tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44760554654174232982024-03-18T16:20:47.256-05:00Retail Confectioners InternationalRetail Confectioners International is the best source for information and ideas for retail confectioners.
We are a trade association serving the chocolate and confectionery industry since 1917. From independently owned businesses to large multi-million dollar corporations, RCI provides a forum for confectioners to meet, network, share ideas, solve mutual problems and develop their candy making and entrepreneurial skills.Retail Confectioners Internationalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02380688493755064822noreply@blogger.comBlogger608125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476055465417423298.post-49937099135359769762024-03-12T06:00:00.002-05:002024-03-12T06:00:00.165-05:0010 Variations for your Peanut Butter Meltaways<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-lVeTQhanv5s0n8NQUltT00AzfVHeDyMjOaJJ7FVB9BUQ8Ih0A6G61qVbai5ZTiLBD95wVdfv-ScITsi-bZlrz0dVngK-rAhfAbyC6dYPtahXduThRxtJ_qTIYZAfVMQs8rOunFeF1IraxrDhZJ3qRVuqazTlhcdqTxB9OLKkwiDm3NvodEbkn8y1g/s810/Peanut%20Butter%20Meltaways.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="810" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-lVeTQhanv5s0n8NQUltT00AzfVHeDyMjOaJJ7FVB9BUQ8Ih0A6G61qVbai5ZTiLBD95wVdfv-ScITsi-bZlrz0dVngK-rAhfAbyC6dYPtahXduThRxtJ_qTIYZAfVMQs8rOunFeF1IraxrDhZJ3qRVuqazTlhcdqTxB9OLKkwiDm3NvodEbkn8y1g/w536-h298/Peanut%20Butter%20Meltaways.png" width="536" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxwpfQ4z3_xxCxRzI5f66g4omjophC6SniQ2v2Popltq-4w7IMLsiY4vyQQ6CEk4BaTJ_yNgKRGL5u9uCubqWrFnfzdhg1colXtEOdmiX-rkNKw6o3qa0JePFIJeHHGEvI9dkczjlIPeqiUDR-6eS7FnP_DTSTzBg1b5K1EUSRdGioC54gUDgyQDo/s1080/Peanuts.png" style="color: #089694; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1080" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxwpfQ4z3_xxCxRzI5f66g4omjophC6SniQ2v2Popltq-4w7IMLsiY4vyQQ6CEk4BaTJ_yNgKRGL5u9uCubqWrFnfzdhg1colXtEOdmiX-rkNKw6o3qa0JePFIJeHHGEvI9dkczjlIPeqiUDR-6eS7FnP_DTSTzBg1b5K1EUSRdGioC54gUDgyQDo/s320/Peanuts.png" style="background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); border-radius: 0px; border: 1px solid transparent; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><b>Roasted Peanuts</b></span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">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.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr5IGHxTmL5TnfbiZfPCtff71lRCfVcjKWr_V8blpMMmPVJF19lxBFvlloIOCx10vXrF_qnOUpdjahYzrwyYQk-cKzuiN9X9J0Ss5KMl9UNvhnGOsc-GU0w_qUNGFHR-_QpagcfpyIsASXTLONNgNvA-kty5fgm97DxabFDHi6OYehTcPKznVCAWw/s750/Crispy%20Rice%20Cereal.png" style="color: #089694; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="750" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr5IGHxTmL5TnfbiZfPCtff71lRCfVcjKWr_V8blpMMmPVJF19lxBFvlloIOCx10vXrF_qnOUpdjahYzrwyYQk-cKzuiN9X9J0Ss5KMl9UNvhnGOsc-GU0w_qUNGFHR-_QpagcfpyIsASXTLONNgNvA-kty5fgm97DxabFDHi6OYehTcPKznVCAWw/s320/Crispy%20Rice%20Cereal.png" style="background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); border-radius: 0px; border: 1px solid transparent; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></b></div><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><b>Crispy Rice Cereal</b></span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">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</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; vertical-align: super;">®</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"> added to your recipe</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlmfoceJus8XtUTeyV9MRytSKSrmR_QgICAJB-mUjOkK9EE5V8Y42aG_-uXJK9U09W-VMA7zIEu9j1H_EJBSmvzXxScGm4KlDcL_pEwBCcqbAtIToexupgKqK0xd20TwGfpDdu05njDncnGPXrSDSwK7wULzchO8gGYghVnfUne89O-sOg3IztGEg/s750/Graham%20Crackers.png" style="color: #089694; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="750" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlmfoceJus8XtUTeyV9MRytSKSrmR_QgICAJB-mUjOkK9EE5V8Y42aG_-uXJK9U09W-VMA7zIEu9j1H_EJBSmvzXxScGm4KlDcL_pEwBCcqbAtIToexupgKqK0xd20TwGfpDdu05njDncnGPXrSDSwK7wULzchO8gGYghVnfUne89O-sOg3IztGEg/s320/Graham%20Crackers.png" style="background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); border-radius: 0px; border: 1px solid transparent; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></div><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><b>Graham Crackers</b></span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">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</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; vertical-align: super;">®</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4pZ6g-OTsVMfB_dgSnMiSrhRt2u-89SsuTOPm_ISVyqVKb8xYinlF4fcrSx4NhG2_KTztYaYqyCTnoDzUZl_q8InrRHas85hqzGLyul9LWdquFGWfdJutrywhNvBBVGen8klQ-DIbbNKz-2TllINhIQ_iykaGLtUqUx75mgLpVhJByWwH4zAsWR8/s750/Sea%20Salt.jpg" style="color: #089694; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="750" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4pZ6g-OTsVMfB_dgSnMiSrhRt2u-89SsuTOPm_ISVyqVKb8xYinlF4fcrSx4NhG2_KTztYaYqyCTnoDzUZl_q8InrRHas85hqzGLyul9LWdquFGWfdJutrywhNvBBVGen8klQ-DIbbNKz-2TllINhIQ_iykaGLtUqUx75mgLpVhJByWwH4zAsWR8/s320/Sea%20Salt.jpg" style="background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); border-radius: 0px; border: 1px solid transparent; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></b></div><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><b>Sea Salt</b></span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">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!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8oNr_tuIlidd9EyBCRzBhkN41XmuiXl3yu5voqDxMFfcyXnTLurz3dleRJxxR10qyfMOTuYWcpIj8tG28bOyyItNHStG5HclVNri1RRzv6nkDt7DyNfJJ5-pb9hw-93mY1JYzkxtAAb85uusdqucQytahQqtYxvgOd1o5uGjivYJNv9uFZ0RtTCI/s425/flour-salt-250x425.jpg" style="color: #089694; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="250" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8oNr_tuIlidd9EyBCRzBhkN41XmuiXl3yu5voqDxMFfcyXnTLurz3dleRJxxR10qyfMOTuYWcpIj8tG28bOyyItNHStG5HclVNri1RRzv6nkDt7DyNfJJ5-pb9hw-93mY1JYzkxtAAb85uusdqucQytahQqtYxvgOd1o5uGjivYJNv9uFZ0RtTCI/s320/flour-salt-250x425.jpg" style="background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); border-radius: 0px; border: 1px solid transparent; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="188" /></a></div><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><b>Flour Salt</b></span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">RCI member and Chocolate Boot Camp</span><sup style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">©</sup><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"> 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.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHkq9cCg6ku5Jd6jPu8QrfyJ2t7AUzyjA7VS76JAX4U4zEdpc3Xrg1CcHWdxBTc7wJSvswftsZD-NQtUS4AYLNzY66f16261HrusMVLrgMD1r6PSGqKrzfTYQF1eyM0VIgnLVwV0n65Nl7m7NM-lJgEBWn3WvG7BfJLlU7PM5ClEipKl5cxWG1a8/s1152/Feuilletine%20Flakes%20Chocolate%20-%20Callebaut.jpg" style="color: #089694; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1152" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHkq9cCg6ku5Jd6jPu8QrfyJ2t7AUzyjA7VS76JAX4U4zEdpc3Xrg1CcHWdxBTc7wJSvswftsZD-NQtUS4AYLNzY66f16261HrusMVLrgMD1r6PSGqKrzfTYQF1eyM0VIgnLVwV0n65Nl7m7NM-lJgEBWn3WvG7BfJLlU7PM5ClEipKl5cxWG1a8/s320/Feuilletine%20Flakes%20Chocolate%20-%20Callebaut.jpg" style="background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); border-radius: 0px; border: 1px solid transparent; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a><br /><i>Photo credit: Callebaut</i></div><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><b>Feuilletine Flakes</b></span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">These crispy little wafers are sure to elevate your peanut butter meltaways. They can also be used for a simple, yet sophisticated garnish.