30, 2019
Updated: Monday, April 27, 2020
 
 

With summer around the corner, now is a good time to start thinking about new and exciting summer treats to roll out. S’mores are a summer staple for sure, but why not reimagine flavor combinations that will entice shoppers to take their s’mores to the next level.
 
Here’s five of our favorite s’mores combinations to spark your creativity!
 
Simplegirlathome.blogspot.com

The Peanut Butter Cup S’more
For all the peanut butter lovers out there, this addition is a win-win! For a twist, suggest adding a swipe of jam to turn this into a PB&J S’more.

Jessfuel.com

 
The Sea Salt Caramel S’more
A sprinkle of sea salt will take everything to the next level, but imagine a melty sea salt caramel sandwiched between a toasty marshmallow and two graham crackers. If you have your own caramel sauce, this would be a great tie-in to achieve extra caramelly goodness! Yes, please! 

Sharedappetite.com

The Chocolate-Covered Potato Chip S’more
Encourage shoppers to add an extra layer of crunch to their s’mores with a couple of chocolate-covered potato chips.
 
Photo by Marty Woodcock

The Mint Chocolate S’more
Instead of a plain chocolate bar, pair marshmallows and a couple chocolate graham crackers with a mint chocolate meltaway.


Epicurious.com
 
The Toasted Coconut S’more
Adding toasted coconut marshmallows to a s’more is a sure-fire way to make any coconut fan melt. If toasted coconut marshmallows aren’t already part of your summer repertoire, we think they should be! Check out this recipe from Epicurious.
 
Marie's Candies
Once you’ve brainstormed all the different s’mores combinations available in your store, group them all together and display them as a “Build Your Own S’mores Bar,” as inspiration for shoppers’ to host a gourmet s’mores bar at backyard cookouts, birthday parties and even wedding receptions. We recommend including a sign with suggested flavor combinations featuring your confections, like RCI member, Marie's Candies.

Make your shop a one-stop destination for all the ingredients needed to make gourmet s'mores, including graham crackers, marshmallows and all the creative fixings!
 
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.

Tags:  Creativity  Flavors  S'mores  Summer 

PermalinkComments (0)
 

Tip #264: Celebrate Christmas in July

Posted By RCI, Tuesday, May 1, 2018
Updated: Monday, April 27, 2020

Do stagnant summer sales leave you longing for Christmas (well, maybe, minus the crazy schedule)? If so, you’re not alone. Blame it on the heat, summer vacations and the lack of major holidays, if you’re in the retail industry it’s no surprise summer is likely going to be a slow season (unless your business is in a tourism location).
 
 
 
A summertime spin on Christmas, could be a great opportunity for your business to heat things up this summer! Get the most out of your Christmas in July promotions by meeting these three objectives.

 
 
Photos: Dallas News
STAND OUT & INCREASE SALES
You wouldn’t expect to hear Christmas carols or see Santa posing for photos in board shorts and a Hawaiian shirt in the peak of summer. Make your business stand out by hosting a Christmas party in July, complete with a sampling of your favorite Christmas treats, giveaways, live music and Santa in his vacation attire.
 
GENERATE NEW CUSTOMERS
A study published by Adobe Digital shows repeat customers spend 25% more per transaction during the holiday rush, compared to a new customer who spends only 15% more during the holiday season.To help convert new customers into return customers, CaffeineInteractive.com suggests offering those who make a purchase during your Christmas in July promotion, a discount on future purchases between Black Friday and New Year’s Day. Consider keeping a separate email list for these customers, to send them a coupon just before Black Friday.
 
REWARD LOYAL CUSTOMERS
Celebrate loyal customers by throwing a Christmas-themed customer appreciation party or offering a free gift for shopping in July. Shopkeep recommends inviting loyal customers to a flash sale in their honor and offering additional incentives for bringing a friend. Spread the word by sending invitations with details via email or snail mail.
 
Creating memorable shopping experiences for new and return customers may help pad more than just your summer sales. Kathy Allen of the National Retail Federation told USA Today, “When the holiday season does come, maybe that person who had a wonderful experience shopping in July remembers to come back, and will spend their holiday dollars there, or their Halloween dollars or their birthday dollars.” Do you celebrate Christmas in July? If so, share your ideas in the comments below.
 
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.

