CANDY COUNTER
is the one item that remained on the line." Because chocolate can't be shipped in the summer months, sales pick up quickly when September rolls around, just in time to stock for Thanksgiving.
Utilitarian Marshmallows
As the weather cools, consumers look for warm, cozy beverages. Madyson's Marshmallows in Seattle is capitalizing on this trend, both as a gift item and everyday indulgence. MaddyMelts are marshmallow disks that sit on top of a hot beverage. Owner Breeze Wetzel credits her daughter for providing the inspiration when she asked for a giant marshmallow to cover her entire hot chocolate. The handmade creations use only natural ingredients, such as pure cane sugar, real vanilla and chocolate chips in the Chip Fluffs variety.
"Consumers are amazed that they
can have a gourmet marshmallow on their espresso beverage," Wetzel says. "Even better, our MaddyMelts are individually wrapped so it's easy to throw a Melt in your purse and head to your coffee stand." Their gift-giving potential has been apparent from the begin- ning. "Sales of our MaddyMelts are always strong at the holidays when consumers are warming up more often with their mocha, their latte or kids with their hot cocoa, but we're also expecting sales to drasti- cally increase this year in the coffee shops where we sell MaddyMelts in bulk." For
the holidays,
Wetzel also makes festive marshmallows
in shapes
like Christmas trees, gingerbread men and snowflakes, easy sellers typically marketed as stocking stuffers for kids. Available in time for the holiday season is her newest item— the S'Mores Kit. "Imagine our Chip Fluffs in four flavors—Chocolate, Toffee, Peanut Butter and Chocolate Peanut Butter— paired with cookies and a set of skewers."
Any Season, Any Reason.
sales@stickyfingersbakeries.com www.stickyfingersbakeries.com 1.800.458.5826
34 ❘ SPECIALTY FOOD MAGAZINE ❘ specialtyfood.com
PHOTO: MADYSON'S MARSHMALLOWS