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGdaVuaYsY5JvHjG11iX0HaeNq1kyVKs5n5ukXlpNnbDCSPKIW0L1otUGYXc0ZRPe-Hm66N-tUnMCtMlGENyHPgfPahJovYttB1f4U7cnQXNMZbUue8F8SHBwY9EYv2OVokNL4aHZrzwSpOcZfUKfS0LCWQen5uFMjW5_ymQJ88qikbWdaStVIh8E/s750/Banana%20Chips.jpg" style="color: #089694; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="750" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGdaVuaYsY5JvHjG11iX0HaeNq1kyVKs5n5ukXlpNnbDCSPKIW0L1otUGYXc0ZRPe-Hm66N-tUnMCtMlGENyHPgfPahJovYttB1f4U7cnQXNMZbUue8F8SHBwY9EYv2OVokNL4aHZrzwSpOcZfUKfS0LCWQen5uFMjW5_ymQJ88qikbWdaStVIh8E/s320/Banana%20Chips.jpg" style="background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); border-radius: 0px; border: 1px solid transparent; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></div><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><b>Banana Chips</b></span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">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.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIjF_9J20LfDLliaN5v2fEVzTLfa6c10JnLNKLnMClBRgM51u7ZgNbEnhY-0EnrTf54_G5uW1PCN0cAebhj97QVyElBHcITc-lgwUsY49DRYED74fBm4VzymxQGhvVKKQY0T3cs7Imj7Iy2XzJBgHsXzy5UurS-qNaHWyJbZblIxrXpqWpvNqCldo/s750/Marshmallows.jpg" style="color: #089694; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="750" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIjF_9J20LfDLliaN5v2fEVzTLfa6c10JnLNKLnMClBRgM51u7ZgNbEnhY-0EnrTf54_G5uW1PCN0cAebhj97QVyElBHcITc-lgwUsY49DRYED74fBm4VzymxQGhvVKKQY0T3cs7Imj7Iy2XzJBgHsXzy5UurS-qNaHWyJbZblIxrXpqWpvNqCldo/s320/Marshmallows.jpg" style="background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); border-radius: 0px; border: 1px solid transparent; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></div><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><b>Marshmallow</b></span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">Let your inner child lead the way! This could be a layer of marshmallow, marshmallow fluff or mini marshmallows…better yet, Lucky Charms</span><sup style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">®</sup><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"> mini marshmallows.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsfcrcmm2LG9K2mDW7ppfHT_I3s0O74FiypSZHtsqOEyrJ2_LkOujyQJqozPZkF0jbfQnz3_PjdvfoVvBv2R366Hfe7jplu8bsMTzmhZvB4lx4WPTFNJ_AgpomCK2N7D9Gzlow4oFskz832oEBvf2L4FFdLbNPR6asdo0_3TVQAphFgQHLXvyEjWs/s750/Almond%20Extract.jpg" style="color: #089694; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="750" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsfcrcmm2LG9K2mDW7ppfHT_I3s0O74FiypSZHtsqOEyrJ2_LkOujyQJqozPZkF0jbfQnz3_PjdvfoVvBv2R366Hfe7jplu8bsMTzmhZvB4lx4WPTFNJ_AgpomCK2N7D9Gzlow4oFskz832oEBvf2L4FFdLbNPR6asdo0_3TVQAphFgQHLXvyEjWs/s320/Almond%20Extract.jpg" style="background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); border-radius: 0px; border: 1px solid transparent; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></div><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><b>Vanilla + Almond Extract</b></span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">Boost the nuttiness of your recipe by adding a splash of almond extract, along with the vanilla.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEyGTWuqCPV6Js1ihWQQrU-NkhRin0LyszSP6SeB286cBxVDQkMq1Kq2Vqi-ZoaS6TG0aKie-0zxOz76Ma8CdtsuCPMymz1XKu4BnHa1znsaSl-YTstcHR03xvY-JTkVz1l-tIKQx5vMrZeNARtbwaXvdtVt2VPNRev5wmp0zTD06sAm1MhycyZ0s/s750/Puffed%20Quinoa.jpg" style="color: #089694; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="750" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEyGTWuqCPV6Js1ihWQQrU-NkhRin0LyszSP6SeB286cBxVDQkMq1Kq2Vqi-ZoaS6TG0aKie-0zxOz76Ma8CdtsuCPMymz1XKu4BnHa1znsaSl-YTstcHR03xvY-JTkVz1l-tIKQx5vMrZeNARtbwaXvdtVt2VPNRev5wmp0zTD06sAm1MhycyZ0s/s320/Puffed%20Quinoa.jpg" style="background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); border-radius: 0px; border: 1px solid transparent; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></div><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><b>Quinoa</b></span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">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.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">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.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Crave more?</span></i></b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/nL5TwXc" target="_blank"><b><i><span style="color: #089694; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Click here</span></i></b></a></span><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> 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. </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RetailConfectioners/" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #089694; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Follow us on Facebook</span></i></a></span><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> for
even more sweet inspiration.</span></i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Not a member? </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://retailconfectioners.site-ym.com/general/register_member_type.asp"><i><span style="color: #4d469c; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Click here to learn how RCI can help
you build your sweet business</span></i></a></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i><span style="color: #4d469c; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">.</span></i></span></p><p></p>Retail Confectioners Internationalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02380688493755064822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476055465417423298.post-3003835608511453372024-03-05T06:00:00.006-06:002024-03-05T06:00:00.148-06:00Best of Easter: Top 5 Easter Posts from the RCI Blog<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiecDJdKP2RS3CPocnXnwh3OWUPeZibb5166d-DPHCO1VUkX40JT5Bwvi3RPBUrY56MNklf_P-h9AtMiJhaBd5D1Ogm_froo6vtBkEAnnYD05WuwQbqPg3w2m9STrzbKqcUlSKoVH9jioteLRKyqAlOoKFz_u5IRjXp9T0XqAnzMrR4hJNxgxq2uXeApg/s810/Best%20of%20Easter.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="810" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiecDJdKP2RS3CPocnXnwh3OWUPeZibb5166d-DPHCO1VUkX40JT5Bwvi3RPBUrY56MNklf_P-h9AtMiJhaBd5D1Ogm_froo6vtBkEAnnYD05WuwQbqPg3w2m9STrzbKqcUlSKoVH9jioteLRKyqAlOoKFz_u5IRjXp9T0XqAnzMrR4hJNxgxq2uXeApg/w542-h301/Best%20of%20Easter.png" width="542" /></a><br /><i>Photo credits: Chocolate Pizza Company, Sarris Candies, Marie's Candies</i></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">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!</span><b style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjccZolVr-P6_ymRy6s5cFaS1yiAmnQ8Hwtl_OG2NLFR60FXFcoPvesSlbpporDhsI-UIuGTaLoBFEgZ7rcM7opCBt_mpXK6AKQFhNTBU199LrTGjq1hiXX83-iNmgrfYog21VGIdfKIC0qIkyh7mlDlcD_nz7zIW0MyJxRFfiG6lVk0B2Lju73bFwaQg/s810/Custom%20Easter%20Baskets.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="810" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjccZolVr-P6_ymRy6s5cFaS1yiAmnQ8Hwtl_OG2NLFR60FXFcoPvesSlbpporDhsI-UIuGTaLoBFEgZ7rcM7opCBt_mpXK6AKQFhNTBU199LrTGjq1hiXX83-iNmgrfYog21VGIdfKIC0qIkyh7mlDlcD_nz7zIW0MyJxRFfiG6lVk0B2Lju73bFwaQg/w400-h223/Custom%20Easter%20Baskets.png" width="400" /></a></b></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">
