Specialty Food Magazine is the leading publication for retailers, manufacturers and foodservice professionals in the specialty food trade. It provides news, trends and business-building insights that help readers keep their businesses competitive.
Issue link: https://specialtyfoodmagazine.epubxp.com/i/102355
Nothing to Hide CANDY COUNTER Star Kay White's Gold Star Vanilla Extract ® ® 100% GRADE 1 MADAGASCAN VANILLA BEANS 2 FOLD NO SUGAR ADDED Star Kay White, Inc. anufacturers of Fine Flavoring Ingredients Since 1890 151 Wells Ave ◆ Congers, NY 10920 ◆ 845.268.2600 ◆ starkaywhite.com ◆ inquiries@starkaywhite.com Winter Fancy Food Show Booth 1749 International, suggests reminding shoppers of events like Teacher's Day, Nurse's Day and Administrative Professionals Day. "We encourage retail confectioners to educate customers that their store is the place to purchase gifts year-round," Alvarez says, whether through signage reminders or specially made gift baskets. "All these nontypical candy holidays have the potential to be a promotional opportunity and help boost sales." As for the summer heat's impact on confectionery cravings, retailers can use consumers' desires to their advantage. Alvarez says some candy stores have begun offering ice cream to keep up foot traffic. "After being drawn in with ice cream, many customers can't resist buying the other chocolates and candies available in the store." During the summer months, when chocolate may have less appeal, other confections have a chance to shine. Joni Wheeler, owner of Sugar Sugar Candy, a boutique sweet shop in Minneapolis, focuses on hard candies and amps up kid-friendly displays come summertime. "School is out, and chocolate and regular candy are not big sellers," she explains. "But kids love suckers, taffy and other hard candy." Large displays that are enticing—and accessible—to children help ensure shoppers don't leave empty-handed. If You Feed Them, They Will Come Free samples are a surefire way to pique shoppers' interest in new or unique products, and confections are no exception. Employing a variety of tactics will keep customers' attention in the candy aisle month after month. Teaming up with suppliers has the shared benefit of less pressure on the retail staff and harnessing the passion of the producers. Hubbell & Hudson turns a simple in-store sampling into an engaging event— and an opportunity to introduce new wares. "The most successful promotions are the one-day tastings with multiple candy and Winter Fancy Food Show Booth 360 52 ❘ SPECIALTY FOOD MAGAZINE ❘ specialtyfood.com