For over 100 years, retail candy makers and their suppliers have counted on Retail Confectioners International (RCI) to help them grow their sweet businesses. This week we’re highlighting RCI’s 2025-2030 Merchandising & Promotion Calendar as a resource to help with your planning through 2030.

Use this resource as a quick guide for social media scheduling, as well as retail store merchandising and marketing promotions. You may even use it as a reference when ordering ingredients and supplies, approving staff time-off requests around the holidays and for scheduling routine maintenance.

Although this valuable resource is normally exclusive to RCI members, we’re making it a FREE downloadable to all our blog followers. Click here to download the 2025-2030 Merchandising & Promotion Calendar. RCI members can find other resources like this by logging on to the RCI member site and accessing the Templates and Tools within the Business Tool Kit. The Annual Buying Calendar is another member resource, which suggests the best times of the year to order particular items to maximize production and profit throughout the year.

Happy planning candy makers! If you’re not a member of RCI, but are interested in learning more about the benefits of membership click here to request more information and get added to our email list.

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.

Birthdays are the perfect time to indulge in something sweet, and what better way to celebrate than with birthday cake-inspired candy and chocolates? Offering festive birthday-inspired treats is a great way to delight customers and boost sales. Even better, using birthday-themed promotions can turn celebrations into business opportunities.

Why Birthday Promotions Work

Customers love feeling special on their birthday, and businesses that recognize this can see major rewards. According to Entrepreneur, setting up a marketing trigger for birthdays can increase transaction rates by 481%. Imagine the impact of sending out a personalized birthday card or email with a free gift or discount—it’s a simple yet effective way to drive loyalty and repeat sales.

“Most people look forward to birthday cards in the mail, and whether it comes from a friend or a business down the road is no different—especially if it includes a free gift or discount,” notes Entrepreneur.

5 Birthday Cake-Inspired Treats

Photo credit: Bomboy’s Home Made Candy

Birthday Cake Truffles

RCI member Bomboy’s Home Made Candy fills a milk-chocolate cup with a truffle center before topping it off with a vanilla swirl and colorful sprinkles. Bite-sized, rich, these truffles bring the taste of birthday cake in a poppable form.

Birthday Cake Bark

RCI member Hercules Candies blends white chocolate with crushed Birthday Cake Oreos® and mini marshmallows, all topped with rainbow sprinkles.

Photo credit: Southern Caramel

Birthday Cake Caramels

This classic chewy caramel from Southern Caramel is infused with more butter flavor and hints of vanilla reminiscent of frosted birthday cake. This special recipe was developed to celebrate the company’s 10^th anniversary.

Photo credit: Bless This Mess Please

Confetti Cake Fudge

Try this recipe from Bless This Mess Please which incorporates actual white cake mix with sprinkles to achieve that undeniable birthday cake flavor. Click here for recipe.

Birthday Cake Lollipops

Looking for a sweet way to add to your birthday-inspired offerings. Look no further than these birthday cake flavored lollipops from Hammond’s Candies. Perfect as a gift or a delicious treat, these lollipops are bursting with the classic flavor of birthday cake.

How to Market Birthday Treats to Customers

• Set Up a Birthday Club: Invite customers to sign up for birthday offers. Send an exclusive discount or freebie during their birthday month.
• Personalized Mailers: Include the recipient’s first name on the card for an instant personal touch. Studies show this small detail makes people feel extra special and increases engagement.
• Social Media and Email Campaigns: Use fun and festive messaging to remind customers of their birthday treat. Encourage them to visit in-store or online to claim their gift.
• Limited-Edition Birthday Boxes: Bundle birthday cake-themed treats into special gift sets for a premium experience.

Sweeten the Deal

Birthday promotions not only make customers feel valued but also drive foot traffic and online sales. By offering birthday cake-inspired candies and setting up birthday triggers as part of your email marketing, you can create lasting connections while growing your business. So, why not start celebrating your customers’ special day? A little sweetness goes a long way!

Crave more?Click hereto 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.

Here’s a surprising tip for the week before Christmas: stop making Christmas-themed products and packaging. It may sound a bit crazy but hear us out! Focusing on winter-themed items instead (think snowmen, snowflakes, cozy winter scenes) can make your products more versatile and appealing beyond Christmas, lasting into the New Year.

Why This Shift Works

Holiday-specific packaging and designs can lose their appeal as soon as Christmas is over. By pivoting to a general winter theme, you make your products suitable for both holiday gifting and as thoughtful treats into January. A snowflake-covered box or a snowman-themed treat feels just as festive now as it does in the depths of winter.

Ideas for Winter-Themed Confections

A sprinkle of luster dust or powdered sugar on top adds a "snow-dusted" touch, making your chocolate confections feel both seasonal and special. We love how RCI member, O’Shea’s Candies, transforms a chocolate-covered caramel marshmallow into a “Snowball” by coating it in shredded coconut.

Photo credit: Glerup Revere Packaging

Peppermint Bark in Snowflake Packaging

Peppermint bark is a classic, and when wrapped in simple, clear packaging with red and white ribbons, it looks festive without being holiday-specific. Place them in snowflake bags or boxes to make them great gifts through the winter.

 

Photo Credit: Mitchell’s Fine Chocolates

Hot Cocoa
Hot cocoa is perfect for chilly days and can be packaged in boxes with cozy knit patterns or winter themes. This warm, inviting look is ideal for the season and works well as a stocking stuffer or New Year’s treat.

 

Photo credits: Snowman Marshmallow Pops by Bomboy’s Home Made Candy; White Chocolates Snowflakes by Abdallah Chocolates

 

Snowmen and Winter Shapes
Moulded chocolate snowmen or snowflakes can be festive both before and after the holidays. Package them in clear or frosted bags tied with silver or blue ribbon.

Making this small switch can help keep your products relevant longer and cater to those last-minute shoppers looking for thoughtful gifts that go beyond the holiday rush.

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.

This “most wonderful time of the year” is officially here! We’re sharing a holiday-inspired compilation of tips and inspiration to help make this holiday season your merriest yet! 

10 Ways to Feature Candy Canes this Christmas

What better way to celebrate the holidays than with candy canes? These classic red and white striped treats are a staple of Christmas and can be used in a variety of ways to add a festive touch to your confectionery creations. In this blog post, we share 10 creative and easy ideas for incorporating candy canes into your product mix and presentation for the holidays. Read more.

Stand Out with Instagram-Worthy Holiday Treats

How Instagram-worthy are your holiday treats? Social media, like Instagram and Facebook, have proven to be effective tools for reaching consumers, however if A.) you’re not sharing photos of your products on your social media sites daily or B.) they don’t stand out from other holiday gifts, you could be missing out on a massive opportunity to gain new customers this season. Click here to snag creative ideas to transform some of your potentially existing treats (like chocolate-covered cookies and rice cereal treats) into new holiday favorites.

How to Sell More Stocking Stuffers

With gentle nudging, you can help ensure stockings (and your bottom line) overflow with sweetness this holiday season! Stockings stuffers are the ultimate impulse purchase, representing the opportunity to add a few extra dollars to in-store and online purchases. In post, we explore two key components that make for great stocking stuffers and how to increase sales with effective marketing and merchandising. Read more.

5 Quick & Easy Treats to Add to your Stocking Stuffer Display

Add extra dollars to in-store and online purchases by selling more stocking stuffers this holiday season. Above, we shared how to sell more stocking stuffers by identifying products that meet two key components. Next up, we’ve got five quick and easy ideas for products to beef up your stocking stuffer display. Read more.

How to Make a Very Merry Christmas Truffle Tree

While truffles make for a sweet holiday gift, a stunning truffle tree is sure to make any Christmas celebration unforgettable! This post highlights steps to make your own truffle tree from an RCI member, plus inspiration for creating a very merry holiday showpiece. Read more.

We hope that these posts inspire you to get creative this holiday season and make it one to remember.

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.

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Gingerbread is one of the most loved holiday flavors, bringing back warm memories of festive baking and family gatherings. For retail confectioners, it’s a perfect choice to spice up your chocolates and treats. Here are some simple, creative ways to work gingerbread flavor and decoration into your products:

Gingerbread Truffles

Truffles are a great canvas for highlighting gingerbread’s warm spices. Mix ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and molasses into a chocolate ganache filling. Coat the truffles in dark or milk chocolate and roll them in crushed gingerbread cookies or spiced sugar. As an example, Charbonnel et Walker makes chocolate truffles infused with real ginger flavor and hand rolled in milk chocolate and gingerbread cookie pieces, before another coating of chocolate for a decadent texture.

Gingerbread Caramels

Soft, chewy caramels with a gingerbread twist are a welcome treat for the holidays. Add gingerbread spices and molasses to your caramel recipe for a rich, warm flavor. As a limited-time edition, RCI Member Abdallah Candies creates a festive fusion of spicy gingerbread and old-fashioned wrapped caramels for a delicious and nostalgic treat.

Chocolate-Covered Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread cookies are a classic holiday treat, but dipping them in chocolate makes them extra special. Dip half of a gingerbread cookie in dark or white chocolate, then decorate with a drizzle of contrasting chocolate or a sprinkle of crushed candy canes. This simple upgrade turns a traditional cookie into a gourmet holiday delight.

Gingerbread Gummies

Run, run as fast as you can to add these Jolly Gingerbread Gummies by Albanese Confectionery to your holiday assortment. These cute gingerbread men and colorful gumdrop friends add some fun and fruity flavor to your holiday season. Package for snacking or as part of gingerbread house decorating kits, they’re a festive addition customers will love this holiday season. Click here for tips on creating your own Gingerbread House Kits.

Photo credit: Compartes/Facebook

Chocolate Gingerbread Bark

Chocolate bark is an easy way to get creative. Spread melted dark or milk chocolate, then swirl in some white chocolate. Sprinkle crushed gingerbread cookies, candied orange peel, or toasted nuts on top. Once it hardens, break it into pieces for a fun, shareable treat that looks great in gift bags or tins. Compartés packages as “Gingerbread Bark Breakable Chocolate” in a luxury gift box containing chocolate bark studded with gingerbread cookies and crystallized ginger.

Holiday Packaging

Make your gingerbread-inspired treats stand out with festive packaging. Use warm, holiday colors like red, gold, and white, or even patterns that mimic gingerbread houses. Labels that describe the cozy spices and flavors inside will help customers feel the holiday spirit.

Adding gingerbread to your gourmet chocolates and confections is a simple way to bring the warmth and joy of the holidays to your customers. With these ideas, you can turn classic holiday flavors into irresistible treats that are perfect for gifting—or just enjoying!

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.

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The holiday season is a whirlwind for retail candy makers, with employees working hard to spread joy through sweet treats. Supporting your team is important for keeping spirits high, showing how much their work is valued and improving employee retention. Here are some ways to help your team feel appreciated during the holidays, with insights from RCI candy maker members.

Stock the Break Room

Long hours and demanding tasks can take a toll on employees' energy and health. Stocking the break room with snacks and drinks can help boost morale and energy levels during busy seasons. Jason Mootz of Michael Mootz Candies shares, “Before every major holiday, we put out 'Holiday Survival Kits' for our team. These kits include protein bars, Emergen-C packs, fresh fruit and homemade energy bites. We also like to hand out gift certificates so staff members can share our chocolates with their families. They are a huge part of our success, and we so appreciate them.”

Share a Meal Together

Sharing a meal together can help employees recharge and celebrate the season. RCI member Jennifer Crudden of Rosalind Candy Castle shares, “We like to have lunch or dinner parties as a thanks for their extra effort throughout the holidays.” RCI member Jamee Enstrom Simons of Enstrom Candies agrees, saying, “During the holidays, our management staff makes breakfast for all employees one morning. That’s always a hit!” 

If a meal for the whole team is not in the budget this year, work out a trade for lunch from a local restaurant or caterer in exchange for chocolates for their team. Another idea is to host a potluck and you supply the main dish.

Express Employee Recognition

Recognition in the form of a simple thank-you note or shout out in the company newsletter or on the white board in the breakroom can make employees feel appreciated. Jamee Simons highlights the value of celebrating milestones, saying, “At our holiday party, we celebrate years of service milestones, with some employees having been with us for over 40 years!”

Encourage Open Communication

A supportive work environment begins with listening. Rosalind Candy Castle practices an open-door policy, Jennifer Crudden states, “We welcome the team to come to us with any questions or share personal issues they may be experiencing.” Building trust and fostering open dialogue shows employees that their concerns are heard and addressed.

With nearly three-quarters of retail workers reporting holiday stress (Zipline), it’s important to support your team during this time. Providing energy-boosting snacks, hosting team meals, encouraging open communication and recognizing efforts are simple yet meaningful ways to ease stress and show your appreciation. A little effort goes a long way in creating a happy and motivated team during the busiest time of the year.

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.

Small Business Saturday can be a sweet opportunity for retail confectioners to attract more customers, boost holiday sales, and connect with your local community. Launched by American Express in 2010, this event encourages shoppers to support local stores on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. With over 60% of shoppers taking part and $23 billion spent in recent years, it’s a day every small business should make the most of. Here’s how candy shops can do just that:

Offer Special Treats and Bundles

Create limited-time specials just for Small Business Saturday. You could offer holiday-themed treats, “buy-one-get-one” deals, free samples with purchase or exclusive gift bundles. Special promotions like these make the day exciting and help attract both new and returning customers who love getting unique, seasonal treats.

Emphasize Local and Handmade

Small candy shops have something big-box stores don’t: locally made, handcrafted sweets. Promote your shop’s personal touch and unique offerings both in-store and online. People love knowing they’re supporting a local business, and studies show that many customers are more likely to buy when they feel a connection to the business, especially with food and treats.

Build Hype with Social Media and Email

Social media is a great tool to build excitement for the day. Share “behind-the-scenes” posts on Instagram showing how your candy is made or give previews of special treats. Engage your followers with sneak peeks, announcements, and even live updates. An email reminder to your customers with a discount or early access to treats can also bring them into the shop. RCI Members: Click here to login and download a collection of five social media graphics to help promote your small business on Small Business Saturday or any day of the year!

Partner with Other Local Businesses

Collaborating with like-minded businesses in your community can help bring in even more shoppers. For example, you could offer discounts for customers who visit another local store, or set up a joint event to encourage people to shop around. Cross-promotions help customers support several businesses in one outing and boost your store’s exposure.

Start a Loyalty Program

Small Business Saturday is a great time to introduce a rewards program. You could offer deals like “buy four, get one free” on small items or a discount card for future visits. Research shows that loyalty programs increase how often people shop, helping you keep customers well past the holiday season.

Participating in Small Business Saturday not only boosts sales, but it also lets you create connections and remind shoppers why local businesses are the heart of the community. Embrace the day, share your passion for confections, and enjoy the support of those who value what you do.

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.

With the holiday season approaching, shoppers will come to your store in search of the perfect gifts. To enhance their shopping experience and boost your sales, consider optimizing your point of sale (POS) strategy. A simple yet effective tactic is to offer small, enticing items right at the checkout counter.

Photo credits (from left): Bruce’s Candy Kitchen, Marie’s Candies

A sleeve of beautifully decorated chocolate-covered sandwich cookies or a charming little bag of foil-wrapped chocolates can easily be added to a customer's purchase. Presenting small, eye-catching treats by the register, perhaps tied with a festive bow or ribbon, creates a visually appealing display that encourages impulse buys. This not only enhances the shopping experience but also prompts customers to treat themselves or grab a quick gift.

Positioning and Pricing for Success

To make this strategy effective, consider the placement and pricing of your POS items. Items should be easily visible and within arm's reach of customers as they wait in line. Keep the price reasonable—around $3 to $5—so customers feel comfortable adding these small extras to their purchase.

Highlight Seasonal Favorites

Offering seasonal items can add to the holiday spirit and draw customers in. For instance, a pair of holiday-themed chocolate truffles or a square of peppermint bark can create a festive atmosphere and resonate with customers looking for something special.

Encourage Shoppers to Treat Themselves

A small sign saying something like, “You deserve a treat!” can remind shoppers to enjoy a little pick-me-up. After a long day of holiday shopping, many people appreciate a small indulgence.

Before the holiday rush, take a look at your checkout area. Make sure it’s stocked with fun, affordable items that make great little gifts or quick treats. By adding these festive extras, you can increase sales and make your customers’ holiday shopping experience more enjoyable.

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.

This week’s tip is a simple but impactful one that can elevate your boxed chocolates and potentially boost your profits without adding much to your cost per box.

If you're aiming to give your boxed chocolates a more luxurious appeal, consider adding a single premium chocolate to each box and place it at the center making it the focal point. By incorporating just one high-end or expensive piece, you increase the perceived value of the entire selection. This elegant centerpiece naturally draws attention and suggests that your chocolates are of premium quality. By adding a high-end piece, you also may be able to raise the price and potentially increase your profit margin. 

You may already have a signature confection that checks all the boxes, if so make it the star of your boxed chocolates. Keep reading if you need inspiration to level up your confections.

Photo credit: Simply Recipes/Cindy Rahe

Gold-Leaf Champagne Truffles

A splash of champagne is sure to elevate any confection, and a hint of sparkle in the form of gold leaf or gold cocoa butter will take it to the next level. Check out this recipe for champagne chocolate truffles.

Photo credit: Lammes Candies

Sea Salt Caramels with Gourmet Salt

Gourmet sea salt can instantly add value to confections, along with an undeniable punch of flavor and satisfying crunch. The Hawaiian salted dark chocolate caramels are a top seller for RCI member Lammes Candies. Coated in dark chocolate and delicately sprinkled with pink Hawaiian salt flakes, it brings a perfect balance of flavor and texture, adding a luxurious showcase piece to any box.

Photo credit: Simply So Good

Hazelnut Gianduja

Made from premium hazelnuts and velvety chocolate, layered gianduja squares are as eye-catching as they are delicious. We like how Simply So Good tops each square with a whole blanched hazelnut for dramatic effect. The same concept could be applied by topping your already enrobed confections with other nuts, such a roasted pistachio or a whole candied pecan, even a single large coconut flake.

A single luxurious piece can transform each box into a memorable, upscale experience for your customers. By highlighting a unique, high-end piece as the focal point, you communicate quality that customers are willing to pay a little more for. Try using phrases like "Signature Piece" or "Exclusive Collection" on your packaging or displays to enhance this impression further.

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.

Football season isn't just a time for fans to gather and cheer for their favorite teams—it’s also a sweet opportunity for candy makers and chocolatiers to get creative. Game-day excitement will continue to grow until Super Bowl Sunday in February, creating a growing demand for football-themed sweets that add a special touch to each gathering. Whether it’s for tailgating, Super Bowl parties, or just family gatherings to watch the game, football-inspired treats appeal to both children and adults alike. Keep reading for fun and inspiring ideas that are sure to make shoppers cheer!

Football-Shaped Chocolates

Rich, detailed moulds can capture the look of a classic pigskin football, complete with stitches. Consider offering various sizes, from bite-sized treats to larger centerpiece chocolates that fans can break open during halftime. RCI member Peterbrooke Chocolatier, for example, offers life-sized chocolate footballs filled with their signature chocolate-covered butter popcorn. As if this realistic chocolate football from RCI member Annedore’s Fine Chocolates wasn’t impressive enough, we love how they package it with a pretty branded ribbon in their team colors.

Transform your chocolate Easter eggs into footballs by simply piping the football stitching with white chocolate.  This rocky road football by RCI member See’s Candies is a real showstopper!

Photo credit: Bon Bons Chocolatier

Tailgate Essentials

You don’t have to be a devoted football fan to love this sporty merchandising display by RCI member Bon Bons Chocolatier! Not only do they showcase a variety of sizes of chocolate footballs, teaming up their football-themed treats with other cute tailgate essentials, such as a Game Day platter and fun puffy vest koozies, makes us want to host a football watch party just because!