<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #00b0ad; font-size: 16pt;"><a href="https://retailconfectionersinternational.blogspot.com/2023/02/a-simple-solution-for-offering-custom.html"><span style="color: #00b0ad;">A Simple Solution for Offering Custom Easter Baskets</span></a></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Shoppers love
to create their own custom Easter baskets, but for the retailer it can be time-consuming
and involve complex pricing strategies. <a href="https://retailconfectionersinternational.blogspot.com/2023/02/a-simple-solution-for-offering-custom.html">Read
here</a> for a more simplified approach that makes it more efficient for your
retail shop and your shoppers.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0-sgqt0l3Q8JSLd4m98-ppUxwymjibenyD0grprAjx7lYS3OVoX7eYIv_empwsX1Bh2cn80Sx_bxicLuf1ZfS6_sB0wcc9xwT2MT3Xh7LRrnTxHUyS1mclHYVupdTUyfxoNRUEqQu7xuZk3ZiIpAU1fGI_Dy_-evIpwijA2u_A9UxgiG4WA1M8vM8gg/s810/Easter%20Names%20(2).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="810" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0-sgqt0l3Q8JSLd4m98-ppUxwymjibenyD0grprAjx7lYS3OVoX7eYIv_empwsX1Bh2cn80Sx_bxicLuf1ZfS6_sB0wcc9xwT2MT3Xh7LRrnTxHUyS1mclHYVupdTUyfxoNRUEqQu7xuZk3ZiIpAU1fGI_Dy_-evIpwijA2u_A9UxgiG4WA1M8vM8gg/w400-h223/Easter%20Names%20(2).png" width="400" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #00b0ad; font-size: 10pt; mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_2" o:spid="_x0000_i1028" style="height: 2in; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 259.5pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:/Users/lacey/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image002.png">
</v:imagedata></v:shape></span></b><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #00b0ad; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #00b0ad; font-size: 16pt;"><a href="https://retailconfectionersinternational.blogspot.com/2023/03/creative-easter-themed-product-names.html"><span style="color: #00b0ad;">Creative Easter-Themed Product Names Generate Interest</span></a></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">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. <a href="https://retailconfectionersinternational.blogspot.com/2023/03/creative-easter-themed-product-names.html">Read
more</a> to discover clever tips.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #00b0ad; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAT0DZgabusrO9woDhI4YlMFW7_d0TtrG2rZkN27Z-wvvbXvTklA7L_UtuCvl7xpSJ-nYnBhqcqdbjJP9I9QG3P4tWCp6XjYcXxfMWEx66hR_lf-9v2X-SWub48F7l5M65JYgeRDSui34ha2c_DL4J2dXVZ8B5G6gGgX5_y2jmu2Sdzl1_enGCnNoHiQ/s810/Easter%20Eggs.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="810" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAT0DZgabusrO9woDhI4YlMFW7_d0TtrG2rZkN27Z-wvvbXvTklA7L_UtuCvl7xpSJ-nYnBhqcqdbjJP9I9QG3P4tWCp6XjYcXxfMWEx66hR_lf-9v2X-SWub48F7l5M65JYgeRDSui34ha2c_DL4J2dXVZ8B5G6gGgX5_y2jmu2Sdzl1_enGCnNoHiQ/w400-h223/Easter%20Eggs.png" width="400" /></a></b></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #00b0ad; font-size: 16pt;"><a href="https://retailconfectionersinternational.blogspot.com/2022/03/eggs-tra-easter-egg-inspiration.html"><span style="color: #00b0ad;">EGGS-tra Easter Egg Inspiration</span></a></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">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. <a href="https://retailconfectionersinternational.blogspot.com/2022/03/eggs-tra-easter-egg-inspiration.html">Read
more</a>.</span><b style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0dWfuO7c5ydVYPOGysYatR3fO4L60vyTfJmP7VvEDPHlY5U8JSfUeM5iOl_j-1kB3UczzhLU2kudaN5wzlfhsPg2KUCv9zKkMiq_qPefFe_UC1ycJpSJQNFV2LOP_sfNNfymwjCGRxyeWb9ZLp3bpSmMEuRBWzbPQx-_gVUftHCncjZwXGyMVKVm2BQ/s810/Faux%20Chocolate%20Bunny.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="810" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0dWfuO7c5ydVYPOGysYatR3fO4L60vyTfJmP7VvEDPHlY5U8JSfUeM5iOl_j-1kB3UczzhLU2kudaN5wzlfhsPg2KUCv9zKkMiq_qPefFe_UC1ycJpSJQNFV2LOP_sfNNfymwjCGRxyeWb9ZLp3bpSmMEuRBWzbPQx-_gVUftHCncjZwXGyMVKVm2BQ/w400-h223/Faux%20Chocolate%20Bunny.png" width="400" /></a></b></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #00b0ad; font-size: 10pt; mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_5" o:spid="_x0000_i1026" style="height: 2in; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 259.5pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:/Users/lacey/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image004.png">
</v:imagedata></v:shape></span></b><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #00b0ad; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #00b0ad; font-size: 16pt;"><a href="https://retailconfectionersinternational.blogspot.com/2021/03/how-to-create-faux-chocolate-bunny-for.html"><span style="color: #00b0ad;">How to Create a Faux Chocolate Bunny for your Easter
Display</span></a></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Create impressive,
moulded chocolate bunny displays, but <u>without</u> 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! <a href="https://retailconfectionersinternational.blogspot.com/2021/03/how-to-create-faux-chocolate-bunny-for.html">Read
more</a> to learn how.</span><b style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #00b0ad; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: center;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #00b0ad; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxdn84E6_JLWZKRCq9BZP4skHA1j6SjLl9UaVW631JjdOu2UvX424G-oOmS_JXj7MSNwUr-tm3nYwscPYbNXlnNvSCk16cfw58x1xatc-pnw8A87kRyEvXP0hyMRZ7ZUAHO2m2-P7HwplX_LOgvCUtP8wH7_5FEQyG43VDmK2eTBet9FWpWMTF9FXwQ/s810/Peep%20Pops.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="810" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxdn84E6_JLWZKRCq9BZP4skHA1j6SjLl9UaVW631JjdOu2UvX424G-oOmS_JXj7MSNwUr-tm3nYwscPYbNXlnNvSCk16cfw58x1xatc-pnw8A87kRyEvXP0hyMRZ7ZUAHO2m2-P7HwplX_LOgvCUtP8wH7_5FEQyG43VDmK2eTBet9FWpWMTF9FXwQ/w400-h223/Peep%20Pops.png" width="400" /></a></b></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #00b0ad; font-size: 16pt;"><a href="https://retailconfectionersinternational.blogspot.com/2023/03/increase-easter-sales-host-peeps-pop.html"><span style="color: #00b0ad;">Increase Easter Sales: Host a Peeps Pop Event</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">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. </span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://retailconfectionersinternational.blogspot.com/2023/03/increase-easter-sales-host-peeps-pop.html">Read