Tags:  Christmas in July  Increase Sales  Summer 

PermalinkComments (0)
 

Tip #257: 5 Sweets that Beat the Heat

Posted By RCI, Tuesday, February 20, 2018
Updated: Monday, April 27, 2020
Photo by Romolo Yanes
 

Regardless of any groundhogs’ predictions, the arrival of spring is a month away! This means more outdoor festivals, farmers markets, picnics and parties on the horizon. Don’t let warm weather keep your business from shining at outdoor events by featuring more sturdy treats that aren’t as likely to melt in consumers' hands.
 
Epicurious

Marshmallows

RCI member Hilliard’s Chocolates’ toasted coconut marshmallow is their “tried and true” summer confection. Try it yourself with this recipe from Epicurious.


 
 
 
Kakao Chocolatepresents Truffle Shots during RCI's Candy Clinic in 2016.

Truffle Shots

RCI member, Kakao Chocolate shared a creative idea at a past Candy Clinic for a mess-free summery chocolate treat. By piping ganche into compostable cups, Kakao Chocolate’s truffle shots allow them to deliver the same great chocolatey taste their known for at farmers’ markets and other outdoor events without the threat of chocolate melting in customers’ hands.
 
MarthaStewart.com

Brittles & Toffees

As long as they’re not coated in chocolate, you can count on these hard candies to stand tough. This recipe for sweet and smoky brittle from MarthaStewart.com would make the perfect addition to a summer BBQ or pool-party themed display or sold at a farmers’ market.
 
Tastemade.com
Fudge
Not only do many fudge recipes hold up to reasonable heat, no-cook fudge recipes can help you keep the temperature down in your candy kitchen. Check out this tutorial for watermelon fudge that screams summer! Consider inserting popsicle sticks into watermelon wedges to serve as fudge pops.

Chocolate Storybook
 

Cotton Candy

A staple at any outdoor carnival or boardwalk, these sugary clouds melt in your mouth, but not in your hand. When stored properly, cotton candy can withstand relatively high temperatures and deliver pops of color to your booth or retail shop. If you don’t want to make it yourself, Chocolate Storybook wholesales 31 unique flavors of hand-spun, specialty cotton candy from classic pink vanilla to spicy jalapeno.
 
Outshine the sun this spring and summer with these 5 delicious treats that can tolerate the heat, without turning into a melty, soupy mess.

Note: The above recommendations are intended for use in reasonable conditions and not guaranteed to withstand extreme heat, such that might occur in shipping during spring and summer months.
 
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.

Tags:  Brittle  Cotton Candy  Fudge  Ganache  Heat Tolerant Candy  Marshmallow  Member Ideas  Spring  Summer  Toffee  Truffles 

PermalinkComments (0)
 

Tip # 223: Celebrate Something on a Stick Day

Posted By RCI, Tuesday, February 28, 2017
Updated: Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Did you know March 28 is National Something on a Stick Day? Yes, it may be another quirky food holiday but there’s no denying it is a fun excuse to invite your customers and social media followers to visit your store…as if we need another reason to eat more chocolate!
 
Opportunities to join in on this celebration are endless! You could go the more daring route that involves bacon or anything deep fried or try something fail-proof that you know everyone will love…chocolate-covered sandwich cookies!

If you have ever tried to insert lollipop sticks into any number of sandwich cookies, you probably felt about as efficient as a tortoise. Thanks to a quick and easy tip shared by RCI member, Kimberly Mitchell with Olympian Candies, you can pump out as many chocolate-covered sandwich cookies on a stick as your heart’s content and still have time to decorate them for National Something on a Stick Day! Inserting wooden popsicle sticks into double-stuffed sandwich cookies will make this process much easier and efficient than using lollipop or sucker sticks. With a little embellishment, wrapped in a clear candy bag and tied with a pretty little ribbon, Olympian Candies can’t keep their chocolate-covered-sandwich-cookies-on-a-stick on the shelf!

Olympian Candies uses flower pots, foam and shredded paper
to display their cute,spring-themed sweets-on-sticks!
Here’s some other decorating ideas for your chocolate-covered sandwich cookies.
Photo credits (top to bottom and left to right):premeditatedleftovers.com,indulgy.com,Lillian Hope Designs
thepinkflour.com,Makoodle,Inside Bru Crew Life,Sprinkles for Breakfast,DippedInSweetness,A Taste to Remember
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.