Photo credit: Wockenfuss Candy Co., Fowler’s Chocolate Company

Team-Colored Candy

Fans love repping their team colors, and that can easily translate into candies and chocolates. Always a hit for snacking at football parties, jelly beans, gummies, or chocolate-covered pretzels can also be used to sport your local team colors. There’s no surprise which team Baltimore-based Wockenfuss Candies is backing with these vibrant purple non-pareils! RCI member Fowler’s Chocolate Company developed their own popcorn mix complete with mini chocolate footballs, chocolate drizzle and team-colored sprinkles.

Photo credit: Vande Walle Candies, Li-Lac Chocolates

Chocolate Charcuterie Boards

RCI member, Vande Walle’s Candies has enjoyed success with their team-inspired chocolate charcuterie boards. Read RCI’s blog post for tips on building your own chocolate charcuterie board. RCI member Li-Lac Chocolates packs four varieties of sweet treats into a wooden tray to complete their chocolate football platter.

 

Photo credit: Just Candy Store, WH Candy

Themed Candy Bars

Another option is offering football-themed chocolate bars. Create custom wrappers for your own chocolate bars with football designs and clever sayings or better yet, chocolates that incorporate ingredients inspired by stadium snacks—pretzels, caramel corn or peanuts.

This social media post by RCI member Bruce’s Candy Kitchen is a nice reminder not to limit yourself to professional football teams. You may see just as much support, if not more, for high school and college football teams in your community.

Take advantage of football season by giving buyers a reason to spend on game day. Build a football-themed display by incorporating your local team’s colors (or black and white stripes will work too) and a chalkboard with spatterings of X’s, O’s and arrows…leading them straight to their next purchase!

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.

Thanks to Starbucks and their iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte (also known as PSL), the arrival of fall is now synonymous with the warm, inviting flavors of pumpkin spice. This delightful blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves has transcended the beverage world and found its way into an array of treats and confections.

Let’s dive into some delicious ways to satisfy those PSL cravings now through November with creative pumpkin spice-inspired confections!

Photo credit: Amy’s Gourmet Apples

Pumpkin Spice Caramel Apples

Why not elevate the classic caramel apple with a pumpkin spice twist? For a limited time only, Amy’s Gourmet Apples dips a granny smith apple in caramel, before coating it in white chocolate. Lastly, the bottom is coated with graham cracker crumbs and topped off with a drizzle of orange chocolate for a seasonal spin.

Photo credit: Lore’s Chocolate

Pumpkin Seed Bark with Sea Salt

Get inspired by the flavors of fall with a pumpkin seed chocolate bark. Lore’s Chocolates sprinkles crispy, candied spiced pumpkin seeds and sea salt on top of dark chocolate. Put your own twist on this idea by adding chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or even candy corn. Your customers will love this festive treat!

Photo credit: Speckled Hen Chocolate Company

Pumpkin Spice Truffles

Craft rich, creamy pumpkin spice truffles by blending chocolate ganache with pumpkin puree and spices. RCI member Speckled Hen Chocolate Company makes a pumpkin truffle with real pumpkin, cream, butter, chocolate, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg all piped into an adorable mini chocolate pumpkin shell. 

Don’t have bite-sized pumpkin moulds? Consider rolling your pumpkin truffles in graham cracker crumbs or crushed pecans for an extra crunch.

Photo credit: Trolley Treats

Pumpkin Spice Popcorn

Add a twist to popcorn by drizzling it with white chocolate and sprinkling pumpkin spice seasoning on top. Trolley Treats adds pumpkin candies to their festive fall popcorn mix. This sweet-and-salty treat is perfect for movie nights or cozy fall gatherings. Package it in festive bags for a fun, shareable snack!

Photo credit: Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company

Pumpkin Pie Peanut Butter Cups

If you love pumpkin and you love peanut butter, we can’t think of a better way to celebrate fall! Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company blends natural peanut butter with pumpkin and pumpkin pie spices to make the ultimate fall confection. This concept could also be applied to a peanut butter meltaway recipe. Consider adding a sprinkle of crunchy graham cracker crumbs as a finishing touch.

These confectioners are embracing the pumpkin spice trend in creative ways, offering a variety of delicious options to satisfy consumers’ fall cravings. So go ahead, indulge in the flavors of autumn and make the most of this pumpkin spice frenzy!

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.

Halloween season is back, bringing with it all the fun and spookiness we love! If you already make chocolate-covered treats, we’ve got some exciting ideas that require little effort and just a few extra touches. Here are five quick and easy ways to dress up your favorite chocolate-covered treats for a spooktacular Halloween!

Photo credit: Graham’sChocolates/Instagram

Ghost Truffles

RCI member Graham’s Chocolates crafts the spookiest cute treat each Halloween: ghost truffles! A hauntingly delicious dark chocolate ganache wrapped in a sweet white chocolate shell. Perfect for a delightful fright!

Photo credit: @beautyanddasweetz/TikTok

Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Witches Brooms

Embrace the spooky spirit of Halloween with delightful chocolate-covered strawberry witches’ brooms! These fun treats feature a fresh strawberry dipped in milk chocolate and topped with a chocolate Cheerio® and drizzled with more chocolate and finished with a mini pretzel stick, perfectly resembling broomsticks. Click here to watch a step-by-step video.

Photo credit: Water’sEdge Chocolates/Facebook

Monster Toes

Get ready for a fun and creepy Halloween treat with these giant monster toes! RCI member Water's Edge Chocolates transforms chocolate-covered Twinkies^® into delightfully grotesque monster toes, complete with an edible chocolate toenail and chocolate jimmies to look like crazy hair. Perfect for Halloween parties or just for some spooky fun, these giant toes are sure to bring laughs and tasty bites!

Photo credit: The BearfootBaker

Pumpkin Sandwich Cookies

Turn classic chocolate-covered sandwich cookies into festive pumpkins! Simply dip cookies in orange chocolate and decorate as you like. We love the fun, whimsical touches used to decorate these pumpkins, from the misshapen googly eyes to the pecan stems. The possibilities are endless if you look at what you have on hand. Stick them on lollipop sticks for easy handling!

Photo credit: LikeMother Like Daughter

Frankenstein Crisp Rice Treats

Give your Rice Krispie® treats a spooky makeover! Dip treats in green chocolate and once set, add milk chocolate for hair, a jagged mouth and googly eyes. Add mini pretzel sticks to sides for his bolts.

These fun and easy ideas will add a delightful twist to your Halloween offerings. Make sure to share photos of your Halloween treats on social media and on your e-commerce site for greater exposure and sales potential. So grab your supplies, get creative and enjoy a sweet Halloween!

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The holiday season seems to sneak up on us faster each year, especially for candy makers. If you’re looking to elevate your confections this year, RCI member LorAnn Oils shares five ingredients and accessories that can make your holiday candy-making even sweeter.

1. Desiccant Packs

Shipping delays can be a headache during the busy holiday rush, but desiccant packs are a simple solution. These food-grade packs absorb moisture, ensuring your confections remain fresh during storage and transit. By protecting your sweet creations from humidity, you can avoid spoilage and maintain that delicious flavor.

2. Invertase

For those rich, creamy treats we all love—think mint patties, truffles, and chocolate-covered cherries—invertase can be a game changer. This natural enzyme, derived from yeast, transforms table sugar (sucrose) into a liquid form by splitting it into glucose and fructose. This “invert sugar” not only enhances flavor but also keeps your candies fresh longer.

3. Dipping Tool Set

Creating eye-catching, sweet treats this holiday season is a breeze when you have a dipping tool set on hand. With dipping tools, like a fork or a spiral tool, you can easily dip and decorate fruits, candies, nuts and more with melted chocolate and other coatings.

4. Cream of Tartar

Rather than using liquid corn syrup, opt for cream of tartar when making hard candy. This age-old ingredient prevents sugar crystallization, ensuring your candies have that smooth, glassy finish everyone craves. Nobody wants large, crunchy sugar crystals ruining their holiday treats, and cream of tartar is your secret weapon for achieving the perfect smoother, glassy candies.

5. Soy Lecithin

Not all flavors respond the same when added into cooked sugars, particularly heavier, oil-soluble ones that can be more difficult to fully incorporate. The flavor may pool in moulds or float to the tops of candy, yielding uneven flavor throughout. To ensure an even distribution of flavors in your candies, add a small amount of soy lecithin to your boiled candy syrup. This emulsifying agent helps keep oils evenly mixed and emulsified throughout the batch. A quarter teaspoon of lecithin per cup of sugar will do the trick.

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, these “not-so-secret” ingredients and tools can take your confections to the next level of perfection. By incorporating these tips, you’ll create candies that are consistently longer lasting, fresher tasting, but also deliciously smooth and creamy. This holiday season, make your sweet creations the highlight of the festivities! Happy candy-making!

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.

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If you’ve spent any time at all on social media lately, you’re probably familiar with the Dubai chocolate bar with its mesmerizing green filling. This viral treat has captured the attention of chocolate lovers and foodies, making them eager to try it. Adding to their allure, Dubai chocolate bars aren’t widely available across North America, prompting some eager fans to drive for hours just to try them.

What are Dubai Chocolate Bars?

Dubai chocolate bars are inspired by the rich culinary heritage of the Middle East, combining high-quality chocolate with exotic ingredients such as saffron, rose water and pistachio. These bars are often beautifully designed and colorful, making them visually appealing as well as delicious. They capture the luxury associated with Dubai, appealing to consumers looking for unique, gourmet sweets that offer a taste of culture.

The viral nature of these products has caught the attention of retailers everywhere. Many stores report selling out regularly, showcasing just how popular these bars have become. The buzz around Dubai chocolate bars is amplified by social media, where stunning visuals and unique flavor combinations inspire consumers to seek them out. This trend is a golden opportunity for candy makers looking to capture market share and engage new customers.

RCI member Peterbrooke Chocolatier of Winter Park, Florida is embracing this trend, and for good reason: creating your own Dubai chocolate bar can elevate your brand and satisfy the growing consumer appetite for unique, gourmet experiences. Click here to see how Peterbrooke Chocolatier makes it.

RCI member Kemnitz Fine Candies, based in Plymouth, Michigan, sells their version of the Dubai Bar with toasted phyllo dough, pistachio cream and tahini inside a crisp milk chocolate shell.

Making your own Dubai chocolate bars lets you stay on trend and show that your brand is all about creativity and luxury. These attractive bars are great for marketing, as customers love to share their finds online. Embrace the trend and let your chocolate bars take consumers on a delicious journey to Dubai!

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.

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In the quest to keep caramel apples fresh for as long as possible, Joe Sofia from Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate investigates the effectiveness of a popular preservation method: the lemon juice trick. This method, which suggests dipping the wooden sticks in lemon juice before use, is believed to extend the shelf life of these sweet treats. But does it really work?

The shelf life of a caramel apple is typically only one to two weeks. The primary issue arises at the point where the stick is inserted into the apple. Over time, this area turns brown and becomes unappetizing due to enzymatic browning—a biochemical reaction triggered when apple flesh is exposed to oxygen. This phenomenon is what often limits the apple's appeal and shelf life.

Variables Affecting the Rate of Browning:

Temperature: Temperature plays a significant role; refrigerating caramel apples can slow down this process.

Apple variety: the variety of apple used can affect how quickly it browns, as different types have varying compositions

Without the stick, the shelf life of caramel apples could be considerably longer, since the caramel, nuts, and chocolate used in their preparation generally have a much longer shelf life.

Does the lemon juice trick really work?

The lemon juice trick involves soaking the wooden sticks in lemon juice before inserting them into the apples. It has been suggested that this trick helps to preserve the apples by reducing browning at the stick insertion point. However, Joe Sofia's testing did not reveal a significant difference between apples with lemon-soaked sticks and those with unsoaked sticks. After a week, both types of sticks—whether soaked in lemon juice or not—showed similar browning around the insertion point.

Given the limited impact of the lemon juice trick, another approach to extending the shelf life of caramel apples is to forgo the stick altogether. By using large dipping forks, beaker tongs, or scissor-style tongs to dip the apples in caramel, candy makers can avoid the browning issue associated with the stick. While this method may slow down the dipping process, it might be a worthwhile trade-off for those focused on maximizing freshness. For customer convenience, sticks could still be provided separately for those who prefer them.

In conclusion, while the lemon juice trick does not significantly extend the shelf life of caramel apples, exploring alternative methods like going stickless could offer a practical solution for preserving these delightful treats.

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.

Holiday gift guides are a visual and trendy way to promote your popular holiday items both online and in your retail store. According to a survey by Tinuiti, “77% of shoppers plan to carry out at least half of their holiday shopping online.” While eMarketer predicts "holiday retail ecommerce sales will account for 19.8% of total holiday retail sales [in 2024]. This represents holiday ecommerce’s largest jump in share since 2020."

Don’t wait to promote your holiday items either. Vericast found that "consumers aren’t shopping early unless enticed to do so. Nearly half (44%) of consumers plan to start shopping for the holidays in October or earlier, down from 47% in 2023, while 31% of parents, more likely than other consumer groups, do most of their shopping in October or earlier. Most consumers (74%) plan to do most of their holiday shopping in November (41%) and December (33%)." If you want shoppers to place their orders before November and December, you may want to start promoting your holiday offerings in October. With more than a quarter of shoppers expected to wait until December to shop, compile a “last-minute gifts” guide of popular, ready-to-gift items that can be purchased in a pinch.

Pick a specific category.

A visually appealing gift guide will not only help put your gift items in front of consumers, it will also help them check recipients off their shopping list with suggested gift ideas. Need ideas for your hard-to-buy-for dad? Check. What about stocking stuffers or the perfect gift for the person on your list who has everything? Check and check.

When it comes to creating your gift guide, imagine who your customers will be buying for, targeting specific customer segments beyond “women,” “men” and “kids.” Consider categorizing lists by interests, like a sweet and nutty trail mix for outdoor enthusiasts or a chocolate and wine pairing for the wine aficionado.

Another easy idea would be to categorize items by ingredient, flavor or texture. Compile your peanut butter meltaway, peanut brittle, chocolate-covered peanuts and peanut butter fudge onto a guide labeled “Gifts for Peanut Butter Lovers.” Or do you have a collection of mint-chocolate flavored products? What about a guide for those who are “All About the Crunch,” complete with caramel corn, toffee, brittle and chocolate-covered pretzels?

Find the perfect gift for the outdoor enthusiast, thanks to this gift guide by BusbeeStyle. We especially like the simple grid design. The numbers and labels make it easy for customers to identify and purchase products with links for each item included in the description.

Theo Chocolate has curated a flavor-inspired collection of gift ideas that looks both beautiful and delicious. Categories include the perfect gift ideas for lovers all things spicy, minty, salty, fruity and then some. Click here to view the full guide.

This gift guide from Always Order Dessert is for those well-meaning shoppers looking to snag a last-minute gift that doesn’t feel like an afterthought. This bright and bold header makes it super clear to the reader that the items on this gift guide are the perfect solution for the last-minute shopper.

Photo credit: J.Crew, The Montana Standard

Decide if you’d like to layout your products as part of a more “lifestyle” look or if you plan to remove the background of your product photos and lay them out using design software (keep reading for tips on how to do this—for free—with zero design experience). If you plan to remove the background, photograph product on a solid, white sheet of paper or cardstock for milk or dark chocolate. Try a darker, solid color for the background when photographing white chocolate.

Sweet tip: Canva.com is a free graphic design platform that is easy to use even if you have zero design experience. With free and paid subscriptions, Canva’s a super-easy “background remover” tool removes the background of an image in one click. By removing the background, you can easily achieve a professional look by dragging and dropping your gift items and their descriptions within the guide layout. Click here to watch Canva’s two-minute tutorial.

Partner with Local Businesses

High Note Gifts of Nashville features some of their favorite local gifts in this easy-to-follow gift guide.

Invite some of your favorite local businesses to be featured in your gift guide. Coffee shops, wineries and boutiques are examples of local businesses to partner with this holiday season. Offer to include one of their signature items on your guide and ask them to share your gift guide on their own social media pages. Tagging their business in your social media posts will offer your partners greater brand exposure and encourage them to return the favor.

Seal the Deal

Before tying your gift guide(s) with a bow, make sure it is clear how to purchase the items listed. This may include a web address and phone number or a direct link to your website or Facebook Shop.

For shoppers seeking unique, local gifts to share this holiday season, a fun holiday gift guide is sure to pique their interest. We think you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to create a professional-looking guide highlighting your products. Cheers to a sweet holiday season ahead!

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. 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.

Caramel apples are the most popular product at Apple Tree Chocolate in Norman, Oklahoma. With experience producing nearly 50,000 caramel apples each year, Owner, and RCI member, Scotty Jackson, shares tips for making caramel apples last.

If your recipe is solid, and you aren’t experiencing any cold flow or separation, then your caramel should last for months on end. Unfortunately, the apple, itself, will not.

To extend the shelf life of the apples, there are two critical steps: removing the wax from the apple and ensuring the caramel adheres properly. The wax must be removed to allow the caramel to stick. Some use a mixture of 4 parts water to 1 part apple cider vinegar, but Apple Tree Chocolate prefers an antimicrobial wash from Sysco Foods. After washing, the apples are wiped down and allowed to air dry overnight. Regardless, it’s a step you cannot afford to skip. Caramel may stick at first, but without removing the wax it will start slipping away after 24-48 hours.

The shelf life of the apples is also subject to the time of year, due to the humidity levels and average temperature in-store—which is naturally cooler in the winter months. The shelf life of caramel apples also varies with the seasons. During the summer in Oklahoma, Apple Tree Chocolates’ caramel apples typically last 7 to 8 days after washed, while in winter, they can last up to 10 days

Managing inventory effectively is crucial; using the "first-in-first-out" method helps ensure freshness. If an apple isn’t up to your standard or nearing the end of its shelf life, consider cutting it up and offering it up as a sample to customers, providing a sweet treat for shoppers and potentially increasing sales.

3 Tips for Extending Shelf Life

• Remove the Wax
  Wash apples the night before dipping in caramel and allow to air dry. Washing more than 24 hours in advance is not recommended.

• Stick the Apples
  This step should be done towards the end of preparation. If you do this a day early then your clock starts a day early.

• Check the Humidity 
  Apples are best kept in environments with 25% to 40% humidity. During warmer months, caramel may need to be cooked a bit longer. During fall and winter, the ideal cooking temperature at Apple Tree is around 237°F, but during an especially rainy spring, or a typical summer month, they will cook caramel to approximately 241°F. Testing for a soft ball consistency can help ensure the caramel is properly cooked.

If you’re interested in learning more about all things caramel, attend RCI’s Fall Regional Conference September 16-18, 2024. Experience an EduTour at Bomboy's Home Made Candy, plus more education and demonstrations to help you refine your caramel recipes and develop new and unique varieties. Additionally, tour two Baltimore-based candy companies and take part in a hands-on caramel apple demonstration. Register by August 23, 2024 for discounted rates.

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.

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Consumers generally fall into two flavor camps: one that loves classic, comforting tastes and another that seeks out new, adventurous experiences. These preferences aren't fixed; people often switch between the two based on their mood or circumstances.

Experimental: Caramel with a Twist

Consumers love trying new flavor combinations, and adding a twist to classic caramel can make it more exciting and appealing. These twists can make familiar flavors feel fresh and interesting, encouraging people to explore new options they might otherwise overlook.

Twists and pairings

Caramel works well with a variety of inclusions to create multi-sensory experience. Healthier add-ins like seeds, nuts, and dried fruits are particularly popular. You can also experiment with more adventurous pairings, such as cocktail-inspired flavors, rosemary and sea salt, or cocoa nibs, to elevate your caramel creations and give them a premium perception. Caramel also has incredible potential to satisfy various eating occasions and consumer needs. For example, caramel and caramel products are the perfect solution for the rising trend of on-the-go consumer snacking.

In the spirit of exploring new and creative twists on caramel, we’re sharing 3 variations of caramel flavors to try this fall.

Old Fashioned Cocktail Caramels

If a caramel walked into a bar—a swanky, retro bar—it might walk out tasting like Shotwell Candy Co.’s “Old Fashioned” Cocktail Caramels. Described as “buttery soft caramel, infused with aromatic bitters, barrel-aged bourbon, and orange extract.”