more</a> to learn how.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">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 <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RetailConfectioners">Facebook.com/RetailConfectioners</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">Crave more?</span></i></b><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/nL5TwXc" target="_blank"><b><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #089694; font-size: 10pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Click here</span></i></b></a></span><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"> 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. </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RetailConfectioners/" target="_blank"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #089694; font-size: 10pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Follow us on Facebook</span></i></a></span><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"> for
even more sweet inspiration.</span></i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">Not a member? </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://retailconfectioners.site-ym.com/general/register_member_type.asp"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #4d469c; font-size: 10pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Click here to learn how RCI can help
you build your sweet business</span></i></a></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #4d469c; font-size: 10pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p>Retail Confectioners Internationalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02380688493755064822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476055465417423298.post-55118318375175252242024-02-27T06:00:00.001-06:002024-02-27T06:00:00.243-06:00Quick Tip: No pre-bottomer? Try this!<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNzwdLvLXmMdGOl9NYyfLXkYcuL5L7bklCtH-g7Wf9aGWXimzQf6i-aCU4M-usiZ2A4N04z74tlT47dgIc2RRujPAO6IXpZQxIF-aIqG7lhEL_Ie1x7FoNa7qtUsgbyvFppJb6c3pAfJN11TyTxgmROxWkk9tUtWPZjFAEViBnxZBm_drmLM8lPdm6sQ/s810/CBC%20Pre-Bottomer.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="810" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNzwdLvLXmMdGOl9NYyfLXkYcuL5L7bklCtH-g7Wf9aGWXimzQf6i-aCU4M-usiZ2A4N04z74tlT47dgIc2RRujPAO6IXpZQxIF-aIqG7lhEL_Ie1x7FoNa7qtUsgbyvFppJb6c3pAfJN11TyTxgmROxWkk9tUtWPZjFAEViBnxZBm_drmLM8lPdm6sQ/w556-h309/CBC%20Pre-Bottomer.png" width="556" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">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.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz3IWjEN39rkA8vKLegt0LeReGhOj4ub0Uy6Nqa7uoEcLASGIXESF20wkB7IyxCmR9uFyuqDpjr2dK1QZLI7x7Fv2cgDQ3mKxQEQrUpCG5NRjKQayhBBjE9oWOjHNbMbpzIs4pJ5mcw8W5t2KbvlTMMkPVC9CwpYgMM3cx-L_WRE-yu0b5ZAaeD1-iDQ/s1000/IMG_6093_CROP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="650" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz3IWjEN39rkA8vKLegt0LeReGhOj4ub0Uy6Nqa7uoEcLASGIXESF20wkB7IyxCmR9uFyuqDpjr2dK1QZLI7x7Fv2cgDQ3mKxQEQrUpCG5NRjKQayhBBjE9oWOjHNbMbpzIs4pJ5mcw8W5t2KbvlTMMkPVC9CwpYgMM3cx-L_WRE-yu0b5ZAaeD1-iDQ/s320/IMG_6093_CROP.jpg" width="208" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">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.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">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.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">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 <a href="https://www.retailconfectioners.org/events/event_list.asp" target="_blank">retailconfectioners.org/events</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Crave more?</span></i></b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/nL5TwXc" target="_blank"><b><i><span style="color: #089694; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Click here</span></i></b></a></span><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> 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. </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RetailConfectioners/" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #089694; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Follow us on Facebook</span></i></a></span><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> for
even more sweet inspiration.</span></i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Not a member? </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://retailconfectioners.site-ym.com/general/register_member_type.asp"><i><span style="color: #4d469c; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Click here to learn how RCI can help
you build your sweet business</span></i></a></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i><span style="color: #4d469c; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"></span><p></p>Retail Confectioners Internationalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02380688493755064822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476055465417423298.post-82231941916887854502024-02-20T06:00:00.001-06:002024-02-20T06:00:00.143-06:00Irish Potato Candy for St. Patrick’s Day<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY2SaEc7mIzNya80jpTWlMiUxfagIvV02b5goXV0ZehljREKI_eETPJl-6bK96y9ZLHhzEPEKvUK2JT6CfcTuiQfDruBgvC47bs6GV4kiRw6sgaAhD3tGheMuWYrLyY8YilgaZkF2zpvVi6qJkUsBOo33HZHdoaWc2JlG9hca_3XXxmsqFYEaxVy30MA/s810/Irish%20Potato%20CandyV2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="810" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY2SaEc7mIzNya80jpTWlMiUxfagIvV02b5goXV0ZehljREKI_eETPJl-6bK96y9ZLHhzEPEKvUK2JT6CfcTuiQfDruBgvC47bs6GV4kiRw6sgaAhD3tGheMuWYrLyY8YilgaZkF2zpvVi6qJkUsBOo33HZHdoaWc2JlG9hca_3XXxmsqFYEaxVy30MA/w551-h306/Irish%20Potato%20CandyV2.png" width="551" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">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. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><a href="https://fb.watch/qjfLg8EeuE/" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" target="_blank">Check out this video</a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"> to see how RCI member Marie’s Candies makes Irish potato candy.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=963623677860989" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="324" data-original-width="578" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyu_z7fIYNIND8XDZQYKIB6syhKwZxlaMalbERQntStYqSUZiNxZWDpxpPfG-od7EEEJNsuAn9VxV9kxGogxaOF0cAMwWA8aIcfAGKj2kcYM5u3oLFeUnPykZpYn94nEbrN-zdXK_wygF38Bal4DacJChfByIhpZKLshZjG2aa4MfRFAbx2gI86bubQ/w400-h224/Marie's%20Candies%20Irish%20Potatoes.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Interested in trying your hand at making these sweet "potatoes?" Try the following recipe for Irish Potato Candy courtesy of <a href="https://peterschocolate.com/recipe/irish-potato-candy/" target="_blank">Peter’s Chocolate<sup>®</sup> by Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter">
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0">
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1">
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2">
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth">
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1">
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2">
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth">
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0">
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight">
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0">
</v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:formulas>
<v:path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f">
<o:lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit">
</o:lock></v:path></v:stroke></v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_3" o:spid="_x0000_i1025" style="height: 2in; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 202.5pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:/Users/lacey/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.jpg">