Tags:  Candy Holidays  Idea Sharing  Ideas  Merchandising  Oreos  Something on a Stick Day  Spring  Summer  Teacher 

PermalinkComments (0)
 

Tip #199: Make Lemonade: Fresh-Squeezed Merchandising Ideas

Posted By RCI, Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Updated: Wednesday, April 29, 2020
Photo credit (bottom left to right):2015 RCI Fall Candy Clinic,Stephen Libs Finer Chocolates,
DIY Lemonade Stand,LilLuna.com, Lemonade Sign,Burton Avenue

Every kid knows that setting up a lemonade stand in the front yard is an easy way to earn some added spending money for the summer. Why can’t the same idea be incorporated into your retail shop to increase sales this summer?
 
Draw inspiration from this iconic summer enterprise for your next merchandisingtheme. First, brainstorm ideas to display your lemon-flavored treats. Something as simple as draping one of your existing displaytablewith a swatch of lemon-clad fabric and accessorizing with fresh lemons and a pitcher can set the tone for your lemonade-themed display. If you, or someone you know, is handy with a hammer and nails, erect an actual lemonade stand with scrap wood or old pallets. Don't forget, a hand-painted “lemonade” sign is a must! Click the following links to view DIY tutorials for theLemonade Stand from LilLuna.comand theOld-Fashioned Lemonade Sign from Burton Avenue.
 
Take your lemonade stand to the next level by inviting a local children’s organization, like the Girl Scouts or Boys & Girls Clubs, to actually sell lemonade at your shop as a fundraiser, alongside your lemon candies, of course. Maximize the opportunity for PR, but submitting a press release to the local media and encourage the kids and their families to invite relatives and friends to visit your shop and support their cause.
 
RCI member, Stephen Libs Finer Chocolates of Evansville, Indiana shared this great idea, including the products they incorporated into their lemonade stand, atCandy Clinicduring the 2015 Fall Regional Conference in Maine. Members canclick hereto login and view a video of the presentation by Marjorie Libs of Stephen Libs Finer Chocolates on our website.
 
 
Not a member?Click here to learn how RCI can help you build your sweet business. Stay connected with RCI throughFacebookfor more tips and inspiration dedicated to the retail candy maker.

Tags:  Candy Clinic  Candy Making  Creative Flavors  Creativity  Idea Sharing  Lemon  Lemonade  Merchandising  Philanthrophy  Seasonal  Summer  Video 

PermalinkComments (0)
 

Tip # 197: Go Wild with Sweet Summertime Merchandising Inspiration

Posted By RCI, Tuesday, May 17, 2016
Updated: Wednesday, April 29, 2020
Photo credit:Top: DIY Tropical Backdrop, Brit + Co. Left to right: Chocolate Covered Orange,
  GiveRecipe.com, Pineapple with Sunglasses, PlayBuzz.com, Tropical Bark, Shutterbean.com

Once school is out for the summer, there is no doubt consumer’s social calendar will begin to fill up with pool parties, barbecues and family reunions. Impactful summer merchandising can help your business take advantage of opportunities for impulse purchases of your must-have summer treats!
 
Learn how to create this tropical
backdropfor your retail display.
An eye-catching, tropical summer-themed window display and photos shared through social media can encourage increased foot traffic in your store regardless of your location! Considering showcasing current products that incorporate tropical flavors, such as citrus, banana, pineapple, coconut and mango. Or introduce a limited edition of tropical-themed treats just for summer. Some options could be as simple as dried pineapple or mango dipped in dark chocolate or a tropical white chocolate bark made with toasted coconut, macadamia nuts and candied fruit, click here for a recipe courtesy of Shutterbean.com.


 
Don’t let your tropical ingredients hide out in the kitchen, let them shine in your retail space too! Pineapples, coconut and colorful citrus can be great, inexpensive props for your merchandising displays. Create a statement with a DIY tropical backdrop, click here for step-by-step instructions from Brit + Co.
 
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.

Tags:  Bark  Candy Making  Creative Flavors  Idea Sharing  Merchandising  Seasonal  Summer 

PermalinkComments (0)
 
Page 2 of 3
1  |  2  |  3