Photo credit: King Arthur Baking Company

Salted Rosemary Caramel Sauce

For herbaceous twist on your class caramel recipe, add a hint of fresh rosemary. This recipe for salted rosemary caramel sauce calls for boiled apple cider to add a more refined flavor and also recommends straining the caramel to remove any remaining pieces of rosemary.

Sweet tip: Speaking of caramel sauce, if you have a great caramel recipe and aren’t currently making caramel sauce, this could be a natural variation which would give your customers another way to enjoy your caramel.

Dark Chocolate Cocoa Nib Caramels

Especially if you already have chocolate caramels in your wheelhouse, adding cocoa nibs is sure to elevate your recipe with welcome texture and crunch elements. Check out this recipe from Love & Olive Oil.

Adding a twist to your caramel creations can elevate them from ordinary to interesting and even trendy, especially for younger consumers. 

 If you’re interested in learning more about all things caramel, attend RCI’s Fall Regional Conference September 16-18, 2024. Experience an EduTour at Bomboy's Home Made Candy, plus more education and demonstrations to help you refine your caramel recipes and develop new and unique varieties. Additionally, tour two Baltimore-based candy companies and take part in a hands-on caramel apple demonstration. Register now.

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.

For many candy makers, selling chocolate-covered strawberries in the summer heat might sound like a recipe for disaster. However, thanks to a viral idea from a produce market in London, this seemingly crazy idea is worth a second look--especially for late summer and fall events, including outdoor gatherings.

Photo credit: Instagram/kelseydeleshaw

The viral concept simply involves a cup of fresh strawberries covered with melted chocolate. Click here to see how RCI member Zak & Mac’s Chocolate Haus does it. The appeal of these chocolate-covered strawberries lies in their simplicity. If you’re a chocolatier, you already have melted chocolate and likely a good source for fresh strawberries, if you make chocolate-covered strawberries for holidays.

Walking Berries, Zak & Mac’s Chocolate Haus

For a creative spin, consider a strawberry shortcake-inspired version. Drench strawberries in white and milk chocolate and sprinkle with crushed shortcake cookies for a nostalgic twist. Alternatively, a cookies and cream variation, where the strawberries are covered in a mix of white chocolate and crushed Oreo cookies, will satisfy any cookie lover’s craving. For a campfire classic, try a s’mores version by mixing strawberries with milk chocolate, mini marshmallows and graham cracker crumbs.

Don’t limit yourself to strawberries. Adding a mix of fresh pineapple, blueberries, and grapes will work beautifully with this technique. Pineapple can be drizzled with white chocolate and toasted coconut, and grapes can be covered in a dark chocolate with a hint of sea salt.

Incorporating these variations not only keeps your offerings fresh and exciting but also helps your business stand out in a competitive market. Embrace this viral trend and let your creativity shine with these deliciously cool treats. This simple yet delicious idea has become a favorite because it’s so versatile and easy to prepare. Sometimes, the best ideas are the simplest ones, and these chocolate-covered strawberries are a perfect example of that.

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.

Have you ever experienced problems with caramel slipping off your caramel apples? The wax on your apple may be the culprit. By simply wiping each apple with a damp cloth prior to dipping, you can remove the waxy residue that rests on the apples.

An apple naturally produces a waxy film to protect itself, however, in some instances additional food-grade wax is added by suppliers to further increase an apple’s shelf life. For this reason, it could save you time and effort to request unwaxed apples from your supplier, if they do add wax to their apples.

If that doesn’t help, consider adding white compound to your caramel at a 5 to 1 ratio to help it better adhere to the apple.

If you can’t wait to test this out, check out the summer-inspired caramel apples ideas to try below! Plus, registration is now open for RCI’s Fall Regional Conference—a conference focused on all things caramel! Join RCI in the Baltimore area September 16-18, 2024 for a education, including a hands-on caramel apple demonstration, confectionery tours and more! For best rates, register by August 9! Learn more.

Patriotic Caramel Apples
Show your patriotic stripes with drizzles of red and blue over a white chocolate coated caramel apple.

Zesty Coconut Caramel Apples
Think tropical by adding a generous helping of toasted coconut and a little lime zest to your caramel apples.

Wormy Caramel Apple
Turn shoppers heads with these fun, wormy caramel apples!

S’mores Caramel Apples
Transform your caramel apples into a s’mores lover’s dream by adding layers of graham crackers, marshmallows and drizzled chocolate. 

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.

The 2024 Summer Olympics start on Friday, July 26 and will run through August 11. Help your customers and friends celebrate their favorite athletes by elevating their Olympics watch party! Here’s an easy, but medal-worthy idea sure to make this year’s games unforgettable.

Chocolate-Covered Cookie Medals

Here’s a quick and easy tip to transform chocolate-covered sandwich cookies into Olympic gold medals! All you need are sandwich cookies, white chocolate or confectionery coating, yellow food coloring, Fruit by the Foot (or other fruit leather) and metallic gold luster dust (optional).

Add golden yellow food coloring to white chocolate or confectionery coating before coating sandwich cookies. Before coating sets, add a “ribbon” made of Fruit by the Foot cut into thirds to the backside of the cookie. After coating is set, brush with metallic gold luster dust for an extra special touch (optional). Gold foil-wrapped chocolate coins could also be used as an alternative to dipped cookies.

Your chocolate-covered cookie “medals” may be packaged and sold individually or as a delicious party tray to serve at an Olympics watch party! Check out this post from the RCI Blog for inspiration on creating chocolate charcuterie boards. 

RCI member Marie's Candies of West Liberty, Ohio has compiled various patriotic themed treats for their Team USA Olympics collection.

RCI member Sarris Candies of Canonsburg, Pennsylvania is also cheering for Team USA with these chocolate medals, complete with festive ribbon.

Here’s to celebrating the 2024 Summer Olympics in sweet style! These treats will add a winning touch to any Olympic gathering.

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.

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Truffles are often considered the highest expression of a quality confection, celebrated for their rich flavor and velvety texture that justify a premium price. Typically made with chocolate and cream, truffles can be customized with different ingredients to enhance their taste, texture and shelf-life.

Looking for a delightful twist to your traditional truffle recipe, sure to become your next new customer favorite?

For a light and airy melt-in-your-mouth truffle center, whip a cooled truffle center in the mixer until it becomes fluffy. With the incorporation of air, the color will become noticeable lighter. The final density will be approximately 0.75 gm/Ml giving your truffles a completely different texture, while keeping the same great flavor.

Interested in mastering the art of truffle making? Join us for RCI's Truffles + More education course, happening from August 12-14, 2024 at Romolo Chocolates in Erie, Pennsylvania. By understanding the basic formulations of truffles, in addition to meltaways and nut pastes, and how to make corrections when issues arise, candy makers can create their own variations of these delicacies to keep customers coming back for more. Whether you're new to chocolate making or looking to refine your skills, this course will equip you with everything you need to know.

There’s still time to register! Register now at retailconfectioners.org/truffles.

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.

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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 Buffalo, New York June 17-21, 2024! 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, but 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. Click here to download a printable list of show specials.

As an added incentive, every order placed during RCI’s Industry Expo is entered into a drawing for great prizes provided by exhibitors.For a comprehensive schedule of the week’s events, visit retailconfectioners.org/annual. You don’t have to be a member of RCI to attend, all confectionery professionals are invited to attend. Registration is required for education sessions, the Industry Expo and all convention events. Register now and join us in Buffalo, New York June 17-21, 2024!

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.

Looking to level-up your candy business? If so, don’t miss RCI’s Annual Convention & Industry Expo at the Buffalo Convention Center in Buffalo, New York June 17-21, 2024.

Discover what’s new at the Industry Expo

As part of the week-long convention, there will be a two-day expo on June 18 and 19. Explore what's new in the confectionery industry and meet reputable industry suppliers of the following products:

• Ingredients
• Machinery
• Equipment
• Packaging
• Wholesale
• and more!

Click here for full details, including a list of companies exhibiting. Regularly $10 in advance or $25 onsite, register for the Industry Expo for only $5 with promo code “RCIHigh5”.

Education Designed for Candy Businesses

Want to enhance your experience with education? Register for a 1-Day Education Ticket for just $225 and get ready to be inspired, challenged and equipped with thought-provoking education led by experts in their fields and crafted to meet the unique needs of the retail confectioner.

During the opening education session on Tuesday, June 18, Stephanie Stuckey of Stuckey’s Corporation will share insight into how she saved her family’s business from ruin with the sweet revival of its nostalgic brand, made famous for its pecan log rolls. Stephanie will share stories from her upcoming memoir, UnStuck: Revival of an American Icon, and provide insights and tips to anyone looking to add new energy to their lives. With no entrepreneurial experience prior to taking over her family's business, she embraces her weaknesses as opportunities to learn, and she celebrates her strengths. She treats every day as an adventure in which the unexpected is likely to happen, while following her grandfather's and father's ideals: work hard, be fair and have fun.

Wednesday’s education programming will feature engaging roundtable discussions, offering you the chance to delve into topics based on your unique needs and interests. Topics include business operations, candy production, retail and marketing, leadership and more. Additional education will be available to help attendees learn to:

• Share the magic of chocolate with all age groups.
• Transform likes to sales with irresistible social media content.
• Create a lasting legacy with strategies for business succession.

Educational sessions will be presented on Tuesday, June 18 and Wednesday, June 19. Click here for full descriptions of the education sessions offered at RCI’s 2024 Annual Convention & Industry Expo.

For a comprehensive schedule of the week’s events, visit retailconfectioners.org/annual. While the convention is hosted by RCI, all confectionery professionals are invited to attend. Registration is required for education sessions, the Industry Expo and all convention events.  Register now and join us in Buffalo, New York June 17-21, 2024!

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.

We all know a beautiful bow can be the perfect finishing touch to any gift. Crafting enough bows to keep up with needs during a busy holiday season can seem like a daunting task. We recommend getting a head start on making your holiday bows during the slower summer months.  

Some candy makers make hundreds and even thousands of bows for the Christmas season alone, so tackling this task ahead of time is essential. But what do you do with your inventory of bows in the meantime? Storing them in boxes and totes can take up valuable space, while resulting in smashed bows that take more time to fix.

As a solution to this problem, Dietsch Brothers of Findlay, Ohio uses 16-gauge steel wire, to create round wire frames to serve as “bow wreaths” and strips of wire to form what we call “bow garland.”

Photos courtesy of Dietsch Bros.

A single bow wreath can hold 40-60 wire-ribbon bows, which Dietsch Brothers hangs in between aisles and at the end of shelving units in back rooms that are unoccupied during the summer. For the wire-ribbon bows, they keep an extra roll of ribbon to make the ribbon tails. Once it’s all assembled, they cut the tails and add finishing touches to make each ribbon perfect.

The bow garland is utilized for more delicate bows made of sheer ribbon. Their team can string 90-100 sheer-ribbon bows across the wire “garland,” which hangs from the drop ceiling. Each garland is labeled based on what product the ribbon is intended for. For as little as $5, you can purchase 100-feet of steel wire at a local home improvement store.

Carving out small chunks of time to craft beautiful holiday bows throughout the summer helps save Dietsch Brothers precious time and this innovative way of storing bows not only saves space it also means time isn’t wasted with re-shaping bows during the heart of the bustling holiday season.

Want more ideas like this? Attend RCI’s 2024 Annual Convention & Industry Expo to meet industry suppliers and candy makers! Register now to join us in Buffalo, New York June 17-21, 2024! Save with early-bird rates available through April 26, 2024.

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.

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Smash eggs have definitely been having a moment the last couple Easter seasons! Don’t let this smashing opportunity pass with the holiday! Read on for ideas to keep this fun trend going all year long!

RCI member, Graham’s Chocolates of Geneva, Illinois offers an element of surprise with “Smash Balls” for basically every occasion. What started as a Christmas product, has proved to be popular for customers looking to capture the element of surprise.

Graham’s Chocolates offers Smash Balls for birthdays, baby gender reveals, marriage proposals with “Will you marry me?” revealed inside and more. Celebrating holidays like Valentine’s Day, Father’s Day, Halloween and New Year’s have also proven to be popular applications for the Smash Ball, revealing treats such as truffles, chocolate-covered sandwich cookies and Jordan almonds. The addition of colored sanding sugar creates an exciting burst of color when the chocolate sphere is smashed.

Have smashing success helping your customers celebrate important moments in their lives by adding your own spin on smash balls!

Looking for more smashing-good inspiration? Registration to attend RCI’s 2024 Annual Convention & Industry Expo!Register now and join us in Buffalo, New York June 17-21, 2024! Save with early-bird rates available through April 26, 2024.

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.

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As temperatures rise, now is a great time to start experimenting with fresh ideas. This week, we’re bringing a burst of fresh flavor by sharing five ways to feature strawberry in your spring and summer product lineup.

Photo credit: California Strawberries

Strawberry Peanut Butter Cups
Put a fresh spin on the classic peanut butter cup with the addition of freshly slice strawberries. Click here for a recipe from California Strawberries.

Photo credit: California Strawberries

Matcha-Covered Strawberries
Perhaps an unexpected twist on chocolate-covered strawberries, the addition of matcha powder to the white chocolate is sure to pique customer interest.

Photo credit: Bridgewater Chocolate

Chocolate Strawberry Pearls
With the slight crunch of dried strawberry in the center of layers of white chocolate and strawberry-flavored chocolate, these delicate pearls made by Bridgewater Chocolate are an elegant way to showcase strawberries.

Photo credit: Taste of Home

Strawberry Pretzel Bark
Here’s a new take on the summertime classic, strawberry pretzel dessert. With its natural berry notes, ruby chocolate is a natural fit for pairing with strawberries.

Photo credit: Milk Bar

Strawberry Shortcake Truffles
Combining all the creamy, salty, buttery, fruity, unforgettably tasty flavors of strawberry shortcake in a single bite, Milk Bar’s strawberry shortcake cake truffles are made with strawberry-studded vanilla cake, soaked in strawberry milk and rolled in strawberry shortcake crumbs. Milk Bar’s founder and television personality, Christina Tosi, shares her recipe here.

As fresh strawberries begin popping up in farmers markets, take advantage of your local harvest. Even if you don’t follow some of these recipes exactly, use them as inspiration to create a recipe that is totally unique to your brand!

Registration is now available for RCI’s 2024 Annual Convention & Industry Expo !Register now  and join us in Buffalo, New York June 17-21, 2024! Save with early-bird rates available through April 26, 2024.

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.

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Are you tired of your candies sporting mysterious white splotches on their surface, commonly described as “stars?” RCI member Randy Hofberger of R&D Candy Consultants explains that the culprit behind these white splotches on the surface of grained confections like fudge and pralines is uncontrolled sugar graining. Taking control of sugar crystallization will not only improve the appearance of your products, but also contribute to a smoother mouthfeel by achieving a smaller crystal size.

So, how can you regain control over sugar crystallization?

FUDGE

There are several different ways to develop a grain in fudge. Influencing factors include the formula, temperature, process and time. While there can be many ingredients in a fudge formula—the ratio of sugar to syrups (aka doctoring agents, such as corn syrup, invert syrup, sorbitol, etc.) controls the rate of crystallization and to some extent crystal size. Basically, you need more sucrose solids than syrup solids to cause a grain. The higher the syrup percentage, the longer it will take to grain and the smaller the crystal size. It is difficult to control crystallization with a formula containing little or no syrup.

The two most common methods of graining fudge are:

1. Adding 10-20% fondant at a temperature below 175- 180°F to induce a grain. Transferring the cooked syrup to a cold kettle and adding chocolate liquor will help to cool down the mass. Lower percentages of fondant or hotter temperatures can result in uncontrolled sugar crystallization.

2. Mechanically developing a sugar crystal. For this method, the hot cooked mass is cooled to about 110-125°F, undisturbed before agitation begins. Agitation may be the mixing action of a cream beater or the working action of scrapers and paddles on a table—à la Mackinac Island fudge. Working the fudge at hotter temperatures can make a grainy, coarse textured fudge rather than one that is creamy and melt-in-your-mouth smooth.

PRALINES

Pecan pralines are also subject to having white spots on the surface. This is discussed in Walter Richmond’s book, Choice Confections. Many of the same issues and solutions used in fudge can be applied to pralines. More corn syrup in the formula will reduce spotting, but it will make the pieces less tender. As with fudge, the cooked mass should be cooled before starting the graining process. Most pralines are grained by rubbing the paddles on the side of the kettle until mixture appears cloudy. There is a little art involved and if done excessively the pralines will become sugary in appearance and texture. Another way of developing smooth sugar crystallization is to add fondant after it has been cooled.

A common challenge with pralines is when the last portion in the kettle becomes thick and over grained. Placing or nesting your kettle within another kettle will help to reduce heat loss and allow more time to deposit praline clusters before thickening occurs. Furthermore, nesting your kettle in another kettle with hot water will extend this time even more.

As mentioned earlier, formula, temperature, process and timing all affect the tendency of spotting to occur. While a night sky full of stars is good—candies dotted with stars is not!

Registration is now available for RCI’s 2024 Annual Convention & Industry Expo! Register now and join us in Buffalo, New York June 17-21, 2024! Save with early-bird rates available through April 26, 2024.

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.

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When cooking confections in a kettle, inevitably there will come a time when those sticky, goopy substances make their way onto the burner. However delicious, these spills can cause your gas stove to produce weak or uneven flames.

Savage Bros. Co. recommends periodic general cleaning to keep your gas stove in top operating condition. According to their manual, lint and grease, normally suspending in the air, tend to collect in air passages within the burners. For that reason, all air passages and openings, burner ports, etc. should be periodically cleaned to prevent clogging.

Dirt and Lint Buildup

The color of the flame can be an indicator that your gas stove needs cleaning. If the pilot flame on your gas stove burns yellow, rather than blue, it may be an indication that dirt or lint has covered the lower portion of the pilot burner. This can be removed with a soft brush or by vacuuming.

If there is a wide variation in the color of flame from the jets, this may also be an indication that the jets need cleaning. For reference, natural gas flames should be a concentrated blue color, but liquid propane will appear yellow in color.

Grease and Food Spatters

To remove grease and food spatters that have baked on the equipment, apply cleanser to a damp sponge or cloth and rub the cleanser in the direction of the polishing lines on the metal. Rubbing cleanser as gently as possible in the polished lines (not in a circular motion) will not mar the finish of the stainless steel.

Burnt Deposits

If the aforementioned method does not work for burnt deposits, these can usually be removed by rubbing the surface with a Scotch-Brite™ scouring pad or other stainless steel scouring pad. Savage Bros. Co. advises against using ordinary steel wool to clean equipment.

Stubborn Blockages

Savage Bros. Co.’s Beata Corson offered the following tips for clearing out stubborn blockages. "Individual burner jets can be unscrewed and removed from the burner for proper cleaning." She suggests soaking jets in warm, soapy water (Dawn Dish Soap works well) and removing obstructions with something narrow, like a paper clip or straight pin. Make sure burner jets are dry before reattaching them to the burner. These steps will ensure you don’t have to purchase replacement parts—although that is an inexpensive option, if needed.

Cleaning the burner of a gas stove can help ensure the long useful life of the equipment and performance of the stove. Apply these tips to your regular cleaning routine to enjoy safe and efficient use of your gas stove for many years to come. 

Registration is now available for RCI’s 2024 Annual Convention & Industry Expo! Register now and join us in Buffalo, New York June 17-21, 2024! Save with early-bird rates available through April 26, 2024.

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 Facebookfor even more sweet inspiration.

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Get ready to spread the love for National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day on April 2nd! Keep reading for 5 ways to put a creative spin on your existing confections with a PB&J makeover! It's the perfect time to toast to this iconic duo of flavors--plus, you might even discover a new customer favorite!

Photo credit: Mindy’s Munchies

Peanut Butter Cups

Put a twist on the traditional peanut butter cup by adding a generous layer of grape or strawberry jelly on the inside.