</v:imagedata></v:shape></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://d.docs.live.net/192cd7476a9ed6fb/Documents/iframe%20src=%22https:/www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fmariesfanpage%2Fvideos%2F963623677860989%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0%22%20width=%22560%22%20height=%22314%22%20style=%22border:none;overflow:hidden%22%20scrolling=%22no%22%20frameborder=%220%22%20allowfullscreen=%22true%22%20allow=%22autoplay;%20clipboard-write;%20encrypted-media;%20picture-in-picture;%20web-share%22%20allowFullScreen=%22true%22%3e%3c/iframe" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="700" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6a27xJMp57F5ODk20ernCO0rUwkRAZhGKAhgpCayrr83RQsWcwKzNU54XyEYk9iuR3QwdJ4MFfTwZ6HwZOX48TMwA4AbKoNE5KA82SVlGBA51XihbWbB03HG2-BibzIHaH4G8OrhlTcxSS4bpTn6qFtqk5JPyTXoLc4KJuZfJVnpWKXDPnJd1AmhbJA/s320/Potato-Candy_Peter's%20Chocolate_WEB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">
<i>Photo credit: <a href="https://peterschocolate.com/recipe/irish-potato-candy/">Peter’s Chocolate<sup>®</sup>/Cargill
Cocoa & Chocolate</a><o:p></o:p></i></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Irish Potato Candy<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">44 oz. Peter’s<sup>®</sup> White Icecap® Confectionery Coating</span></li><li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">12.5 oz. Irish cream liqueur</span></li><li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">2.5 oz. corn syrup</span></li><li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">2 oz. each powdered sugar, cinnamon and cocoa powder</span></li></ul><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">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</span><!--[if gte msEquation 12]><m:oMath><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
normal'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Cambria Math",serif;
mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:#222222'><m:r>°</m:r></span></i></m:oMath><![endif]--><!--[if !msEquation]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-text-raise: -2.5pt; position: relative; top: 2.5pt;"><v:shape id="_x0000_i1025" style="height: 12pt; width: 3.75pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata chromakey="white" o:title="" src="file:///C:/Users/lacey/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image002.png">
</v:imagedata></v:shape></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">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. <i>Yield:
Approximately 72 pieces</i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">There are lots of different ways to put your own spin on Irish potato
candy. <a href="https://retailconfectionersinternational.blogspot.com/2022/02/spread-luck-with-irish-potatoes.html">Click
here</a> for inspiration from RCI members in a past RCI Blog post. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Spread the luck o’ the Irish this St. Patrick’s Day by sharing
these humble, but tasty spuds with your customers. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Crave more?</span></i></b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/nL5TwXc" target="_blank"><b><i><span style="color: #089694; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Click here</span></i></b></a></span><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> 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. </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RetailConfectioners/" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #089694; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Follow us on Facebook</span></i></a></span><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> for
even more sweet inspiration.</span></i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Not a member? </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://retailconfectioners.site-ym.com/general/register_member_type.asp"><i><span style="color: #4d469c; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Click here to learn how RCI can help
you build your sweet business</span></i></a></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i><span style="color: #4d469c; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p>Retail Confectioners Internationalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02380688493755064822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476055465417423298.post-55044716239006566382024-02-06T06:00:00.001-06:002024-02-06T06:00:00.248-06:005 Super Simple Valentine’s Day Gifts for Kids & Teens<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76yCYdITI2vSRiAju7dsCiXFPcjZPf_muXAMl2MDDhzc9PhMV7wwxqi6OqVrVbHjNDeMiJnlxcK1DHD4wm_5yeEdhxMyRttSQUkiZC97t82GJSPbAVZ5IHarJyjttUIQmEI97RF2pY34-jvUuHd99uzxMTkS4ShESLGo1v7vqg1mhkcc8xnsH13_yZQ/s810/Valentines%20for%20Kids.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="810" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76yCYdITI2vSRiAju7dsCiXFPcjZPf_muXAMl2MDDhzc9PhMV7wwxqi6OqVrVbHjNDeMiJnlxcK1DHD4wm_5yeEdhxMyRttSQUkiZC97t82GJSPbAVZ5IHarJyjttUIQmEI97RF2pY34-jvUuHd99uzxMTkS4ShESLGo1v7vqg1mhkcc8xnsH13_yZQ/w548-h305/Valentines%20for%20Kids.png" width="548" /></a></div><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">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.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p><b></b></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1ExXGk-EzYzm9H868iQjvaVunrJ86kwqgWp0ScCjdOUuWDUT1oEKIJ0gVteSvOGLMgqcghXfFeph18hjl7WQwoSpguPjsx7R9bKCrl2-aZrfA5Fc84927bddhY2CQME_ubi_9mvQtM4UqvIu6-BoCscHqncX0zRpopmDXl_iIHGmWyU8KoOB2LOMCQ/s740/Bento%20Box%20-%20Nandy's%20Candy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="740" data-original-width="740" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1ExXGk-EzYzm9H868iQjvaVunrJ86kwqgWp0ScCjdOUuWDUT1oEKIJ0gVteSvOGLMgqcghXfFeph18hjl7WQwoSpguPjsx7R9bKCrl2-aZrfA5Fc84927bddhY2CQME_ubi_9mvQtM4UqvIu6-BoCscHqncX0zRpopmDXl_iIHGmWyU8KoOB2LOMCQ/s320/Bento%20Box%20-%20Nandy's%20Candy.png" width="320" /></a><br /></b><i style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Photo credit: <a href="https://nandyscandy.com/products/valentines-bento-box">Nandy’s Candy</a></span></i></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Valentine Bento Box<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">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.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG63FRAE7LIGO50LazNh4gVUFcHKoMQDROod1COhFx2gqY4mP-7knlueER7yyz_0SA2etisiNGjFQO_FGiJQSGsaL9KW_xuI_sSaWgH2mUYdz8-XZJGnq7OgVB8Y4E6N3oVrK2tmvqqPcP1WLnyebZhJ9H6NPXxL7Zhkfeyfe6HWtvYfzMjiOv0UtlVw/s700/Chocolate%20Tic-Tac-Totally%20Awesome%20Valentine%20-%20Water's%20Edge%20Chocolates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG63FRAE7LIGO50LazNh4gVUFcHKoMQDROod1COhFx2gqY4mP-7knlueER7yyz_0SA2etisiNGjFQO_FGiJQSGsaL9KW_xuI_sSaWgH2mUYdz8-XZJGnq7OgVB8Y4E6N3oVrK2tmvqqPcP1WLnyebZhJ9H6NPXxL7Zhkfeyfe6HWtvYfzMjiOv0UtlVw/s320/Chocolate%20Tic-Tac-Totally%20Awesome%20Valentine%20-%20Water's%20Edge%20Chocolates.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Photo credit: <a href="https://www.watersedgechocolates.com/">Water’s Edge Chocolates</a></span></i></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Chocolate Tic-Tac Toe <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDelc7782HJ316z8uggX4bde2YBrjeEbYP6oFD784KnIWh0ZujWaqK-nuOObsTg1AXeG6aPA_ooabGyirQP6pce6Z04u6ZRm9YHj5ltgfc3M4g38s-nEHf6FtODaXNtpI9vab63mU5ZCsInI8kEqJkQyNCH40Uebj4ZJEBpnraZbWX98rABIokz_597Q/s1080/Reid's%20Candy%20and%20Nut4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDelc7782HJ316z8uggX4bde2YBrjeEbYP6oFD784KnIWh0ZujWaqK-nuOObsTg1AXeG6aPA_ooabGyirQP6pce6Z04u6ZRm9YHj5ltgfc3M4g38s-nEHf6FtODaXNtpI9vab63mU5ZCsInI8kEqJkQyNCH40Uebj4ZJEBpnraZbWX98rABIokz_597Q/s320/Reid's%20Candy%20and%20Nut4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Photo credit: <a href="https://reidchocolates.com/">Reids Chocolate</a></span></i></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Chocolate Grams<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmymz968vkvAh6fKdrDzf6_o4OVMhhNWEgB_QtpghdEVoVODJHJvL6D1WvACOA-oF61o2nZXGftFAylxfCm090zE31RJJFNCkDPb3eJiyaMGCHhZtMb5vxX8PhB6MU-kMObtvKDiTpbV0oa0TOwQ7Gs1rENiR9ODK7xhoHpWNkVCo4tWU8yhZlIBERQ/s960/Marie's%20Candies1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmymz968vkvAh6fKdrDzf6_o4OVMhhNWEgB_QtpghdEVoVODJHJvL6D1WvACOA-oF61o2nZXGftFAylxfCm090zE31RJJFNCkDPb3eJiyaMGCHhZtMb5vxX8PhB6MU-kMObtvKDiTpbV0oa0TOwQ7Gs1rENiR9ODK7xhoHpWNkVCo4tWU8yhZlIBERQ/s320/Marie's%20Candies1.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><i style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Photo credit: <a href="https://mariescandies.com/">Marie’s
Candies</a></span></i></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Chocolate Heart Necklace<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">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 (<i>back to back</i>)
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?!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5WhNTlDFtOGVdnRGTkKjU-zru-BemSbKK2SIkNRTGDLoW8-HojGtmflc_21Llrxzu6NKuohk1wbq0esqHs24_Vwy9QdkHpaXR3MhukJpr7yt1lNysE7298jxeUDj-Yva4O6CArKP69GjvGA4RMjpWpV_iMc0o-lwPKW9o5O6SlNszrWpeWy8RAw1ag/s700/Chocolate%20Covered%20Fortune%20Cookies_hgtv.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5WhNTlDFtOGVdnRGTkKjU-zru-BemSbKK2SIkNRTGDLoW8-HojGtmflc_21Llrxzu6NKuohk1wbq0esqHs24_Vwy9QdkHpaXR3MhukJpr7yt1lNysE7298jxeUDj-Yva4O6CArKP69GjvGA4RMjpWpV_iMc0o-lwPKW9o5O6SlNszrWpeWy8RAw1ag/s320/Chocolate%20Covered%20Fortune%20Cookies_hgtv.jpeg" width="320" /></a><br /><i style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: left;">Photo credit: <a href="https://www.hgtv.com/design/make-and-celebrate/handmade/valentines-day-kids-craft-white-chocolate-dipped-fortune-cookies">HGTV</a></i></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Chocolate-Dipped Fortune Cookies<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">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.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">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. </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">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 (<i>we hope you do!</i>)
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.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Crave more?</span></i></b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/nL5TwXc" target="_blank"><b><i><span style="color: #089694; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Click here</span></i></b></a></span><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> 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. </span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RetailConfectioners/" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #089694; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Follow us on
Facebook</span></i></a></span><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> for even more sweet inspiration.</span></i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Not a member? </span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://retailconfectioners.site-ym.com/general/register_member_type.asp"><i><span style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Click here to
learn how RCI can help you build your sweet business</span></i></a></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i><span style="color: #4d469c; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p>Retail Confectioners Internationalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02380688493755064822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476055465417423298.post-38195045469147838272024-01-30T06:00:00.001-06:002024-01-30T06:00:00.136-06:003 Tips to Make Chocolate-Covered Strawberries Last Longer<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIm6uwWLc0TXRBc8edeSCV5_bzsCQJAtyJ3OK5aF-WLkbPz8AbrfUQRWkKGKtAVgXaK3y1GHN8KZ0QySeGn0A-i1j4S-ozv8keXhgvqoCICQPCKJDn2LCSnoUegXCDLTgKsWHchLomj8Qz4JvIKjcbXz8dfQzRLmFHET8g_Lyex7wDfkoKmPGqNjholw/s1748/Chocolate-Covered%20Strawberries.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1240" data-original-width="1748" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIm6uwWLc0TXRBc8edeSCV5_bzsCQJAtyJ3OK5aF-WLkbPz8AbrfUQRWkKGKtAVgXaK3y1GHN8KZ0QySeGn0A-i1j4S-ozv8keXhgvqoCICQPCKJDn2LCSnoUegXCDLTgKsWHchLomj8Qz4JvIKjcbXz8dfQzRLmFHET8g_Lyex7wDfkoKmPGqNjholw/w539-h382/Chocolate-Covered%20Strawberries.png" width="539" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">1. Clear
communication</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">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. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">2. Gently
clean and air dry</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">The way you clean your berries
could be contributing to unwanted mold. Follow these step-by-step instructions
to minimize moisture and bacteria.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 3.0pt;"></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Start by
wiping away dirt with a clean towel and discard unwanted mushy or moldy
berries.</span></li><li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Gently
submerge berries in a solution of cold water and non-pasteurized apple cider
vinegar (<i>use approximately 3 tablespoons for every one gallon of water</i>)
for five minutes. The acidity of the vinegar will kill spores and bacteria on
the fresh berries.</span></li><li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">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.</span></li><li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">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.</span></li></ol><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">3. Chilled storage</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<u1:p></u1:p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">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.<u1:p></u1:p> Avoid
refrigeration which can create problems as chocolate-covered strawberries return
to room temp.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">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! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Crave more?</span></i></b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/nL5TwXc" target="_blank"><b><i><span style="color: #089694; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Click here</span></i></b></a></span><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> 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. </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RetailConfectioners/" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #089694; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Follow us on Facebook</span></i></a></span><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> for