Chocolate-Covered Pretzels

Transform your chocolate-covered pretzels by filling them with your favorite jelly filling before drenching them in peanut butter confectioners coating.  

Truffles

Rich and creamy peanut butter filling and ooey gooey raspberry jam come together in this yummy peanut butter and jelly truffle recipe from Peter’s Chocolate. Click here to view the recipe.

Fudge

Add swirls of strawberry preserves into your homemade peanut butter fudge for the perfect collision of PB&J and fudge.

Trail Mix

For your PB&J on the go, mix any combination of roasted peanuts, dried strawberries pieces, raisins, peanut butter chips, mini peanut butter cups and peanut butter filled pretzel nuggets for a nostalgic trail mix.

In celebration of National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day, let your creativity flow and experiment with incorporating the timeless combination of peanut butter and jelly into your candy creations. Your customers are sure to appreciate the unique and delicious treats you bring to life!

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For many confectioners, the peanut butter meltaway is a popular mainstay in their product line. If you have lots of customers who love your peanut butter meltaways, chances are they will perk up when you add a twist to this classic. We're not suggesting you change your recipe, but simply sharing inspiration to add to your collection of peanut butter confections.

Roasted Peanuts
This may seem obvious. Just as there are jars of creamy peanut butter and crunchy peanut butter at the grocery store, why couldn’t there be creamy and crunchy varieties of peanut butter meltaways? If you already make your peanut butter meltaways with chunks of peanuts, consider adding a smooth variety to your product lineup.

Crispy Rice Cereal
Candy makers have been adding crispy rice cereal to their peanut butter balls for decades. Consider this variation a nod to yesteryear or, better yet, blow their minds by experimenting with chunks of Rice Krispies Treats® added to your recipe.

Graham Crackers
Adding graham cracker crumbs will create a firmer texture and a different, yet familiar, flavor variation. Some say this addition makes peanut butter meltaways taste more like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups®.

Sea Salt
Add course-ground sea salt to your peanut butter center for crunch and sprinkle on top to achieve crave-worthy saltiness, plus it just looks good!

Flour Salt
RCI member and Chocolate Boot Camp^© instructor, Randy Hofberger, uses fine flour salt in his recipe for peanut butter meltaways. In case you're not familiar with this ingredient, flour salt has been pulverized to achieve an ultra-fine, powdery consistency. This ingredient will enhance the peanut flavor while maintaining a super smooth, velvety texture.

Photo credit: Callebaut

Feuilletine Flakes
These crispy little wafers are sure to elevate your peanut butter meltaways. They can also be used for a simple, yet sophisticated garnish.

Banana Chips
Adding chunks of dried banana chips to your meltaways will deliver both crunch and flavor. If you’re really adventurous, experiment with adding banana chips and crispy bacon bits as an homage to Elvis Presley's favorite sandwich.

Marshmallow
Let your inner child lead the way! This could be a layer of marshmallow, marshmallow fluff or mini marshmallows…better yet, Lucky Charms^® mini marshmallows.

Vanilla + Almond Extract
Boost the nuttiness of your recipe by adding a splash of almond extract, along with the vanilla.

Quinoa
The addition of puffed crispy quinoa will bring with it a satisfying crunch, plus a halo of health benefits. Consider ways to make this option even more appealing to health-conscious consumers, such as reducing the sugar and covering in dark chocolate.

We hope this week’s post helps spark your creativity and allows you to go a little nuts with new variations to your peanut butter meltaway recipe.

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This week we’re highlighting our favorite Easter-themed blog posts featuring a treasure trove of ideas to help make this your best Easter season yet! Discover a simple solution for executing custom Easter baskets, inspiration for over-the-top Easter egg offerings, tips on hosting a hands-on Easter-themed event that will have everyone hopping with joy and more!

A Simple Solution for Offering Custom Easter Baskets

Shoppers love to create their own custom Easter baskets, but for the retailer it can be time-consuming and involve complex pricing strategies. Read here for a more simplified approach that makes it more efficient for your retail shop and your shoppers.

Creative Easter-Themed Product Names Generate Interest

Want to refresh your line of confections for Easter with little to no effort? You don't have to create entirely new recipes or invest in costly advertising campaigns to get customers excited about your products; all you really need is a bit of imagination. Renaming existing treats with Easter themes can boost interest and sales without altering the product itself. Read more to discover clever tips.

EGGS-tra Easter Egg Inspiration

No matter if you like your chocolate Easter eggs more traditional or if you prefer a more unconventional approach, here’s creative ideas to take your chocolate Easter eggs to the next level. Read more.

How to Create a Faux Chocolate Bunny for your Easter Display

Create impressive, moulded chocolate bunny displays, but without the chocolate! Check out this member tip for step-by-step directions to a chocolate look-alike Easter bunny (or turkey, life-size football, snowman, Santa, etc.) that can be reused year after year! Read more to learn how.

Increase Easter Sales: Host a Peeps Pop Event

Hosting an “Easter Bunny Peeps® Pop Event” is a great way to create buzz about your store while increasing sales and foot traffic leading up to Easter. Read more to learn how.

Add an extra sprinkle of excitement to this year’s Easter celebration with inspiration from our collection of blog posts, whether that’s in the form of a more efficient process, an unexpected twist on your classic offerings or a chocolate-covered Easter event. Tell us more about how you plan to boost sales and attract more customers during Easter on RCI’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/RetailConfectioners.

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.

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No pre-bottomer? No problem! With RCI Chocolate Boot Camp course taking place this week, we’re sharing a quick and easy solution, demonstrated by one of our instructors, Joe Sofia with Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate, for candy makers who do not have a pre-bottomer on their enrober.

This handy tip uses chocolate wafers as the pre-bottom for, in this case, moulded peanut butter meltaways. Joe explained, "When you pop the meltaways out of the mould, they are ready for full enrobing since the wafer will adhere to the meltaway." Joe also added that it's important to apply the chocolate wafer while the center is still liquid so the two stick together.

For this demonstration, a 22-millimeter silicon dome mould from Truffly Made was a perfect fit when using a standard chocolate wafer as the base.

If you’re interested in more insider tips like this, consider attending RCI’s Truffles + More course August 12-14, 2024 in Erie, Pennsylvania. Save the date and stay tuned for more details coming soon at retailconfectioners.org/events.

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.

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This may come as a surprise, but Irish potato candy did not originate in Ireland, nor does it typically contain potato. These miniature potato wannabes are often made with cream cheese or a coconut-flavored cream filling moulded into the size of a small potato and rolled in cinnamon and/or cocoa, giving the illusion of a dirty potato.

Despite any likely link to Ireland, these deceiving little candies can help create interest within your customer base and social media followers, while being relatively easy for many candy makers to incorporate into their product line leading up to St. Patrick’s Day on March 17. 

Check out this video to see how RCI member Marie’s Candies makes Irish potato candy.

Interested in trying your hand at making these sweet "potatoes?" Try the following recipe for Irish Potato Candy courtesy of Peter’s Chocolate^® by Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate.

Irish Potato Candy

• 44 oz. Peter’s^® White Icecap® Confectionery Coating
• 12.5 oz. Irish cream liqueur
• 2.5 oz. corn syrup
• 2 oz. each powdered sugar, cinnamon and cocoa powder

Blend together powdered sugar, cinnamon and cocoa powder. Set aside. Melt white confectionery coating to 100°F. Heat Irish cream and corn syrup together to 90 F. Whisk melted coating into cream/corn syrup mixture until well mixed. Allow to cool to room temperature. Portion with a #70 scoop and roll into potato shapes. Immediately roll into powder mixture. Yield: Approximately 72 pieces

There are lots of different ways to put your own spin on Irish potato candy. Click here for inspiration from RCI members in a past RCI Blog post. 

Spread the luck o’ the Irish this St. Patrick’s Day by sharing these humble, but tasty spuds with your customers.  

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We all know Valentine’s Day isn’t all about romance. Many shoppers will also be looking for gift ideas for the kids in their life, which is why we’re sharing inspiration for fun and easy gift ideas that are sure to make any kiddo feel the love this Valentine’s Day.

Photo credit: Nandy’s Candy

Valentine Bento Box

The perfect gift for young friends, teens and candy lovers this Valentine’s Day! RCI member Nandy’s Candy fills stock Valentine boxes with an assortment of individually wrapped treats, such as chocolate-covered sandwich cookies and foil-wrapped chocolates, but also small heat-sealed bags of conversation hearts, gummies and hard candies come together as a small sampler of treats.

Photo credit: Water’s Edge Chocolates

Chocolate Tic-Tac Toe

Win shoppers’ hearts with this clever chocolate tic-tac-toe board! RCI member Water’s Edge Chocolates has transformed a chocolate-covered graham cracker into a miniature tic-tac-toe board, packaged with chocolate heart pieces and a cute, coordinating gift tag. This concept could also be applied to square chocolate bars or chocolate-covered crispy rice treats as the board, while conversation hearts or jelly beans could also be used for the game pieces.

Photo credit: Reids Chocolate

Chocolate Grams

Make it easy for families with kids to show their love by creating ready-to-gift valentines with the chocolate already included. Create and print your own custom Valentines on card stock before attaching your chocolate lollipops. Not only will these generate interest in store and on social media, they also add value for many busy families. RCI member Reids Chocolate sells assorted styles of their “Choc-o-Grams” individually or as a 4-pack. For ease, it is noted for online customers that assorted styles are selected at random.

Photo credit: Marie’s Candies

Chocolate Heart Necklace

This chocolate heart necklace is just about as simple as it is sweet! RCI member Marie’s Candies carefully crafts these necklaces out of two foiled chocolate hearts (back to back) and a festive ribbon to be sold separately or added to Valentine bundles for kids. What little one wouldn’t love to wear this necklace with pride…even if it doesn’t last very long?!

Photo credit: HGTV

Chocolate-Dipped Fortune Cookies

There’s something fun and nostalgic about opening up a fortune cookie as a child. For something unexpected dip fortune cookies in chocolate and package them in a cute take-out container, which can be found at most craft shops.

Consumers with kids in their life are sure to fall in love with these adorable treats this Valentine's Day! Make sure to share plenty of photos of your Valentine’s Day treats on social media and your e-commerce site for greater exposure and sales potential. If you plan to make a small batch of these fun treats, let consumers know they’re available for a limited-time only in your social media posts and your online store. This will cover you if you do sell out (we hope you do!) and also encourage shoppers to buy by creating a sense of urgency. Make note of the quantities you made and sold to help determine whether to bring them back this time next year.

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.

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If you sell chocolate-covered strawberries for the holidays, more specifically Valentine’s Day, and have found yourself working from sunrise to sunset to keep up with demand, these tips are for you! Keep reading for three pro tips to maximize your efforts and extend the shelf-life of these delicate fruit confections.

1. Clear communication

Although this first step will not affect the longevity of your strawberries, it will help you better prepare for the holiday. Requiring advanced orders for chocolate-covered strawberries helps create expectations for your production needs. Clear communication to your customer base is key to ensure their expectations are met too. 

2. Gently clean and air dry

The way you clean your berries could be contributing to unwanted mold. Follow these step-by-step instructions to minimize moisture and bacteria.

1. Start by wiping away dirt with a clean towel and discard unwanted mushy or moldy berries.
2. Gently submerge berries in a solution of cold water and non-pasteurized apple cider vinegar (use approximately 3 tablespoons for every one gallon of water) for five minutes. The acidity of the vinegar will kill spores and bacteria on the fresh berries.
3. Next, place the strawberries in a colander to drain excess water before air drying berries in a single layer on top of a dry towel.
4. Once the strawberries are dry, they can be placed in their original containers, which have since been cleaned and dried as well, until they are ready to dip.

3. Chilled storage

To keep chocolate-covered strawberries overnight, place dipped strawberries on containers, which are on top of gel ice packs and they can store for up to 48 hours. Avoid refrigeration which can create problems as chocolate-covered strawberries return to room temp.

These simple tips can significantly improve the way you prepare for Valentine’s Day. Now with all that extra time saved up, you may be able to devote more of it to other areas of your business or spend it with family and, hopefully, get more sleep on the morning of Valentine’s Day!

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.

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There’s little reason to cry over a broken heart when it’s made of yummy chocolate!

Despite the irony, smash hearts aren’t reserved exclusively for soon-to-be exes. In fact, they make for fun, interactive gifts that make friends and family members really feel the love! Read on for inspiration before for adding these trendy smash hearts to your product line, including simple solutions for transforming your existing chocolate moulds and ideas for filling your smash hearts.

Photo credit: Morkes Chocolate

Smash Hearts with a Chocolate Hammer

Already have a mould for chocolate heart-shaped boxes? Simply add a wooden mallet to transform them into “Smash Hearts” this Valentine’s Day. Better yet, we love how RCI member Morkes Chocolates includes a solid chocolate hammer (more commonly used for Father’s Day) in their set of two smash hearts.

Photo credit: Wilton

No Large Smash Heart Mould? No problem!

If you don’t have a large heart-shaped chocolate mould, Wilton suggests making a hollow chocolate shell with a hear-shaped cake pan. Use colored coating chocolates to achieve the fun tie-dye look pictured. Arrange Valentine treats in the shape of a heart in the base of a large bakery box before placing the chocolate shell on top. Click here for step-by-step directions from Wilton.

Photo credit: ProFlowers

Don't Go Breaking My (Tiny) Heart

Size doesn’t matter when it comes to chocolate smash hearts. Don’t think for a minute that smashable chocolate hearts have to be big. Make use of even your smallest heart-shaped moulds to make smashable treats available at different price points. ProFlowers sells sets of 4 breakable chocolate hearts filled with M&M’s^® Minis and mini chocolate chips.

Photo credit: Hungry Happenings

Something to Talk About Conversation Hearts

If your customers love these classic candies, they will go “CRAZY 4 U” with these breakable conversation hearts filled to the brim with (you guessed it) loads of candy conversation hearts!

Photo credit: Graham’s Chocolates

What to fill smash hearts with?

While the items needed will vary based on the size of your smash heart, here’s some ideas to spark your creativity. Chocolate-covered strawberries are always a popular option for Valentine’s Day, but should be reserved for larger smash hearts so the delicate berries aren’t smashed in the process. Other confections that work well inside just about any size smash heart include foil-wrapped chocolate hearts, conversation hearts and other Valentine-themed gummies and hard candies, chocolate-covered sandwich cookies and Jordan almonds. The addition of colored sanding sugar or sprinkles create an exciting burst of color when the chocolate heart is smashed.

Have smashing success helping your customers celebrate Valentine’s Day by adding your own spin on smash hearts!

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If you are a fan of Red Hots^® and Atomic FireBalls, then you’ll love this week’s Valentine’s Day inspiration from RCI member Wilbur’s of Maine Chocolate Confections.

What started as a nod to these classic hot candies has become a popular Valentine’s Day treat among Wilbur’s of Maine’s customers and the limited availability of a once-a-year batch adds to its appeal. A batch of cooked creams serves as the base, which is enhanced with hot cinnamon flavor from LorAnn Oils. The sweet and spicy concoction is piped into rubber heart-shaped moulds and dipped in chocolate. The result is a sweet center followed by a red-hot burn that candy lovers and heat seekers will adore.

In the weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day, it is known as a Cinnamon Heart Cream at Wilbur's of Maine, but any remaining stock is rebranded as an “Atomic Fireball Cream” after the holiday. So, if you are looking to add a new and exciting treat to your product line for Valentine’s Day, add a little sweet heat to your classic cooked creams. If cooked creams aren’t your bag, add hot cinnamon flavor (and a little red dye) to your kettle corn recipe or even caramels for a red-hot punch!

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Suffer from sweaty sea salt caramels? You're not alone. Many candy makers have faced this common issue and shared possible solutions in the RCI member forum, The Candy Dish.

When making sea salt caramels, finishing with high-quality sea salt is best. However, even with quality salt, storing salted caramels in a cool room with 50% humidity can still cause the salt to sweat or become clear on the caramel. Here are four RCI member tips to prevent similar problems when storing sea salt caramels:

1.     Some salts are harder than others. Use a harder and more dense salt, such as pink Himalayan sea salt, which is less likely to absorb moisture.

2.     Store sea salt caramels at room temperature, rather than reducing the temperature.

3.     Dehumidify your storage area to at least 40%.

4.     Shrink wrap the boxes or cases to completely enclose the product before storing.

Nobody likes a sweaty sea salt caramel! Give these tips a try to keep your sea salt caramels dry.

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For many candy makers and chocolatiers this is the busiest time of the year. That’s why, for the month of December, we’re sharing some of our favorite candy hacks—quick and easy solutions to common confectionery conundrums. This week we’re sharing a pro tip for pulling brittle with greater consistency.

Do you ever have trouble with staff stretching large slabs of brittle in an inconsistent manner? By cutting brittle into several smaller strips rather than one large slab, RCI member Kevin Wenzel of Wiseman House Chocolates has been able to reduce waste and produce product with a more even thickness.

After pouring and spreading, run a large metal spatula under the brittle to break the cold/heat bond from the cooling table. Then cut the brittle into several long sections and stretch on one side, then flip each section over and stretch it again. This approach will help achieve more even thickness and reduce the amount of product from the edges that is scrapped.

Stay tuned, next week we will share tips for prevent your sea salt caramels from sweating.

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.

For many candy makers and chocolatiers this is the busiest time of the year. That’s why, for the month of December, we’re sharing some of our favorite candy hacks—quick and easy solutions to common confectionery conundrums. This week we’re sharing a pro tip for making meltaways.

The most common way to make a meltaway is to combine tempered chocolate with melted coconut oil until it is smooth. Because coconut oil is a lauric fat, it must be added at a lower temperature so not to throw the chocolate out of temper. If the chocolate becomes untempered (or was never tempered to start with) the nice, smooth texture of the meltaway will eventually be replaced with an unpleasant mouthfeel due to the formation of fat globules.

Mixing Things Up
Consider this alternative method to making stable, smooth-textured meltaways with untempered chocolate. Instead of adding fat to tempered chocolate, combine untempered chocolate and coconut oil in a mixer. Mix at a slow speed until the temperature is below 78ºF/25.5ºC and has visibly thickened. Referred to as the “mixer method,” it achieves the same desired stability and texture the meltaway is revered for, without the hassle of keeping temper.

Stay tuned, next week we will share a simple trick for greater consistency when spreading brittle.

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Hello, December! For many candy makers and chocolatiers this is the busiest time of the year. That’s why, for the next four weeks, we’re sharing some of our favorite candy hacks—quick and easy solutions to common confectionery conundrums.

This week we’re sharing a quick fix for ganache if the chocolate and the fat separates. RCI member Robert Baker, of Sweet Tooth Candies, shares that instead of throwing out the batch, simply lay a sheet of butcher paper over the bowl of ganache for a minute or two. The paper will absorb the excess fat, leaving a smooth and silky ganache.

Click here for RCI’s quick-reference guide for troubleshooting other common mishaps with chocolate. 

Stay tuned, next week we will share a surprising tip for making meltaways with untempered chocolate.

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The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with candy canes? These classic red and white striped treats are a staple of Christmas, and can be used in a variety of ways to add a festive touch to your confectionery creations. In this week's blog post, we're sharing 10 creative and easy ideas for incorporating candy canes into your product mix and presentation for the holidays.

 
Photo credit: Sugar and Charm, Sweet Lil You, Amen Photography

1.  Candy Cane Trees

Make an impact in your holiday window display or size it down for an eye-catching centerpiece for a tabletop display. Click here to view a step-by-step tutorial on the massive candy cane showpiece pictured above.

2.  Peppermint Swirl Marshmallow

Sold separately or aside your own blend of hot cocoa mix, these festive peppermint marshmallows would add a pop of color to your shelf when packaged in clear candy bags. Click here to view recipe.

3.  White Chocolate Peppermint Marshmallow Pops

RCI member, Water’s Edge Chocolates of Tullahoma, Tennessee, dips their marshmallows in white chocolate and tops with crushed peppermint before adding a lollipop stick and a matching red ribbon. These would make great stocking stuffers, as well as a festive addition to a holiday gift basket.