even more sweet inspiration.</span></i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Not a member? </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://retailconfectioners.site-ym.com/general/register_member_type.asp"><i><span style="color: #4d469c; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Click here to learn how RCI can help
you build your sweet business</span></i></a></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i><span style="color: #4d469c; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p>Retail Confectioners Internationalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02380688493755064822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476055465417423298.post-19647651363318613842024-01-23T06:00:00.009-06:002024-01-23T09:38:39.222-06:00Have a Smashing Valentine’s Day with Smash Hearts<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQ9VMzDX-iIdBCxGMaJ7_EohXo1D8MDox8rEO6sSWweKlxO-TKdGqXr1Rz8cGnO139JJJkb2ifW5nNd3EZmTi984wfiYz4C-kRLT1YoRCOC_XeuvJcI5VuNy38t9OudhdPFFYPFAcnGb7Q6umG_Kablvlvg07HS2Sk16qQC7YK52VoFcsayBUtkTc7A/s810/Smash%20Hearts.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="810" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQ9VMzDX-iIdBCxGMaJ7_EohXo1D8MDox8rEO6sSWweKlxO-TKdGqXr1Rz8cGnO139JJJkb2ifW5nNd3EZmTi984wfiYz4C-kRLT1YoRCOC_XeuvJcI5VuNy38t9OudhdPFFYPFAcnGb7Q6umG_Kablvlvg07HS2Sk16qQC7YK52VoFcsayBUtkTc7A/w548-h305/Smash%20Hearts.png" width="548" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">Photo credits: <a href="https://www.simplychocolate.com/breakable-chocolate-heart-179909">Simply
Chocolate</a>, <a href="https://www.grahamschocolate.com/shop/valentines-heartbreaker-boxes/">Graham’s
Chocolates</a>, <a href="https://morkeschocolates.com/collections/valentines-day-gifts/products/valentine-smash-hearts">Morkes
Chocolates</a></span></i></div></i><p></p><p></p><h3 style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">There’s little reason to cry over a broken heart when it’s made of yummy
chocolate! </span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;">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.</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpIq2W62lB64QubcAEP27DC39tSrf5JzTtrXOC-pTh9Aov_lyt0_QysHCX45Lg7wAMmRNE6hXfQcOzO7sYw-hVDDmepz_3WCgRBrc7oExE6brZ1qzkiT4pOjxPoesNfySZ_Urv2eMA7-gMCNq9MhpI1TlrgLhlH_LaGEt_sa1nzEHqtKN1pZEmLcyZgQ/s810/2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="810" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpIq2W62lB64QubcAEP27DC39tSrf5JzTtrXOC-pTh9Aov_lyt0_QysHCX45Lg7wAMmRNE6hXfQcOzO7sYw-hVDDmepz_3WCgRBrc7oExE6brZ1qzkiT4pOjxPoesNfySZ_Urv2eMA7-gMCNq9MhpI1TlrgLhlH_LaGEt_sa1nzEHqtKN1pZEmLcyZgQ/w400-h223/2.png" width="400" /></a></div><h3 align="center" style="background: white; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">
<i>Photo credit: <a href="https://morkeschocolates.com/collections/valentines-day-gifts/products/valentine-smash-hearts">Morkes
Chocolate</a></i></span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 16pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Smash
Hearts with a Chocolate Hammer</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">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 <a href="https://morkeschocolates.com/collections/valentines-day-gifts/products/valentine-smash-hearts">Morkes
Chocolates</a> includes a solid chocolate hammer (<i>more commonly used for Father’s
Day</i>) in their set of two smash hearts.</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></span></h3>
<h3 align="center" style="background: white; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_3" o:spid="_x0000_i1029" style="height: 2in; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 230.25pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:/Users/lacey/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image003.jpg">
</v:imagedata></v:shape></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5oQbJr4Xn9k-XDCI-qalcuMmS_hihDBu1Hm_rChAqr5XYpKfW_vNBMqiMdBOGP6aV1hNL6GLS2QqHqGsAp6JXS3dG3peNhKLAQfY4994Ywd06qU8DaYhM787eT6zU2uwr9CNgv9Ile-hXvUZskej-hp3U28d1EDk31dSTfAWmdbhCYRJuYDHXdOz0pg/s1280/breakable-chocoalte-heart-cake_Wilton.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1280" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5oQbJr4Xn9k-XDCI-qalcuMmS_hihDBu1Hm_rChAqr5XYpKfW_vNBMqiMdBOGP6aV1hNL6GLS2QqHqGsAp6JXS3dG3peNhKLAQfY4994Ywd06qU8DaYhM787eT6zU2uwr9CNgv9Ile-hXvUZskej-hp3U28d1EDk31dSTfAWmdbhCYRJuYDHXdOz0pg/w400-h250/breakable-chocoalte-heart-cake_Wilton.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">
<i>Photo credit: <a href="https://blog.wilton.com/how-to-make-a-breakable-chocolate-heart-cake/">Wilton</a></i></span><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 16pt;">No Large Smash Heart Mould? No problem!<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;">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. <a href="https://blog.wilton.com/how-to-make-a-breakable-chocolate-heart-cake/">Click
here</a> for step-by-step directions from Wilton.<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 align="center" style="background: white; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_5" o:spid="_x0000_i1028" style="height: 2in; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 2in;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:/Users/lacey/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image004.png">
</v:imagedata></v:shape></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0kdalsxstNMuj7VNKkFzUGFaFpjm9TI5TMBxelbecAoop-FyzEztMiaq0rvcmHBese94D_0-mkPtwMSFa-dDUb8ZTB4ObM4jvKnfQe7HFco04u8ZW_TCHtnv9VHrGhnbvfxIGzUZdQxl9Sd9de5fzRbepkgc5wYETvARbr23w1FTCWUth659RZDQTUg/s767/ProFlowers%20Breakable%20Hearts.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="767" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0kdalsxstNMuj7VNKkFzUGFaFpjm9TI5TMBxelbecAoop-FyzEztMiaq0rvcmHBese94D_0-mkPtwMSFa-dDUb8ZTB4ObM4jvKnfQe7HFco04u8ZW_TCHtnv9VHrGhnbvfxIGzUZdQxl9Sd9de5fzRbepkgc5wYETvARbr23w1FTCWUth659RZDQTUg/s320/ProFlowers%20Breakable%20Hearts.png" width="320" /></a></div><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;">
<i>Photo credit: <a href="https://www.proflowers.com/product/belgian-chocolate-breakable-hearts-prd-ge2210v?prid=pfpla1529&prid=pfpla1529&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAwbitBhDIARIsABfFYIINjZ661-mbf-e30b_iGWAutzHNdQ5PsRt7MUl8GfBQFSR4R-LpUlsaAvFUEALw_wcB">ProFlowers</a><o:p></o:p></i></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 16pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Don't Go Breaking My (<i>Tiny</i>) Heart</span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">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<sup>®</sup> Minis and mini chocolate chips.</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></span></h3>
<h3 align="center" style="background: white; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_4" o:spid="_x0000_i1027" style="height: 2in; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 2in;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:/Users/lacey/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image005.jpg">