Photo credit: Hilliard’s Chocolates

4.  Peppermint Bark Fudge

If your customers love peppermint bark, they’re going to have to add a new favorite to their Christmas list! RCI member Hilliard’s Chocolate of North Easton, Massachusetts transforms the family’s original fudge recipe with an added layer of their own “Oprah’s favorite” peppermint bark on top.

Photo credit: Finding Zest

5.  Candy Cane Rudolph Pops

Could Rudolph get any cuter? We don’t think so! These darling Rudolph pops are so easy, with the right supplies, you could whip up a big batch in a flash or package as a kit for families to take and make at home. If you’re hosting a holiday open house, this could be an easy and inexpensive activity for kids to make in your shop. Click here for a past blog post featuring pro-tips from an RCI member for hosting a similar event (except for Easter) in your shop.

6.  Peppermint Bark Mendiants

For an upscale spin on peppermint bark, create peppermint bark mendiants. Mendiants are a French confection consisting of a chocolate disk traditionally studded with nuts and dried fruits. In this example, Cacao & Cardamon features layers of dark and white chocolate topped with peppermint pieces and mini marshmallows.

Photo credit: Marie’s Candies

7.  Peppermint Crunch Oreos

RCI member Marie’s Candies of West Liberty, Ohio puts their own sweet spin on chocolate-covered Oreos^®. A seasonal treat only made for Christmas, these mini-Oreos are covered with sweet white coating and crunchy peppermint dust.

8.  Candy Cane Bark Popcorn

Save the plain popcorn for decorating the Christmas tree! Give out samples of candy-sweet popcorn bark to your guests and watch it pop off the shelf! Click here for more details.

9.  Peppermint and Caramel Chocolate-Covered Pretzels

While adding crushed peppermint to chocolate-covered pretzels is not exactly a new revelation, throwing caramel into the mix may be. Mrs Prindables, known for their caramel apples, dips pretzel rods in their signature caramel and, again, in white chocolate before sprinkling with peppermint pieces. We think it’s worth a try!

Photo credit: Sprinkle Some Sunshine, Oh!Nuts, Home & Hallow

10.  Candy Cane Sweetheart Pops

With a box of candy canes, a lollipop stick and a bit of added heat, mould candy canes into hearts to frame your favorite holiday bark or dark chocolate. Plus, with the right color ribbon, this could easily double as a Valentine treat and a good way to use up leftover candy canes.

While National Candy Cane Day is the day after Christmas (December 26), we hope this week’s post inspires you to celebrate the candy cane all month long!

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.

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With more consumers continually looking for opportunities to shop online, is your business taking full advantage of the online sales opportunities available to you? Keep reading for 3 areas that may represent new sales opportunities for your business.

Online

If you don’t already have the capability to sell products on your website, you could be missing out on a significant number of sales. This may seem obvious to some, but in 2022 one-third of small businesses (27%) don’t have a website, however, most (86%) plan to build one in the next few years. If you do have a website, building and maintaining a website can still be a challenge. An outdated or inaccurate site may be what’s holding you back from your full online sales potential.

In a survey by Top Design Firms, small business owners identified the most important benefits of having a website as the ability to make purchases online (20%), showcase their products and services (20%), be found in search results (16%), and establish credibility in their industry (14%). 

Looking to create your own e-commerce website? RCI members have recommended Ecwid as a user-friendly option to add an online store to any site—with free and paid versions available.

Mobile

Did you know over 50% of all e-commerce purchases were made on smartphones during the 2022 holiday season? If your website doesn’t make it easy for mobile users to view your website on their mobile devices, this could represent a missed sales opportunity for your business. Click here for a past blog post with tips on how to optimize your mobile site in 3 steps.

Social Media

Reach new and existing customers where they’re already spending time—on social media. Most popular social media sites, like Facebook and Instagram, have easy-to-use options for creating an online store. For many businesses, having an online store on Facebook may take the place of a website.

If your business isn’t already taking advantage of these sales opportunities, now is as good a time as any to get started!

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.

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This “most wonderful time of the year” will be here before we know it! We’re sharing a holiday-inspired compilation of tips and inspiration to help make this holiday season your merriest yet!

Stand Out with Instagram-Worthy Holiday Treats

How Instagram-worthy are your holiday treats? Social media, like Instagram and Facebook, have proven to be effective tools for reaching consumers, however if A.) you’re not sharing photos of your products on your social media sites daily or B.) they don’t stand out from other holiday gifts, you could be missing out on a massive opportunity to gain new customers this season. Click here to snag creative ideas to transform some of your potentially existing treats (like chocolate-covered cookies and rice cereal treats) into new holiday favorites.

How to Create Your Own Holiday Gift Guide

Holiday gift guides are a visual and trendy way to promote your popular holiday items both online and in your retail store. According to a recent survey by Dynata for Redpoint Global, “nearly two-thirds of the 1,000 adult shoppers surveyed (62%), planned to do all their holiday shopping online.”

If you think you have to hire a graphic designer to create a professional gift guide, think again! In this blog post, we’ve also shared one of our favorite resources that requires zero design experience and comes with a FREE subscription option. Read more.

How to Sell More Stocking Stuffers

With gentle nudging, you can help ensure stockings (and your bottom line) overflow with sweetness this holiday season! Stockings stuffers are the ultimate impulse purchase, representing the opportunity to add a few extra dollars to in-store and online purchases. In post, we explore two key components that make for great stocking stuffers and how to increase sales with effective marketing and merchandising. Read more.

5 Quick & Easy Treats to Add to your Stocking Stuffer Display

Add extra dollars to in-store and online purchases by selling more stocking stuffers this holiday season. Above, we shared how to sell more stocking stuffers by identifying products that meet two key components. Next up, we’ve got five quick and easy ideas for products to beef up your stocking stuffer display. Read more.

We hope that these posts have inspired you to get creative this holiday season and make it one to remember.

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.

While truffles make for a sweet holiday gift, a stunning truffle tree is sure to make any Christmas celebration unforgettable! This week, we’re sharing steps to make your own truffle tree from RCI member, Annedore's Fine Chocolates, plus inspiration for creating a very merry holiday showpiece.

For ease of construction, undipped ganache balls may be stored in the freezer. Simply follow the instructions below for thawing and dipping the ganache balls and you are ready to build a tree on demand.

Materials Needed

• Truffles
• Silicone mats
• Plastic wrap
• Foam block
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil (optional)
• Round toothpicks
• Tempered chocolate
• Foam cone
• Wrapping paper or fabric (preferably coordinating with the color of your truffles)
• Flathead pins
• Scissors
• Ribbon or tree topper (optional)

Step-By-Step Instructions

Prepare truffle centers using your favorite ganache recipe. Pipe ganache onto silicone mats. Cover the mats with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 12 hours. Transfer mats to the freezer for 12 hours. Remove mats from the freezer and pop out ganache balls (Note: Ganache centers may be returned to the freezer for future use). Cover balls with plastic wrap and allow them to come to room temperature.

Cover a foam block with parchment paper or aluminum foil, so it can be reused. Adhere a toothpick into each ganache ball by dipping one end of the toothpick into tempered chocolate and then inserting that end into the center of the flat side of the ganache ball. Allow toothpick to set up firmly in the ganache ball.

Once the toothpick is firmly set in the ganache ball you are ready to dip each ganache ball in tempered chocolate. Dip each ball carefully and then insert tooth-picked end of the ball into the block of foam. This will allow for perfect-looking, uniform truffles to create your truffle tree. Allow chocolate to set up. Truffles may be decorated while standing in the block of foam.

Before you begin to build your tree, first, wrap the foam cone completely with wrapping paper or fabric – secure with flathead pins, as needed.

Christmas Truffle Tree Inspiration

While this truffle tree can be made to celebrate any number of holidays and celebrations, here’s some inspiration to make your truffle tree extra festive this Christmas.

Gingerbread Truffle Tree

The addition of gingerbread royal icing decorations, colorful non-pareils and foil balls make this truffle tree especially festive.

Berries & Bows

This Christmas truffle tree is understated and elegant with bright, red cranberries and a big wire bow as embellishments.

Chocolate Roses

We love how this truffle tree is adorned with hand-sculpted chocolate roses.

White Christmas

The use of white sprinkles, silver sprinkles and desiccated coconut helps achieve this dreamy white Christmas themed truffle tree.

A truffle tree is an eye-catching way for your customers to serve truffles to a large group, in addition to an impressive merchandising display for your retail shop. It is a big-ticket item that can add nice revenue to your store’s sales. With a little advance planning, building the tree can be relatively easy to execute.

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.

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Happy Halloween! In true candy-maker style, we know you’re already preparing for the next holiday (and the next, and the next)! If you’re looking for new ideas to make your customers gobble more of your chocolate this Thanksgiving, then look no further! We’re sharing 8 gobble-worthy chocolate turkey ideas for everyone and every budget.

Hand-Painted Chocolate Turkey Centerpiece
This beauty is for the Thanksgiving “host with the most” looking for a show-stopping fall centerpiece! Hand-painted, oversized moulded chocolates, like this one crafted by RCI Member Quix Chocolate in Ferndale, Michigan, also make for an eye-catching display in your retail store. Consider displaying a single large moulded piece, like this, to suggest special orders for large centerpieces.

Even if you sell one or none, these magnificent pieces can help represent your talent, artistry and broad range, along with serving as a conversation starter both in-store and online—so don’t miss an opportunity to show these items off through your social channels!

Other RCI members have shared how they use large moulded items as a holiday giveaway or raffle off with the proceeds going toward a local cause.

Photo Credit: Graham’s Chocolates

Chocolate Turkey Pop
There’s just an extra something special about moulded chocolates on a stick! We think this chocolate turkey pop by Graham’s Chocolates looks especially regal with the addition of a shiny orange bow, and the way it's styled in front of a festive stack of pumpkins really draws the eye.

Photo credit: The Madelaine Chocolate Company

Foil-Wrapped Mini Chocolate Turkey
Thanksgiving is a time to be grateful! We’re grateful for RCI Supplier Members, like The Madelaine Chocolate Company who makes high-quality chocolate moulded pieces like these cute foil-wrapped mini chocolate turkeys (and other moulded turkeys of literally every shape and size) so you don’t have to! We love how The Madelaine Chocolate Company shares lifestyle photos of their chocolate turkeys as part of picture-perfect table settings on their social media pages illustrating how their products can be used to elevate any Thanksgiving table.

Photo credit: Water’s Edge Chocolates

Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Turkey
Before you go looking for the wishbone, let me tell you that this teeny, tiny turkey is actually a chocolate-covered strawberry made by RCI Member, Water’s Edge Chocolates of Tullahoma, Tennessee. Pretty convincing, if you ask us! If you already have a following of chocolate-covered strawberry lovers, you’re going to want to click here for a video tutorial by Taste of Home!

Chocolate-Covered Oreo^® Turkey

RCI Member Bruce’s Candy Kitchen of Cannon Beach, Oregon shares another example of how to transform a chocolate-covered Oreo^® into a sweet turkey tom! We especially love the preview of their festive packaging in the background.

Photo credit: One Little Project

Peanut Butter Cup Turkey
If you make your own peanut butter cups or a similar round-shaped chocolate, or even a chocolate-covered sandwich cookie, use your imagination to create an elevated version of this turkey that is sure to be even more delicious than it is cute. Click here for a tutorial by One Little Project.

Photo credit: Frugal Coupon Living

Pretzel Stick Turkey
Everyone loves the salty, sweet combination of chocolate-covered pretzels! Here’s another idea that your customers are sure to gobble up! The addition of sugar eyes, a candy-coated chocolate and yes, more candy corn, to your chocolate-covered pretzel sticks concludes our compilation of gobble-worthy chocolate turkeys.

While Thanksgiving is probably not a big sales holiday for your business, any reason to catch the attention of shoppers before Christmas could lead to a big sales opportunity! Even if you don’t have time to try these ideas this year, we encourage you to try something new for Thanksgiving! With each sale, make sure to invite customers back to do their Christmas shopping or sign up for your email list.

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.

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So, it’s almost November. This means Small Business Saturday is right around the corner!

If you’re a small business and this is not on your radar, it definitely should be. This year Small Business Saturday will take place on November 25 (it's always the Saturday after Thanksgiving). Unlike Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which are largely dominated by big box stores, this is a day to celebrate small business and encourage holiday shoppers to visit the brick-and-mortar businesses that serve their local community.

One of the greatest strengths of the Small Business Saturday movement is the way it brings communities together. Not only does it help small businesses attract consumers in their local communities, but it sparks opportunities for those businesses to work together toward that common goal. This week’s tip serves up actionable strategies for collaborating with fellow businesses in your community.

Cross-Promote Special Offers and Events
When a favorite local business or a neighboring business is promoting a sale or special event, offer to help promote it. This could be in the form of a shout out on social media, placing their sales flyer in your customers’ bags or promoting their special offer or event at the bottom of your eblast as part of a “what’s happening in our community” section. Sure, you could do it purely out of the goodness in your heart, but chances are the right partner is going to return the favor.

Not only will this practice create great relationships with fellow small businesses (not to mention, champions for your business), but it will also give your brand awareness legs. By expanding your reach through partnering businesses, you will have the capability to reach consumers you may not have ever had the chance to reach on your own.

Team Up on Traditional Advertising
For many small businesses, advertising through traditional channels like print, radio and tv may seem wildly out of reach, but have you ever considered splitting the cost between like-minded businesses in your community? As an example, a group of retailers from the small Canadian town of Almonte, near Ottawa, shared the common goal of attracting more consumers to their small town. By teaming up they were able to stretch their resources and purchase an ad in a regional magazine, valued at $1,000, for only $80 a month. “We don’t necessarily get our own ad, but it’s for Almonte,” said Emily Arbour, the owner of Cheerfully Made Goods. “If the town’s busy, then we all benefit.” Read more about their story, featured on Shopify.com.

Although Small Business Saturday may be a great way to get the ball rolling, don’t let your collaborations end after November 25. Use the event as an opportunity to experiment with different partners and find out what works well for all parties involved. If you find a partnership that works, begin to brainstorm ways to collaborate throughout the year.

If you’re asking yourself “what other businesses should I be collaborating with?” Read this article on LinkedIn for sage advice on how to find the right match for your business. Your local Chamber of Commerce is another resource for connecting with local businesses. Also, if you haven’t done so already, apply to be a Small Business Saturday “Neighborhood Champion” and get connected with other local champions participating in the movement. Click here for more information about how to get involved.

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.

Packaging serves many purposes, from providing protection to conveying one’s brand and marketing message. Unique and distinctive packaging can be a powerful tool allowing you to differentiate your product, increase sales and create an emotional connection with customers.

Pique Interest
Creative packaging provides an engaging visual experience that can help to pique shopper interest and make them more likely to purchase the product. Unique packaging can also act as a form of advertising, drawing attention to the product and helping it stand out from the competition.

Peterbrooke Chocolatier’s bold brand colors are used with consistency in their packaging, stickers, bags and bows leaving little doubt that customers know they’re in for a treat when they see bright pink and blue packaging.

Brand Recognition
Distinctive packaging can also help to increase brand recognition. Customers are more likely to remember and recognize a product if it has an attention-grabbing packaging design. By utilizing clear and consistent branding, customers will be more likely to recall your product when looking to make a purchase.

Emotional Connection
Finally, packaging can be used to create an emotional connection between customers and the product. By using packaging that evokes a feeling or sentiment, it can help you create an emotional bond with customers, which can lead to increased sales and build customer loyalty.

Looking to level up your packaging? Check out RCI’s Buyer’s Guide for a list of trusted confectionery packaging suppliers. RCI members must login for direct contact information. If you’re not a member of RCI and you would like to request contact information for RCI’s packaging supplier members, contact our office at 417-883-2775.

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.

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This week we’re sharing a spooky compilation of the best Halloween posts from the RCI blog! This monster mash-up is packed with tips and tricks to help you dress up your caramel apples, transform existing treats and create smashing new ones that are quick and easy to incorporate into your product lineup. So, grab your broomstick and let's fly through our compilation of spooky delicious Halloween confections.

6 Ways to Dress Your Apples for Halloween
You may already have a Halloween costume in mind for yourself, but what about your apples? For shoppers looking for unique treats this Halloween, here are six ways to dress up both candy and caramel apples for Halloween.

5 Tricks to Transform Your Existing Treats for Halloween
If you already make chocolate-covered pretzels, truffles or marshmallow pops, the following ideas will require very little, if any, additional ingredients and minimal effort. Keep reading for five quick and easy tricks to dress up your existing treats for Halloween.

Smash Treats for a Frighteningly Fun Halloween

Want to spice up your seasonal lineup with something exciting? Look no further than the smash pumpkin and other smashing treats! These delightful creations are simple hollow pumpkin or jack-o-lantern moulds that are filled to the brim with goodies of your choice. But the best part? The recipients get to smash these hollow-moulded pieces open to reveal the sweet treasures hidden inside!

When looking for new Halloween ideas, it’s important to consider what your customers are looking for from your business versus what they can get at the local supermarket. Offering creative, unique and eye-catching products may be just the ticket to get them to spend their Halloween dollars with your business!

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.

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Imagine being able to set your email marketing on autopilot.

With a little forward-thinking and planning, email automation makes it possible. Email automation is a tool that allows you to create an email or sequence of emails through the use of an email marketing service, such as Constant Contact, MailChimp (available for both free and paid plans) or others. Once the email(s) are created and perimeters are in place (such as the order or frequency you decide), these emails will automatically go out to contacts after they perform a specific action, such as joining your email list or making a purchase. Once set up, automated emails work on autopilot so you can focus on other areas of your business.

Create an Automated Welcome Email Series
According to a report by Omnisend, “welcome emails have an average open rate of 45%, versus 18% for promotional emails.” Naturally the first email in a welcome series should thank subscribers for joining your email list. Shopify recommends keeping welcome emails clean and easy to understand, with a brief description of your brand, how you’re different, what you have in common with shoppers and why shoppers should be excited. Make sure details regarding store hours, locations and contact information are accessible by linking to this information on your website or including it in the email footer. Don’t forget to always include a call to action. This may be a link to your website with an invitation to “shop now” or follow your social media pages.

For the second email in the series, you should teach readers something. This could include details about your products (e.g., high-quality ingredients, small-batch confections) or something relevant to your product or audience, such as tips for choosing the perfect gift for anyone and any occasion. Your call to action might include a link to a cool video that drives home your message or a coupon or promotional code as a gift for subscribing—just make sure to skip the expiration date since you won’t know when your contact will receive the offer.

To make the subsequent emails effective, consider content that will be useful to your audience. Constant Contact suggests using the following questions to determine which information would be most relevant to your audience, as well as the number of emails to include in a series and the frequency of which to send those emails.

• What do they want to know?
• What do they need to know?
• What are their needs, problems and challenges?

Answering these questions will help you to develop communication that nurtures and engages with prospective and returning customers.

Avoid Time-Sensitive Content
Once you’ve determined which information is relevant to your contacts, make sure to avoid time-sensitive content. Since the dates contacts receive your automated emails will vary based on when they sign up for your email list (or take another action), be mindful not to include information or photos that might become outdated upon receipt—such as specific dates, holidays or seasons. Although much of the beauty of an automated email is that you can “set it and forget it,” don’t forget it entirely. Make plans to review each email periodically to ensure it’s still relevant and current.

By investing time upfront to craft a simple, yet effective automated email series, your efforts are sure to pay off by converting more contacts to customers and building customer relationships that lead to lifelong loyalty and brand advocacy.

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.

A thoughtful housewarming gift can help commemorate the special occasion and make new homeowners feel more at home. Offering great housewarming gifts could also open up sales opportunities with local real estate agents looking to thank clients. What better way to welcome someone to the neighborhood than with a delicious and thoughtful gift? This week we’re sharing inspiration for crafting your own special housewarming gifts that make a lasting impression to both the recipient and the gift giver.

Photo credit: The Chocolate Girl

Candy House Box
This cute wooden box is the perfect container to house a sampling of your signature treats. Similar house-shaped wooden boxes, like this, can be found at your local craft store or online. As another option, RCI supplier member, Nashville Wraps, has a few styles of housewarming basket boxes, like the one pictured below.

Big Hug Care Package
This gift is sure to make anyone smile! We especially love the custom tote bag that reads “big Colorado hug,” which could be reimagined for your state or hometown. With the addition of your company name or logo, the reusable bag will remind the recipient of your brand every time it's used. This could also be repurposed as a back-to-school send off for college students—“send them to school with their favorite treats!”

Photo credit: Buffett’s Candies

People are always buying and selling homes. This could be your opportunity to introduce your business to out-of-towners and be part of a special milestone for locals who may have just moved across town. Once you find out which presentation works best for your business, it’s important to get the word out! Post photos of your housewarming gifts on social media, ask around if you have a friend who works in the real estate industry or make a memorable introduction at some nearby real estate offices with a sample housewarming gift in hand.

We hope this inspires you to go put the sweet in "home sweet home" with your housewarming gifts!

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 .

Upgrade your confections with a cool, glimmering hologram. For this week’s blog post, Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate shares a simple technique that gives chocolate a dazzling, rainbow effect without the use of colored cocoa butter or pigments.

How does it work?
A diffraction sheet is made of plastic which consists of micro-etchings, which are tiny grooves that causes white light to disperse into a rainbow of colors. When liquid chocolate meets a diffraction sheet, the chocolate takes on the sheet’s micro etchings as it solidifies. These etchings in the chocolate replicate the dispersion effect of the sheet and separate white light into individual colors, which gives the lovely rainbow effect. When selecting a diffraction sheet (also known as a gradient sheet), the greater the number of lines, the more of an opportunity for the light to diffract and give a stronger iridescent look. Diffraction sheets can be found from a number of online retailers, such as Amazon.

How to do it?
There are a few ways to make this dazzling design.

The first, is using a magnetic transfer mould. Place the diffraction sheet into your transfer mould, similar to how you would use cocoa butter transfer sheets or other traditional design applications. Once placed, proceed to pour tempered chocolate into your mould. Be sure to knock the air out of the mould to ensure a seamless transfer of the design. When the chocolate cools, the liquid will mould around the micro etchings allowing the rainbow shimmer to be present on your chocolate.

Another method is to apply chocolate directly to the diffraction sheet. The easiest way to utilize the sheets directly is to slightly melt the top of an already moulded or enrobed product, place the melted side onto the diffraction sheet and let it cool. This way you can design items that have already been completed, like chocolate chip bottoms or chocolate enrobed cookies. Chocolate can also be poured directly onto the gradient sheet. When slightly cooled, the diffraction sheet can be bent or curled to add a shimmer to chocolate curls or tubes.

As discussed above, you aren’t transferring the design but instead, transferring the grooves into the chocolate. Because of this, the sheets can be used multiple times. As long as the micro etchings are clear, the design can continue to be moulded onto the product. Gently wash the sheet with soap and water after use. Make sure that the sheet is completely dry before the next use. A dry wipe down can also be completed between batches.

How can it be applied?
There are an endless number of ways to apply this shimmering design. Moulded truffles, chocolate curls, and enrobed treats can be elevated with holographic effects. The possibilities are only limited to your glittering imagination!

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 .

As we all know, nutritional labeling can be a nightmare at times for one reason or another. In recent years, RCI member Dietsch Brothers has incorporated QR codes onto some of their smaller products instead of trying to cram all the ingredient information on a tiny packaging space. According to the FDA, if your labeling area is less than twelve square inches you can include a phone number or address to access the nutritional information for that product.

On small packages such as chocolate-covered sandwich cookies, four-piece boxes, graham crackers and etc., Dietsch Brothers provides a QR code on the label, along with contact information, so customers can link to the product on their website for consumers to find the nutritional and allergy information. By including QR codes, which most people are familiar with post-COVID, it helps drive traffic to their website and allows the candy maker to share the ingredient information in an easy-to-read format.

Setting up QR Codes are Easy
There are two different types of QR codes that should be considered when creating one for packaging. A static QR code cannot be changed, so once setup the URL it is linked to it cannot be changed. If you set up a dynamic QR code, the URL it links to can be modified at any time. A dynamic QR code also allows you to track how many times that code has been scanned.

Trusted QR Code Generators

Canva | Canva offers a static QR code generator for free and paid users. Customization features are limited to changing the background and foreground colors.

QR Tiger |Dietsch Brothers uses QR Tiger to create dynamic QR codes. QR Tiger offers fully customizable QR codes, which includes the ability to incorporate your logo. Monthly rates start at $7/month. QR Tiger also integrates with Canva to import your dynamic codes to be used in your Canva designs.

QR codes are an easy and low-cost solution for providing product information for consumers, especially when it comes to small packaging. By incorporating QR codes onto packaging, companies can not only provide product information, but also drive traffic to their website and increase brand recognition.

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.

Long before pumpkin spice lattes were a thing, spiced apple cider was quite possibly the undisputed official beverage of fall. While pumpkin spice can be found nearly everywhere this time of year, there are still some of us who look forward to tracking down high-quality apple cider at the local farmers’ market or a roadside farmstand. Together the fresh apple flavor paired with the aroma of warming spices elicits all the cozy feels.

Before apple month draws to a close, we pay homage to the regal apple with apple cider infused confections.

Photo: This Mess is Ours

Cider Spiced Candy Apples

Put a fall spin on your candy apple recipe by adding apple cider to your recipe—or try this recipe on for size. This could also be applied to caramel apples by making an apple cider caramel. Check out this recipe for apple cider caramels.

Apple Cider Caramel Popcorn
The addition of spiced apple cider brings a welcome depth of flavor to any caramel recipe—including caramel popcorn.

Spiced Cider Fudge
This easy white chocolate fudge is flavored with apple cider and pieces of toffee for texture.

We hope you enjoy this post! If you try any of these recipes or would like to share photos of your favorite apple cider infused confections on Facebook, tag us @retailconfectioners.

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.

While honey has been used as a natural sweetener for centuries, it has recently been gaining popularity as a trend to watch in a number of categories, including the confectionery industry. Candy & Snack named honey as a naturally occurring sweetener flavor trend in 2023 and a real food ingredient that fulfills a sweet craving in a pure form. And according to Prepared Foods, candy that is naturally sweetened is a “key growth area” for 2023. 

If this leads you to question whether or not to add honey to your confections and chocolates, RCI member Hector Camargo Jr. with ChocolatesU, LLC helps shed some light on the query. Keep reading for an overview of the benefits of using honey in your confectionery creations, as well as some potential drawbacks to keep in mind.

Drawbacks to Using Honey

Cost
Honey is expensive. You can expect to pay between four to 10 times more per pound for honey compared to other sweeteners like glucose syrup and refined sugar.

Variability
Honey is a natural product, which means variability is the name of the game. Physical properties (color, moisture), chemical properties (pH, mineral content, impurities) and most importantly taste, can all vary with the seasons and flowers the bees choose to visit. Your perfect honey ganache can suddenly have an off, bitter note or your prized honey caramel could go grainy and gritty at random intervals leaving you guessing at the cause. Mineral content changed? Is the pH off?

Temperature Sensitivity
Honey is also temperature sensitive. Too hot and it flows everywhere; too cold and you might as well take a nap and wait for the spring thaw. Crystallization can occur during storage, especially if your storeroom is cold. And while the crystallization is easily reversible with gentle heating, it could put a kink in your production plans for that day.

Risk of Counterfeit
All this is assuming you are using real honey. That’s right, counterfeit honey is a real thing. Without a reliable, trusted source, you could be paying a premium for pricy sugar syrup.

Not Vegan Friendly
And finally remember, honey is NOT vegan ( unless you know a fair-trade bee colony that accepts purchase orders).

Benefits of Using Honey

Shelf-Life
Honey does not go bad. The oldest known sample of honey was found in an ancient Egyptian tomb dated at 3,000 years old and is supposedly still edible. Honey’s low water activity and low pH (around 4) makes it, and the items made with it, resistant to spoilage and mold.

Invert Sugar
Honey is an amazing invert sugar syrup and can be used directly as a confectionery ingredient. Like other invert sugars, honey helps control crystallization and creates a smooth mouth feel. Honey is hygroscopic, so it reduces the water content in confections while prolonging shelf life. Honey’s humectant properties also keep chocolate fillings and fudge supple and baked goods tender.

Flavor
Honey has a unique flavor, but that can be as prominent or as muted as you wish depending on the type of confection you are creating. 

All-Natural Sweetener
Honey is a customer delight. Sweeten with cane, coconut, or palm sugar and patrons will respond with a yawn. Honey, however, connotes the idea of “natural” to consumers. Even if honey is not the exclusive sweetener in your products, it will hold a certain cache with your customers and differentiate you from competitors.

Honey is costly and can be a challenging ingredient. It requires some patience and experimentation to use successfully. Whether or not you opt to start using a spoonful of honey in your confections, we hope this week’s blog post was insightful.

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 .

We all know even the very best confections don’t stay fresh forever, but did you know your choice of packaging could either be helping or hindering your fight for freshness? While packaging is often selected for visual appeal, it can impact the shelf life of your products.

Understanding how packaging affects shelf life can help you better serve your customers and your bottom line. As the final post of this series, we’ll continue to share insight from RCI member Randy Hofberger of R&D Consultants on how to prolong the shelf life of your confections with the right packaging.  Missed the first two posts? Read Part 1, followed by Part 2.

This week we’re exploring the effects of moisture on confections and what to look for when sourcing barrier packaging that can keep crunchy products crisp and soft items from becoming dry —plus, tips for avoided unwanted moisture when shipping products.

Managing Moisture

Like with light and oxygen, moisture can wreak havoc on confections. No consumer wants soggy brittles and toffee or dry truffles and creams. Even worse, the presence of excessive moisture can create a breeding ground for bacteria and mold.

A good moisture-barrier film can play double-duty by retaining existing moisture while also keeping unwanted moisture out. Ask your packaging supplier to share the oxygen and moisture permeability values for their products. According to Randy, foil is an excellent barrier for both oxygen and moisture; cellophane is fairly good; polyethylene is fairly good for moisture, but it is poor for oxygen. Watch out when packaging products in shrink wrap or a cardboard stock box, as these materials are basically providing dust covers and not a lot of protection from moisture and oxygen.

Many films have layers to give the best protection and visual appeal. This is often seen in flow-wrapped items. The bars can be cohesively sealed (cold flow) or heat sealed. If heat sealed is used, be mindful that excess heat is not used to de-temper the chocolate. Metalized wrap offers great protection, but has the disadvantage of not being metal detector friendly.

Shipping Considerations

When shipping or distributing items, acknowledge that conditions may be different than on your premises and are out of your control. It is always good to specify the target temperatures and relative humidity to your distributor. If shipping items with ice packs, it is best to wrap both the ice packs and the confections to prevent damage due to condensation.

We want our customers to enjoy the wonderful candies that we have created. This requires a candy that is tasty to begin with; it is formulated to have a good shelf life for texture, flavor and micro stability; it is sold and consumed within its shelf life and finally the candies and the packaging are appealing to all. This will result in having satisfied customers and continued strong sales.

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 .

We all know even the very best confections don’t stay fresh forever, but did you know your choice of packaging could either be helping or hindering your fight for freshness? While packaging is often selected for visual appeal, it can impact the shelf life of your products.

Understanding how packaging affects shelf life can help you better serve your customers and your bottom line. As part two of a three-week series, we’ll continue to share insight from RCI member Randy Hofberger of R&D Consultants on how to prolong the shelf life of your confections with the right packaging. Missed last week? Scroll down or click here to read it first.

This week we’re exploring how to slow rancidity caused by exposure to oxygen. Oxidative rancidity happens when oxygen and unsaturated fats produce rancid odors and flavors. Having a good oxygen barrier coating will reduce oxygen from entering the package. However, a good oxygen barrier is only affective if the packaging is properly sealed. Additionally, if there is oxygen in the head space of the package, oxidative rancidity can still occur.

Test your seal
The best packaging doesn’t mean much unless it is properly sealed. Packaging should be evaluated to make sure there is proper seal integrity. While there are more sophisticated tests, a simple squeeze of a sealed bar will indicate that you are doing things right if the packaging stays “puffed.” Twist wrapped items don’t have a lot of protection unless there is an outer bag or container to keep things sealed.

Toffee is generally more susceptible to oxidative rancidity, which is why it is often nitrogen flushed or vacuum sealed to exclude oxygen from the package. Having a good oxygen barrier also helps prevent off-odors from entering your packaging (think when lemon candies are placed next to coffee or mint-flavored candies). Also, a good oxygen barrier package will reduce the amount of flavor notes leaving the package.

Take a Control Sample
How do you take a control sample to see if your packaging is the cause of a shorter-than-desired shelf life? First, place finished product into a sealed plastic bag and then into a sealed glass jar or container. Next, compare it to the shelf-life of your standard packaged product on a regularly scheduled basis. If there is a significant difference in how quickly your product ages in your standard packaging, it may be time to make a change to your packaging.

As was discussed in the previous blog post, limiting exposure to sunlight can prolong shelf life, as will reducing oxygen exposure and adding an oxygen barrier to your packaged products. Next week, we will explore how to utilize packaging to slow the effects of moisture exposure, plus compare the efficiency of different materials as barriers for both moisture and oxygen.

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.

You have just made some of the best confections known to Candydom, but you also know that fresh-from-the-kitchen flavor doesn’t last forever. What’s a candy maker to do? Understanding how packaging affects the shelf life of your confections can help you better serve your customers and your bottom line. In part one of this three-week series, we’re sharing insight from RCI member Randy Hofberger of R&D Consultants on how packaging can positively or negatively affect the shelf life of your products.

While packaging is often selected for visual appeal, it can impact the shelf life of your products. When choosing packaging, factors like light, oxygen and moisture can significantly reduce the shelf life of your products. This week we’re exploring the effects of light and how two different types of packaging could be helping or hindering your fight for a longer shelf life.

How Light Affects Shelf-Life

Exposure to light can reduce the shelf life of confections by causing photolytic oxidation to occur when ultraviolet (UV) light reacts with unsaturated fats to develop off-flavors.

While the sun is the strongest source of UV radiation, fluorescent lightbulbs produce a considerable amount of UV radiation—albeit  far less in comparison to sunlight. As a general rule, the hotter the filament, the more UV it produces. LED and incandescent bulbs produce the least amount of UV.

Which Packaging Beats Harmful Rays?

Opaque packaging can offer some protection from the effects of light/UV, moisture and odors.

Clear packaging has the advantage of allowing the consumer to see what they are buying; however, it has the disadvantage of allowing photolytic oxidation to occur. Clear packaging will also, in certain cases, cause bleaching/fading of colored coatings or white chocolate.

Ironically, the clear solution is not clear at all—because it's opaque!  If you’re lucky enough to have lots of natural light in your retail shop, it may be in your best interest to invest in opaque packaging to protect your products from the sunlight. With that said, we're not against clear packaging by any means! If you do opt to use clear packaging, or packaging with a clear window, keep sunlight exposure to a minimum to help maximize the shelf life of your products.

Next week, we will explore how to utilize packaging to slow the effects of oxygen exposure, plus a simple way to test the effectiveness of your packaging.

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.

It’s a Barbie™ world! Fans of all ages are tickled pink for the new Barbie movie! Here’s some ideas and inspiration for creating your own Barbie-approved treats.

Barbie’s Candy Salad
While the only thing actually reminiscent of a salad is the bowl it is served in, this shockingly sweet combination of pink candies and gummies coined “Barbie Candy Salad” has created quite the buzz on social media.

Invite customers to build their own candy salad mix by gathering all your Barbie-inspired treats for a pink-a-tastic display. RCI member, Savannah’s Candy Kitchen created this TikTok video to illustrate how fans can visit their store to make the “Ultimate Barbie Mix.”

Credit: Sarris Candies

Chocolate Princess Barbie
She really can be anything…even chocolate! Sarris Candies has crafted a moulded chocolate Princess Barbie, complete with sugar roses and a pink bow. And that box is everything!

Credit: River Street Sweets

When it comes to Barbie-themed treats, pralines probably aren’t the first thing that come to mind. This is why we love this Facebook post from RCI member River Street Sweets! With some strategic hot pink, a glitter starburst and pink roller skates they have transformed their signature pralines into a treat so sweet Barbie, herself, wouldn’t be able to resist!

With the popularity of the new Barbie movie, we don’t think the Barbie craze is going to fizzle out anytime soon! Look for ways to appeal to Barbie fans of all ages to continue celebrating this iconic doll through watch parties, birthday parties and other celebrations! Whether it’s a pop of pink or a generous sprinkle of (edible) glitter, presentation goes a long way!

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 .

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.

Popsugar Food

Unicorn Pops

Hostess with the Mostess

Unicorn Horn Treats

Lady Behind the Curtain

Unicorn Pretzels

The sun is shining (hopefully), temperatures are rising, and the smell of spring is in the air—and certainly in your candy kitchen—as you create your delectable springtime confections. RCI member, LorAnn Oils, shares how you can take your chocolates and confections to the next level of perfection with a favorite secret ingredient—soy lecithin!

What Is Soy Lecithin?
Lecithin is an emulsifier used in foods to stabilize other recipe ingredients that do not inherently mix well. This naturally thick extract comes from soybeans and has super-charged emulsification abilities that produce perfectly blended gravies, dressings and sauces. For candy lovers, it’s the qualities lecithin adds to confections that are the cause for excitement!

Benefits of Using Soy Lecithin in Confections
When it comes to the confectionery world, lecithin is used as a natural emulsifier, preservative, antioxidant and flavor protector in chocolates and candies. Two ingredients we know do not live in perfect harmony: oil and water. The ability to keep oils and fats from separating makes lecithin ideal. Think of lecithin as the requisite sidekick for chocolates and buttery candies. Its emulsifying properties improve mixability, which enhances the texture of buttery candies and chocolates, while protecting the flavor. Lecithin’s emulsification magic also keeps candy from developing an oily residue on the outside, giving confections a beautifully smooth finish customers will appreciate.

The addition of lecithin can also extend shelf life thanks to the presence of antioxidants which help to slow the oxidation of fats and control crystallization. This is great news for professional confectioners, because it reduces the risk of mold developing and keeps chocolates, caramels and other buttery candies fresher longer.

Ask your supplier, as some soy lecithin products may be gluten-free and vegan-friendly, making it a perfect option for customers who have special dietary needs. Keep reading for a variety of ways you can use lecithin in the following candy creations.

Chocolates
Incorporating lecithin into melted chocolate can help it flow more smoothly and consistently. Lecithin acts as a binder in chocolate, helping cocoa solids, sugar and milk better adhere to the cocoa butter. Adding just a small amount of lecithin to melted chocolate keeps the chocolate from spreading too quickly so it doesn’t seize or thicken. Lecithin is also a more cost-effective option than cocoa butter and less is needed. Usage recommendation is 0.25 – 0.50% lecithin per total batch. Too much lecithin can have the reverse effect and cause chocolate to thicken.

Caramels, Toffees and Brittles
A common problem for candy makers is the stickiness of their products, particularly in toffee and brittles where the butter and sugar tend to separate during the cooking process. Luckily, lecithin helps to minimize this issue by allowing the butterfat to mix with the moisture in the batch. Lecithin can also help prevent caramels from sticking to their wrappers or wax papers. Usage should be limited to 0.20-0.40% of the total batch to achieve the best results.

Caramel Popcorn
For caramel popcorn, adding a little lecithin and oil at the very end will help your creamy caramel evenly coat the popcorn and reduce clumping.

Cinnamon Candies
When making hard candy, cinnamon oil is a flavor that may not stay completely mixed into the candy syrup and can float to the top. To help the oil stay mixed, stir a small amount of lecithin into the boiled candy syrup. Since lecithin is an emulsifying agent, it helps keep oils evenly mixed and emulsified throughout the batch. We recommend adding 1/4 teaspoon of lecithin per cup of sugar.

When making hard candy, it can be difficult to keep certain flavors, specifically cinnamon oil, evenly mixed throughout the candy syrup. To prevent cinnamon oil from floating to the top of your hard candy mixture, stir in a small amount of lecithin into the boiled candy syrup. As an emulsifying agent, lecithin helps to keep oils evenly distributed throughout the batch. LorAnn Oils recommends adding 1/4 teaspoon of lecithin per cup of sugar.

Now you can see why soy lecithin is a favorite secret ingredient for many candy makers and chocolatiers. Not only does it provide a range of functional benefits, but it also helps to create a smoother, more consistent product with a longer shelf life. With its natural and clean label ingredients, soy lecithin is an easy and cost-effective solution to improve the texture and flavor of chocolates and other confections.

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.

Attracting and retaining talented employees is essential to the success of any business. However, it can be a daunting task to figure out the best ways to attract and retain great employees. This week, we’re sharing how RCI member Romolo Chocolates has been able to build a successful team by utilizing effective recruiting and hiring practices, nurturing a healthy company culture and rewarding performance, so that you may be able to apply some of these techniques to your business.

Recruiting

When recruiting potential candidates for a job opening, it’s important to look in the right places, as this will increase the potential pool of qualified candidates and make the recruitment process more successful. Romolo Chocolates has found the most success using Indeed.com for online recruitment. Indeed offers employers the opportunity to ask questions which helps to pre-screen potential candidates. They also utilize bulletins at local colleges and high schools to post job openings. By simply posting signs about hiring in their windows, they’ve had success with generating interest and interviews.

While Romolo has tried using social media as a recruiting tool, it has not led to a single successful interview. Instead, they have found it to be more of a platform for their followers to post I Love Lucy memes. 

Hiring for the Right Fit

It's not often that businesses come across true star employees, but when they do, these people can become a great asset to the team. Despite best efforts, it can be hard to identify the qualities of a star performer from resumes and interviews. Even if that person appears to have the right qualifications, that doesn’t always mean they will be a good fit for the business.

When assessing potential job candidates, it’s important to identify those who share the same values and goals as the business. It is also beneficial to assess the candidate's attitude, desire to learn and grow, and ability to collaborate with others.

Company Culture

When asked to identify their most successful tool for retaining employees, Romolo Chocolates says, it’s their company culture. They have spent time exploring the company’s culture from the founder’s perspective and historical successes, which has allowed them to define their values, vision, purpose and “key ingredients” for a successful team. To introduce the new culture, the staff was reoriented over the course of several culture education and Q&A sessions.

Romolo Chocolates’ culture is constantly evolving to ensure that management and team expectations are met. It covers important topics such as safety and customer experience, for which everyone is responsible.

New Hire Training

At Romolo, new hires come on board under a 90-day probation period before receiving benefits. The team usually knows within the first four hours if the hire will work hard and absorb the knowledge they are teaching.

On their first day, new hires take a tour of the facility with a member of the culture team. At this time, paperwork has been completed and they are wearing a new uniform when they step onto the floor. During the first two weeks of training, they attend a culture session with other starting or returning team members, which helps them understand the company values and purpose, as well as the expectations and policies.

Team members are assigned a trainer each day who not only teaches, but also takes breaks and lunch with the trainee. The culture of Romolo Chocolates emphasizes kindness, and they ask their employees to train with respect and kindness.

Cross Training

Romolo Chocolates encourages cross training, and employees who are trained for more than one position earn higher hourly wages. Cross training allows employees to be versatile and proficient in multiple roles. Cross training staff can offer numerous benefits to businesses, such as improved performance and greater job satisfaction.

Performance-Based Rewards

The company rewards employees who excel at their job. Employees are rewarded with wage increases, continuous learning opportunities, gold-tier health insurance, a paid time-off program and pension plan. In many instances, maintenance hires who excelled at their job have been moved into production work with wage increases. Team members who demonstrate great people and organization skills have also been promoted to leadership.

Romolo Chocolates is proof that effective recruiting, hiring for the right fit, creating a healthy company culture, training and performance-based rewards are all powerful tools for building and nurturing a successful team. With the right tools and knowledge, any business can create an environment that encourages and rewards excellence. As a result, these businesses are more likely to attract and retain top talent.

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.

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Want to refresh your line of confections for Easter with little to no effort? You don't have to create entirely new recipes or invest in costly advertising campaigns to get customers excited about your products; all you really need is a bit of imagination. By giving your existing confections a new name themed for Easter, you can create more interest and drive sales  with simple additions or, better yet, without actually changing anything but the name. In this blog post, we'll explore some creative ways to give your confections a fresh twist for the Easter season.

Photo credit: Abdallah Candies

Rabbit Tails

Simply rename your chocolate-covered marshmallows as “Rabbit Tails” for a quick and easy refresh. Cute labels, like the one pictured from RCI member Abdallah Candies, can be created on Canva to draw attention and add excitement to an existing product.

Photo credit: Bruce’s Candy Kitchen

Bunny Feed + Bunny Poop

Just for the Easter holiday, RCI member Bruce’s Candy Kitchen renamed candy-coated, chocolate-covered sunflower seeds as “Bunny Feed.” They also sell packs of colorful Sixlets^® as “Bunny Poop.”

Photo credit: Marie’s Candies

Cottontail Crunch + Chick Feed

Add pastel-colored Easter candies, jelly beans, yogurt-covered raisins or (whatever spring treats you have on hand) to your existing trail mix or caramel popcorn and give it a clever name like, “Cottontail Crunch” or “Chick Feed." Target sells a limited edition Easter-themed trail mix called “ Bunny Bait” and RCI member Marie’s Candies adds Easter candy corn to roasted peanuts for a sweet and salty “Bunny Tracks Mix.”

Photo credit: Williams Sonoma

Bunny Bark

Make subtle changes to your existing bark recipe by adding pastel sprinkles or candies and rebrand it as “Bunny Bark.”

The goal is to bring excitement and fun to your normal offerings, making something new with very little change or without changing anything but the name. Look through your inventory to identify items that can be reimagined for Easter. With a little creativity, you could see a bump in lemon buttercream sales by rebranding them as “Ducktails.” Or why not rename your coconut creams as “Cottontails" for the holiday?

Capture the spirit of the season with a little imagination and every bunny will want a taste of your Easter-themed treats!

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.

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Easter is one of the biggest holidays for many candy shops. Hosting an “Easter Bunny Peeps^® Pop Event” is a great way to create buzz about your store while increasing sales and foot traffic leading up to Easter. In this week’s post, we’re sharing the idea from RCI member, Dolle’s Candyland in Ocean City, Maryland, which includes valuable tips on how to make your event successful.

Making “Easter Bunny Peeps Pops” are very easy, which makes this a great hands-on activity for kids that requires minimal work for candy makers. Here’s what each participant will need:

Ingredients (per child)

• 1 Peeps Marshmallow Bunny
• 1 Sucker stick
• 1 Mini marshmallow (for the bunny tail)
• Melted tempered chocolate (for dipping)
• 1 Paper plate
• Markers (for writing kid’s name on their plate)
• Sanitizing hand wipes

5-Step Peeps Pop Procedure

Dolle's shared their "recipe" for creating a successful Easter Peeps Pop event with these five easy-to-follow steps:

#1: Distribute hand wipes and have children roll up their sleeves.

Dolle's team was prepared with a large container of hand wipes, purchased from Amazon, to make hand-washing a breeze while kiddos waited in line.

#2: Write child’s name on the bottom of a paper plate.

This step allows for you to hold the peep “hostage” while it cools (you’ll learn why on step #4).

#3: Let each child dip Peeps Pop in chocolate, place it on a plate and add a mini marshmallow “tail.”

This is where it’s important to keep steps to a minimum—little to no decorations are necessary. Having hosted similar events, Dolle's has learned the value of keeping it simple. “If you leave sprinkles out, the kids will want to use all the sprinkles,” noted Anna Dolle Bushnell. In other words, you don’t need sprinkles at all. Kids will be more than satisfied with simply dipping their marshmallow in chocolate and adding the tail. Another important tip to note, have a step-stool handy for the smaller children.

#4: Hold the Peeps Hostage

This step was emphasized by Anna for good reason, “Instead of walking around the store with a wet, chocolate Peeps Pop, we put it through the cooling tunnel of our enrober until the chocolate set.” Adding that placing the pops in front of a fan or in the refrigerator would be suitable alternatives if you don’t have a cooling tunnel.

The key to this step, and the overall success of this event, is while the chocolate cooled, participating families had about ten minutes to shop in their retail store.

#5: After Peeps Pop is set, announce child's name in shop.

When ready, a member of the Dolle's team read the name on the bottom of each plate before presenting the child with their finished Peeps Pop. “Most of the kids would gobble it right up, but some did take them home,” Anna noted. “Some of them were beautiful, while some of them ended up with a pool of chocolate.”

Leading up to the event, Dolle’s Candyland created a public event on Facebook to help spread the word. They were surprised to find people lined up out the door to make chocolate-covered Peeps. “I didn’t know I would need stanchions [to direct the crowd],” Anna explained, “I think we [as candy makers] take for granted what we do—people really love candy. It’s such a great thing to give them an experience like this, that really is very minimal.”

The Conclusion

Due to the buzz created by this free, one-day event, Dolle’s Candyland increased their sales by 150% more than the day before. “People were just so thankful that we did it and some adults did it too,” added Anna. If space limitations prevent your store from hosting an event, consider boxing up the ingredients and supplies for customers to make Peeps Pops at home. Wishing you a “hoppy” Easter!

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As Easter approaches, candy shops can soon expect shoppers looking to build custom Easter baskets for loved ones. For some, creating and selling custom Easter baskets can be a time-consuming process that requires detailed staff training and complicated pricing structures.

This week we’re sharing a simple solution from RCI member, Juliet Chocolate Factory, that can save candy shops time and effort while still offering customers the opportunity to create custom Easter baskets.

Pictured: Juliet Chocolate Factory shared their idea for "Load & Go" Custom Easter Baskets at Candy Clinic during RCI's 2022 Annual Convention & Industry Expo.

Near the register at Juliet Chocolate Factory in Romeo, Michigan customers can take their pick from a selection of pre-assembled Easter baskets—three different sizes of themed baskets serve as the base. Each basket is filled with paper shreds and a coordinating bow (with tie) which is packaged inside a clear cello bag that is closed with a twist tie.

The baskets are empty, representing a blank canvas of sorts for customers to shop your store for the perfect mix to fit the intended recipient. Once shoppers are done selecting the contents of their custom Easter baskets, staff at the register can simply stuff the basket while ringing up each individual item, along with the gift basket, itself, which has its own product code/price.

This approach to offering custom Easter baskets can help you save time and effort this Easter. It’s a win-win solution that allows candy shops to focus on delivering quality products and excellent customer service while still providing customers with the opportunity to create their own unique Easter baskets.

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The continued popularity of beer in confections has led to many creative applications, which may very well be the golden ticket for St. Patrick’s Day on March 17. If beer and confections don’t seem like a natural pairing, keep reading for inspiration to concoct your own beer-inspired confections.

Photo: Delish / The Liddabit Sweets Candy Cookbook © 2013

Beer & Pretzel Caramel

Few things pair with beer like pretzels, but why eat plain old pretzels when you can eat pretzels drenched in beer caramel?!

Photo: Food52

Beer Marshmallows

Pillowy homemade marshmallows spiked with dark stout beer, enveloped in dark chocolate and sprinkled with crushed pretzels may fill the dreams of a true beer enthusiast. Considering adding this flavor and texture bomb to your product lineup.

Photo: Jelly Belly

Beer Jelly Beans

Expand your beer-themed offerings with these fun beer-flavored jelly beans packaged in a clever keepsake tin.

Photo: Vosges Haut Chocolat

Smoke and Stout Caramel Chocolate Bar

This chocolate bar by Vosges Haut-Chocolat appeals to the senses with the addition of stout beer, smoked salt and burnt sugar caramel.

Photo: Surprising Recipes

Guinness Pretzel Truffles

This truffle recipe trades the cream for Guinness stout beer and adds an element of crunch with…you guessed it, crushed pretzels.

Not only would these hoppy confections be a great match to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, but they would also add to your repertoire for Father’s Day, Oktoberfest and creative and unique gifts for beer lovers. Cheers!

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Pictured above are two distinct applications for pate de fruit. The confection on the left used G pectin to achieve a slab pate de fruit, where NH pectin helped achieve a softer, more fluid texture that could be piped into the chocolate shell on the right.

G Pectin

If you’re looking for a classic pate de fruit, G pectin is the way to go. Pate de fruit normally has a firm set, like a fruit jelly. Once set, it remains stable and can’t be manipulated. For an enrobed (or slab) piece, G pectin will achieve a firm consistency that cuts nicely on a guitar cutter. G pectin also offers a slower set time and a very nice fluidity when poured into a frame. This is key in being able to pour multiple frames without the product setting too quickly.

G pectin is a mixture of yellow pectin, dextrose and citric acid which work together to achieve the aforementioned qualities. Be sure to not switch yellow pectin for G pectin, or the other way around, because the results will be drastically different.

NH Pectin

NH pectin can be used to create a softer texture, which can be stirred or blended to a smooth consistency. Once completely cooled, it can be piped perfectly into moulded chocolate shells. NH pectin is primarily used in glazes for different pastry applications, because it can be remelted and remain homogenous as a liquid glaze. NH pectin is also called “thermo-reversible pectin.”

It’s important to understand the effects of different types of pectin to achieve your desired confectionery application. Click here to download Chef Josh's recipes for chocolate raspberry bon bons (pictured above) featuring pate de fruit that utilizes G pectin or NH pectin to achieve two distinctly different results.

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.

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If your candy thermometer has ever got in the way of stirring a bubbling hot candy concoction, then you’ll appreciate this week’s quick and easy hack.

RCI member Hilliard’s Chocolates makes approximately 5,000 pounds of their signature almond toffee crunch each year. With all the stirring it takes to whip up that much toffee, the Hilliard’s team developed a simple, yet, innovative solution for keeping that sometimes pesky candy thermometer in its rightful place.

As pictured above, Hilliard’s has screwed two eye hooks into their wooden paddle, so the thermometer slips right into place, preventing it from getting in the way while stirring.

Even small adjustments like this can make a big impact in improving efficiency. Do you have any simple hacks that improve your efficiency in the candy kitchen? If so, we’d love for you to share on RCI’s Facebook page.

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.

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Pistachios are not new to the confectionery world, but as you may have noticed this little green nut has been popping up in everything from coffees to cocktails, candy bars and even scented candles. Trend reporters, like Olam Food Ingredients (OFI), have identified the pistachio as the “up-and-coming nut of the moment.”

Photo credit: Snickers, Lindt, Starbucks

According to OFI, “The pistachio is experiencing growth and taking center stage as an inclusion in many new confectionery products. Whether it’s whole kernels, pieces, powders or pastes, the pistachio is piquing people’s interest.”

In a 2022 flavor insight report, FONA reports almond, cranberry and chocolate as the top flavors paired with pistachio. Other popular flavors to pair with pistachio include caramel, white chocolate and matcha. There are many confectionery applications for pistachios including truffles, nougat, fudge, toffee, brittle, bark and more.

If you already make confections featuring the pistachio, now would be a good time to make a splash with a retail display or social media posts.

Not only do pistachios add a familiar and well-loved flavor, they can offer a nice burst of green color.

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.

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Happy National Peanut Butter Day! We may be partial, but can think of no better way to celebrate than with a creamy, dreamy peanut butter meltaway. This sweet and salty combination is hard to beat!

For many confectioners, the peanut butter meltaway is a popular mainstay in their product line. If you have lots of customers who love your peanut butter meltaways, chances are they will perk up when you add a twist to this classic. We're not suggesting you change your recipe, but simply sharing inspiration to add to your collection of peanut butter confections.

Roasted Peanuts
This may seem obvious. Just as there are jars of creamy peanut butter and crunchy peanut butter at the grocery store, why couldn’t there be creamy and crunchy varieties of peanut butter meltaways? If you already make your peanut butter meltaways with chunks of peanuts, consider adding a smooth variety to your product lineup.

Crispy Rice Cereal
Candy makers have been adding crispy rice cereal to their peanut butter balls for decades. Consider this variation a nod to yesteryear or, better yet, blow their minds by experimenting with chunks of Rice Krispies Treats® (yes, with marshmallow) added to your recipe.

Graham Crackers
Adding graham cracker crumbs will create a firmer texture and a different, yet familiar, flavor variation. Some say this addition makes peanut butter meltaways taste more like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups®.

Sea Salt
Add course-ground sea salt to your peanut butter center for crunch and sprinkle on top to achieve crave-worthy saltiness, plus it just looks good!

Flour Salt
RCI member and Chocolate Boot Camp^© instructor, Randy Hofberger, uses fine flour salt in his recipe for peanut butter meltaways. In case you're not familiar with this ingredient, flour salt has been pulverized to achieve an ultra-fine, powdery consistency. This ingredient will enhance the peanut flavor while maintaining a super smooth, velvety texture.

Photo credit: Callebaut

Feuilletine Flakes
These crispy little wafers are sure to elevate your peanut butter meltaways. They can also be used for a simple, yet sophisticated garnish.

Banana Chips
Adding chunks of dried banana chips to your meltaways will deliver both crunch and flavor. If you’re really adventurous, experiment with adding banana chips and crispy bacon bits as an homage to Elvis Presley.

Marshmallow
Let your inner child lead the way! This could be a layer of marshmallow, marshmallow fluff or mini marshmallows…better yet, Lucky Charms^® mini marshmallows.

Vanilla + Almond Extract
Boost the nuttiness of your recipe by adding a splash of almond extract, along with the vanilla.

Quinoa
The addition of puffed crispy quinoa will bring with it a satisfying crunch, plus a halo of health benefits. Consider ways to make this option even more appealing to health-conscious consumers, such as reducing the sugar and covering in dark chocolate.

We hope this week’s post helps spark your creativity and allows you to go a little nuts with new variations to your peanut butter meltaway recipe.

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.

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“Limited edition” products exist across all industries including technology, fashion, cosmetics and, of course, food. RCI member, Kate Wadman with Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate shares how companies big and small often use this strategy to break through the noise of evergreen activities (known for being relevant, though repetitive) in the market and pull consumers in.

Why does this work?

At its core, “limited edition” speaks to basic economics of supply and demand. Offering unique items for only a set time can increase demand and create an elevated value for those items, as well as the overall brand. This sense of immediacy and exclusivity kickstarts the desire to buy and experience.

“Limited edition” or “special edition” also gives the product a new or never-before-seen feel that generates excitement and plays on consumer FOMO or “fear of missing out.” Consumers are attracted to a new experience for simply that, something new. They also have an innate urgency to engage, because they don’t want to lose out and are fearful they may not have the same opportunity again.

Finding Inspiration

It’s one thing to create a limited-edition item. It’s another thing to keep the inspiration flowing for an entire line or consistent calendar of goodies.

To supplement ideation and creation of special-edition items, look to limited-time offerings in other spaces for inspiration or even to use as an ingredient itself. That’s exactly what Joe Sofia, Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate Technical Advisor, did when tasked with exploring the limited/special edition concept.

Additionally, inspired by overarching industry trends of nostalgia and sensory, Joe looked to create a recipe rooted in the limited-time offer mindset, but would also come alive in its experience and pack an emotional punch. Enter Sour Patch Kids® cereal. A much-loved candy since the 1970s, Sour Patch Kids has seen its fair share of expansion into other items, but the recent jump to a cereal inspired by the flavor might be its most unique. And it certainly fit the bill for a unique and special offering.

Four simple ingredients later, Sour Patch Kids Bark was born. White confectionery coating served as the canvas for the cereal while preserving texture and a small amount of citric acid crystals amplify the sour. Topping it off with actual Sour Patch Kids candy, added additional color to hit sensory at another eye-popping angle. Click here to download the recipe from Joe Sofia and Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate. 

Opportunity To Play

It’s worth noting that not every limited-edition product works for everyone. It’s important to experiment and play around to create something that speaks to your specific customers. A great part of limited edition is that you’re not committed to it forever. If it doesn’t work, try something else. Once you land on the right flavors and the right mix, your limited-edition product can pack a powerful punch.

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.

Susan Truax with Bruce’s Candy Kitchen teamed up with American Chocolate Designs to create a branded souvenir collection representing their tourist town of Cannon Beach, Oregon. To make the idea a reality, Susan and her team was, first, tasked with identifying four landmarks or events that could be translated into simple line-art designs and applied to chocolate-covered sandwich cookies.

Design mock-up from American Chocolate Designs

"It was easy to settle on the first two designs—Haystack Rock is a very recognizable and popular monolith in Cannon Beach and the cute tufted puffins that inhabit the area seemed like natural fits,” recalled Susan. She ran into a snag when the line drawing of the area's well-known Tillamook Rock Lighthouse didn’t turn out as expected. “Lesson learned, not every idea translates to a good design,” Susan reflected. “I replaced the lighthouse design with a sand castle to represent our Annual Sand Castle Contest, as well as memories made playing on the beach.” The fourth and final design was an outline of the state of Oregon with a heart.

In just four easy steps, American Chocolate Designs created their custom transfer sheets which were ready to be applied to chocolate. The finished products are displayed individually in Bruce's candy case as well as part of a four-piece boxed collection. The branded souvenir sandwich cookies have proven to be very popular, but not just with tourists. “The success of these branded products has even led several other businesses in our local community to order their own custom transfer sheets that we now use for their special chocolate pieces,” Susan added.

As in the case of Bruce's Candy Kitchen, custom cocoa butter transfer designs can help create unique and sweet opportunities for your business to highlight what makes your community special for a small financial investment. Your out-of-town customers will love the sweet souvenir of their visit and locals will take pride in sharing gifts that represent what makes your community special. 

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.

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Happy New Year! As we bid farewell to another year, we welcome you to join us in remembering the sweet moments of 2022. As an association, we are so grateful for the many opportunities we’ve had to gather together this year. Yes, we’re still celebrating the return of a full roster of events including education courses, regional conferences and the Annual Convention & Industry Expo! It was so nice to connect with old friends and welcome many new members! We’re already looking forward to another great year of events in 2023. Stay up-to-date on RCI’s event schedule by visiting retailconfectioners.org/events.

Here’s RCI’s most-read blog posts from 2022, in case you missed them the first time or could use a refresher.

2. Halloween Candy Shortage Could Mean Opportunity for Candy Makers
We highlighted three Halloween shoppers who may be left in the lurch with the impending candy shortage and how your business could capture sales by seizing the opportunity to meeting their unique needs.

3. EGGS-tra Easter Egg Inspiration
No matter if you like your chocolate Easter eggs more traditional or if you prefer a more unconventional approach, this post offered 5 sweet EGGS-tra themes to try for the holiday.

We look forward to bringing you more great tips to help you build your business in 2023!

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.

From drippy cordial cherries to creamy ganache, creating chocolates with liquid centers is easy. Start by making a batch of confectionery fondant and then allow it to rest at room temperature for 24 hours. After fondant has rested, gently rewarm over a double boiler, taking care not to exceed 160° F/71.1° C. Stir in invertase and any flavoring. From here, you can pour the fondant into starch moulds. Once firm, the fondant pieces can be dipped or enrobed in tempered chocolate. Over time, invertase will help break down the sugars, which will soften the fondant, yielding a creamy, buttery, and sometimes liquid filling. The process can take anywhere from 3-10 days, so plan ahead.

For fondant: Add ¼ tsp. – 1 tsp. of invertase for every pound of fondant.

For ganache: Use invertase to prevent crystallization. Add a few drops of invertase for every 2 cups of ganache.

We hope you find this tip helpful as you explore new formulations and applications for your confections. Here’s wishing you a sweet holiday season and all the best for the New Year!

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.

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The holiday season may be “the most wonderful time of the year,” but it is also a time when scammers are especially active. Make sure you and your team can spot an email scam to save your money, personal information and holiday cheer.

When an employee of a candy-maker member company received an email from who he thought was the owner of the company requesting he purchase five $200 Best Buy gift cards to reward members of their team, this type of request didn’t seem unreasonable. However, after further communication, the staffer realized the email was not coming from the owner at all and was actually a sophisticated email scam.

As it turns out this is a real-life example of a growing financial fraud known as Business Email Compromise (BEC) or “CEO Fraud.” BEC is an email phishing scam using fake email addresses that look like they’re coming from the CEO or leadership of the organization. As stated by the FBI, BEC scams are “more sophisticated than any similar scam the FBI has seen before and one—in its various forms—that has resulted in actual and attempted losses of more than a billion dollars to businesses worldwide.”

CEO fraud specifically resulted in $3 billion in losses to U.S. businesses and an attempted $23 billion since 2016, according to a report from the FBI. This type of fraud has tripled in the last three years and continues to grow.

Common tactics may involve a scammer impersonating the CEO or someone in another leadership role requesting a wire transfer, gift cards or employee tax information. These types of email scams are effective because they rely on “fear the boss” thinking; all employees want to do their job and what is asked of them. Therefore, a request from their CEO or highest leader in the company is something they likely won’t decline. “[Scammers] know how to perpetuate the scam without raising suspicions,” FBI Special Agent Maxwell Marker said. “They have excellent tradecraft, and they do their homework. They use language specific to the company they are targeting, along with dollar amounts that lend legitimacy to the fraud. The days of these emails having horrible grammar and being easily identified are largely behind us.” 

How to Spot a CEO Email Scam

Thankfully, for this member company, the target of this scam recognized a red flag that ultimately saved the family-owned business $2,000. Protect your business by educating your staff on how to identify this type of email fraud. Below are common trademarks of a CEO fraud email scam, identified by Fraud Watch International:

• Spoofing legitimate email addresses, using a domain similar to that of the targeted business.
• Using an urgent tone, commanding request is done “ASAP”.
• Stating the CEO or CFO cannot be disturbed during a meeting or may be busy and unable to respond during the email exchange.
• Implying the sender is using a mobile device to write the email, by including the phrase “Sent from my iPad”, in lieu of the corporate email signature.
  • Note: This trick is particularly effective, because implying that the email is sent from a mobile device excuses poor English, misspelling, or lack of a legitimate email signature, which are usually triggers to recognize phishing emails. It also helps strengthen the sense of urgency: if it wasn’t pressing, the sender would have waited until they were back at their desk. Hackers might also do their homework to find out when the executives are travelling for business, making their scam even more credible to their victim.
• Cyber criminals do the research to know what type of request is most legitimate-looking to avoid raising suspicion.

Train Your Team

Create awareness of potential scams that may pose a threat to your business. Share the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Studies with your team.

• Create a clear policy for your team regarding how money and sensitive information is shared. Always require a check-in with leadership before steps are taken.
• Train staff to double-check email addresses, not just the sender’s name. Look for email addresses that are close, but not exact — For instance, a phishing address may come from an email with @gmail.com at the end or ".co" rather than the expected ".com" or ".ca"
• Encourage staff to always question emails requesting fast actions, whether they seem unusual or not. The Better Business Bureau suggests most fraud cases could have been avoided with a phone call to the individual believed to be sending the email.
• Keep computers updated with antivirus software and consider investing in anti-phishing software to help protect your network and email systems. 

With businesses of all sizes being targeted, and this type of fraud activity continuing to grow, your business can never be too prepared, especially during the busy holiday season.

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Photo credit: Bon Bon’s Candy House

Bundle Related Products
Creating product bundles based on a common theme can help encourage sales by focusing on a popular flavor or ingredient, such as peanut butter, or even the recipient of a gift. As an example, RCI member Bon Bon’s Candy House bundled some of their more traditional treats and labeled the bundle “Grandpa’s Favorites.”

Include a Free Item
Encourage shoppers to buy by offering free product as an incentive. Be intentional about making free offer relevant to the consumer. As an idea, consider appealing to the self-gifting trend (click here to read past blog post for more details) by offering a free gift to “treat yourself” when purchasing a gift for someone else. This could be approached as an opportunity to introduce customers to your signature products or move overstock items.

Use Sales Data
If you have access to sales data, take advantage of this information by identifying items that are frequently purchased together. By offering the suggestion of items that are commonly purchased together, not only can you entice shoppers to buy, but you might also uncover an unexpected trend that will help you increase sales both in store and online.

Bundling products is a proven sales strategy employed by many businesses over time. Use trial and error to identify which methods work best for your business and as always use in-store signage and social media post to generate consumer interest.

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.

In the popular leadership book 7 Habits of Highly Effective People^®, author Stephen Covey identifies the win-win mentality as one of those habits. Covey describes win-win as “a frame of mind and heart that constantly seeks mutual benefit in all human interactions.” I can think of few greater examples of practicing “win-win” in business than by collaborating with a fellow local business to create a new product that highlights the best of both brands.

Cross branding is a marketing and product development tactic that continues to grow traction in the confectionery industry. The possibilities can stretch as far as your imagination allows, but here’s some inspiration.

Photo: Hilliard’s Chocolates

Craft Beer
RCI member, Hilliard’s Chocolates teamed up with a local brewery to create a craft beer collection featuring beer caramels and beer brittles. The popularity of micro-breweries has exploded in recent years, making it pretty likely there’s a nearby micro-brewery (or two, or three…) that would be happy to team up with your business to develop a unique, new product.

Photo: Stafford’s Chocolates

Wine
Even if you don’t live near California wine country, you may be surprised to find a local winery near you. According to  vineyards.com, wine is produced in all 50 US states. Many wines make a great complement to a chocolate ganache center, like in the red wine chocolate truffles by RCI member Stafford’s Chocolates.

Photo: Rhéo Thompson Candies

Coffee
Partner with a local coffee roaster to develop a signature coffee flavor or a confection featuring their coffee. Known for their Mint Smoothie ^®, RCI member Rhéo Thompson partnered with a local coffee roaster to develop a one-of-a-kind coffee blend featuring their signature flavor.

Photo: Vande Walle’s Candies

Dairy
Local dairy farms are a great opportunity for sourcing fresh cream and butter for your recipes. Don’t overlook goat milk as an alternative ingredient for customers with dairy allergies.

Photo: Wilbur’s of Maine Chocolate Confections

Fruits & Nuts
Is your region known for producing a specific fruit or nut? If so, you may not have to look too far to connect with local farmers to feature their products in your confections. You may even find this route to be more economical than sourcing those ingredients elsewhere.

Of course, developing a marketing and merchandising strategy is essential to make any cross-branding reach its full potential—you could also benefit by teaming up with the partnering company’s marketing team. Once your new product has been developed send out a press release to the local media announcing your partnership. Make sure to include the partnering company’s logo on your packaging and marketing materials, this will help to sweeten the deal for your partner and make it more likely they will help promote your product. Also, invite them to sell the product in their retail store and e-commerce site to promote the product to their network of followers.

Cross branding is a win-win for all those involved, but especially your customers when they get to enjoy the end result of your sweet collaboration!

Crave more?C lick 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 .

Add extra dollars to in-store and online purchases by selling more stocking stuffers this holiday season. Last week, we shared how to sell more stocking stuffers by identifying products that meet 2 key components. Click here to read last week’s post. This week we’re sharing 5 quick and easy ideas for products to beef up your stocking stuffer display.

Photo: Bon Bon’s Candy House

Photo: Marie’s Candies

2. Chocolate-Dipped Candy Canes – Take your candy canes to the next level by dipping them in dark or milk chocolate.

Photo: Mitchell’s Fine Chocolates

Photo: The Madelaine Chocolate Company

5. Foil-Wrapped Chocolates – With a variety of shapes, sizes and price points, foil-wrapped chocolates are always a great option for stocking stuffers.

More Stocking Stuffer Display Inspiration
Even if you have all the best stocking stuffers, but don’t help these items stand out through marketing and merchandising efforts you will sadly miss many sales opportunities during the holidays. Create clear in-store signage to signify your collection of stocking stuffer gifts and create a separate page for these items as part of your online store.

This display at Sur La Table is well-marked and includes gift ideas at various price points, all under $25.

Even if shoppers didn’t come to your store or website looking for stocking stuffers, showcasing your stocking stuffers will increase the sale of these products. Additional communication on social media, emails and on your website will also increase sales. 

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.

With gentle nudging, you can help ensure stockings (and your bottom line) overflow with sweetness this holiday season! Stockings stuffers are the ultimate impulse purchase, representing the opportunity to add a few extra dollars to in-store and online purchases. In this week’s post, we’re exploring two key components that make for great stocking stuffers and how to increase sales with effective marketing and merchandising.

Price
In a report by  Field Agent, 51% of survey respondents spent between $10-25 per stocking, while 24% spend between $26-50 each. This emphasizes the importance of identifying more inexpensive gifts. We recommend identifying gift ideas in 3 pricing tiers to appeal to different budgets, ranging from low, middle range to high. Select a range that best fits your prices, but an example would be $5 and under, $6-$10 and $10 and up.

While stocking stuffers are typically small and inexpensive, don’t shy away from items with a higher price point. As the saying goes “the best things come in small packages.” Consumers may be more willing to spend more for gifts that will create more of an impact. While you don’t want all your stocking stuffer options to be pushing the price threshold, identifying a few items that are small, but mighty can create a real impact for both the gift giver and recipient.

Photo: Lake Champlain

Packaging
While sticking to a general price range is important when identifying stocking stuffers, the packaging ( or size) of a product is pretty much non-negotiable. Standard-size Christmas stockings range in length from 18 to 28 inches. With that said, by getting creative with your packaging you could encourage customers to spend more. For example, you could sell a single individually wrapped item ($) or you could sell multiple items packaged in a long, slender box (like pictured above) or small bag ($$$). Take notes from major candy brands like M&Ms that sell candy cane-shaped tubes for Christmas or Lindt's small bag of truffles.

Stocking stuffer display at Nordstrom's

Merchandising
While scavenger hunts are fun and all, impulse purchases happen when shoppers aren’t actually shopping for that product. Creating a well-marked display of stocking stuffers near the front of the store or near check out will make it easier for shoppers to find these products and increase the likelihood of them making a purchase. As for online merchandising, consider creating a themed web-page with a grouping of stocking stuffers, as well as social media posts to promote gift ideas. You may have all the best stocking stuffers, but if you don’t help these items stand out through marketing and merchandising efforts you will sadly miss many sales opportunities during the holidays.

Even if shoppers didn’t come to your store or website looking for stocking stuffers, showcasing your stocking stuffers will increase the sale of these products. Additional communication on social media, emails and on your website will also increase sales. Stay tuned for next week's post when we share quick and easy ideas for stocking stuffers.

Crave more?C lick 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 .

This week we’re gaining inspiration from one of the most underestimated fall ingredients—the sweet potato. While it’s unlikely that the sweet potato currently holds a spot in your collection of candy ingredients, we’re hoping you’ll give this surprisingly versatile super spud a chance to prove its worth in your candy kitchen this fall.

If sweet potato casserole is part of your family’s Thanksgiving spread, you may have thought to yourself, “this is good enough to be dessert!” That’s not just because of the gooey, toasted marshmallows on top. When roasted, sweet potatoes weep liquid which can be reduced to a naturally sweet, thick and creamy texture similar to caramel sauce. Add sugar, butter and heavy cream to make a more earthy variation of caramel or omit the dairy completely to make a vegan caramel.

Spiced Sweet Potato Caramels
Like sweet potato casserole, but better! This recipe is similar to pumpkin caramel, but with pureed sweet potato. You could use canned sweet potato puree to save time, but more importantly, consider layering this caramel with marshmallow to achieve the full sweet-potato-casserole effect. Or coat in chocolate and top with sea salt, because, why not?!

Photo: Dude Sweet Chocolate

Dulce de leche and Sweet Potato
Though a turkey shape may be a timelier application here, we’re loving this combination of dulce de leche, sweet potato and sea salt encased in dark chocolate.

Photo: AllRecipes/Bruce’s Yams

Salted Cashew Sweet Potato Fudge
Although unexpected, canned yams and cashew butter contribute to the rich flavor of this fudge recipe. Give it a try and you may find it to be a new fall favorite.

Photo: Mission Chocolate

Sweet Potato Dark Chocolate Bar
Inspired by dulce de batata (a Dominican sweet potato pudding), this bean-to-bar chocolate maker uses sweet potato as substitute for animal milk in their vegan chocolate line.

Sweet Potato Caramel Sauce
This approach is not for everyone, but if you enjoy experimenting and can appreciate a very minimal ingredient list and/or want to grow your vegan customer base, this two-ingredient recipe for sweet potato caramel sauce may be worth a try. This sauce could be used for savory or sweet applications and could the base for a number of other sweet potato experiments.

Move over pumpkin and make room for the versatile sweet potato as a new favorite fall ingredient! Not only is the sweet potato a beloved addition to many holiday potlucks (shout out to sweet potato casserole and pie!), it is also a superstar in the vegan community. If you find the humble sweet potato as endearing as we do, share your sweet potato confections on RCI’s Facebook page @retailconfectioners.

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.

This week’s post is a must read for candy retailers looking for a merchandising refresh as holiday shopping and festivities begin to pick up speed. Past RCI President Adele Malley and founder of Malley’s School of Merchandising shares expert merchandising quick tips designed to sell more product and maximize your retail space.

1. Go up, use the air. Make each column of boxes higher than ever before, however, do not display every collection in columns—it is boring.
2. Break up displays by arranging the boxes differently. Plan for low stacks; vertical boxes sloping next to each other; boxes leaning against the high stacks of the same kind and size; put a strong twist on boxes.
3. Place gift bags in a stand or container to give them more stability.
4. Arrange boxes, around or off-center, from a sample box or picture.
5. Present a jumble of smaller, same content boxes in a massive bowl with low sides. The bowl will add depth, dimensions, and the juxtaposition of round versus boxes adds fun and eye interest.
6. Intermix different size boxes, for example, half-pound boxes with one-pound boxes, to prevent needing a dedicated space for each.
7. If displayed items have the dual purpose of showing and selling, make a run of the look by using two or three boxes as backing for the two or three leaning small boxes placed in front. The expanse will tempt the eye; it will be attractive and very sellable. In front of those boxes, if room, slope boxes on each other for easy selecting.
8. Breakup expanses of horizontal views to interest the eye and increase storage and display space. Go up!
9. Use shelving to get additional vertical height. One deep shelf will help and can be effective in a short section.
10. Create bump-outs to help relieve the eye and create drama. Create a simple, custom display table by cutting a wooden board into a quarter of a half-circle and attach table legs.
11. Use cake stands to create elevation in displays. Display a box sample sitting on one or two actual wrapped boxes. The tabletop below surrounds with boxes.

Recreate this look: Give boxes in a column a slight twist and make them easier to pick up. Decide how to use the display. Copy the setup as shown; stretch out the whole presentation or take ideas from it. The round frame, being a different shape, calls attention to itself and brings softness in contrast to the hard box edges.

If you are used to nice and neat stacks of product and clean rows, these tips may seem counterintuitive to you. Adele explained during a Candy Clinic presentation on merchandising that sometimes techniques that look too neat and orderly can actually deter interested buyers, because they don’t want to disrupt the display. Adele recommends giving boxes a “strong twist” makes them easier to pick up and more inviting to shoppers.

We love that most of these quick tips could be easily incorporated into your retail display today. You could start by incorporating one tip at a time and easily have a totally refreshed retail space in no time at all! Consider devoting some time to watching customers shop your refreshed displays. Involve your staff, by asking their opinions of the changes and to make note of customer behaviors to observe their effectiveness. We’d love to hear what tips you’ve incorporated into your retail space and how well they’ve worked for you on Facebook, by sharing and tagging us @retailconfectioners.

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.