</v:imagedata></v:shape></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZjcdD1uka4sjVd97_exSzZOv8-vxJLb_3uC7LiKruNI5G3PT5vCz51_ouaTjfYqFz9JoAhFRT1gwhOBV2bP-VL4mUDqVvj3ScQDOJwb-CyrjOme3XqBtbDdPZLOIGvpPQQh6CAJiId7wKGcdS1eqQWAZwtkoXMExjOnvVtkWRmZJGHarJq4GIwzyhQ/s1200/breakable-chocolate-conversation-hearts_Hungry%20Happenings.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZjcdD1uka4sjVd97_exSzZOv8-vxJLb_3uC7LiKruNI5G3PT5vCz51_ouaTjfYqFz9JoAhFRT1gwhOBV2bP-VL4mUDqVvj3ScQDOJwb-CyrjOme3XqBtbDdPZLOIGvpPQQh6CAJiId7wKGcdS1eqQWAZwtkoXMExjOnvVtkWRmZJGHarJq4GIwzyhQ/s320/breakable-chocolate-conversation-hearts_Hungry%20Happenings.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;">
<i>Photo credit: <a href="https://hungryhappenings.com/breakable-chocolate-conversation-hearts/">Hungry
Happenings</a><o:p></o:p></i></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 16pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Something to Talk About Conversation Hearts</span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">If your customers love these classic candies, they will go “CRAZY 4 U”
with these breakable conversation hearts filled to the brim with (<i>you guessed
it</i>) loads of candy conversation hearts!</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></span></h3>
<h3 align="center" style="background: white; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_6" o:spid="_x0000_i1026" style="height: 2in; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 2in;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:/Users/lacey/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image006.png">
</v:imagedata></v:shape><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_7" o:spid="_x0000_i1025" style="height: 2in; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 2in;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:/Users/lacey/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image007.png">
</v:imagedata></v:shape></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgquHUHKGLhD31OBCnEPZjfnFE7UEIsls5bnRhEBSMTOeHK2-ivjilnSqLdAOgXOZCrW1ZZNOTeGiVpftyi047XpVbFRhFJDbsWACs4gdIqAerPMgUupfIgi8KtAVmcdjU82bbSiidBLwW6tYXtXgtiJ_x6c5heypqvLREFlC5NWeW5yEvVtqF7LmfrQg/s810/3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="810" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgquHUHKGLhD31OBCnEPZjfnFE7UEIsls5bnRhEBSMTOeHK2-ivjilnSqLdAOgXOZCrW1ZZNOTeGiVpftyi047XpVbFRhFJDbsWACs4gdIqAerPMgUupfIgi8KtAVmcdjU82bbSiidBLwW6tYXtXgtiJ_x6c5heypqvLREFlC5NWeW5yEvVtqF7LmfrQg/w400-h223/3.png" width="400" /></a></div><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">
<i>Photo credit: <a href="https://www.grahamschocolate.com/shop/valentines-heartbreaker-boxes/">Graham’s
Chocolates</a></i></span><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 16pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">What to
fill smash hearts with?</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">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.</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;">Have smashing success helping your customers celebrate Valentine’s Day by adding
your own spin on smash hearts!</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">Crave more?</span></i></b><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/nL5TwXc" target="_blank"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #089694; font-size: 10pt;">Click
here</span></i></a></span><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"> 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. </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RetailConfectioners/" target="_blank"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #089694; font-size: 10pt;">Follow us
on Facebook</span></i></a></span><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"> for even more sweet inspiration.</span></i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">Not a member? </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://retailconfectioners.site-ym.com/general/register_member_type.asp"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #4d469c; font-size: 10pt;">Click
here to learn how RCI can help you build your sweet business</span></i></a></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #4d469c; font-size: 10pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p>Retail Confectioners Internationalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02380688493755064822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476055465417423298.post-2501243734124529132024-01-16T05:00:00.001-06:002024-01-16T05:00:00.153-06:00Valentine’s Day Inspiration: Sweet Heat<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeINqkNTJ9KgtS2PHunFAwr1X5FMm4QS9qDDPOFtDOM9jWeXE7qxgfJ-4toLGvMSdtjgJMH_hLfq86qZ326NiDQnKOIZ46e4bITJH_dTwmY8ogA68NJgBeWDmEUs7AVO_7MvLCi9iLwIq6jERc0ympVZ8MNnJTdxGqirkqX5QwldfyAa_H88jPBZ6oKw/s1418/Cinnamon%20Red%20Hot.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="1418" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeINqkNTJ9KgtS2PHunFAwr1X5FMm4QS9qDDPOFtDOM9jWeXE7qxgfJ-4toLGvMSdtjgJMH_hLfq86qZ326NiDQnKOIZ46e4bITJH_dTwmY8ogA68NJgBeWDmEUs7AVO_7MvLCi9iLwIq6jERc0ympVZ8MNnJTdxGqirkqX5QwldfyAa_H88jPBZ6oKw/w561-h312/Cinnamon%20Red%20Hot.png" width="561" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">If you are
a fan of Red Hots</span><sup style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">®</sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> and Atomic FireBalls, then you’ll love this week’s
Valentine’s Day inspiration from RCI member Wilbur’s of Maine Chocolate
Confections.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">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.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">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. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">If cooked creams aren’t your bag, add hot
cinnamon flavor (</span><i style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">and a little red dye</i><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">) to your kettle corn recipe or
even caramels for a red-hot punch!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Crave more?</span></i></b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></i><a href="https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/nL5TwXc" target="_blank"><b><i><span style="color: #089694; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-decoration-line: none;">Click here</span></i></b></a><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> 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. </span></i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RetailConfectioners/" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #089694; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-decoration-line: none;">Follow us on Facebook</span></i></a><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> for
even more sweet inspiration.</span></i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Not a member? </span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://retailconfectioners.site-ym.com/general/register_member_type.asp"><i><span style="color: #4d469c; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-decoration-line: none;">Click here to learn how RCI can help
you build your sweet business</span></i></a></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i><span style="color: #4d469c; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">.</span></i></span>Retail Confectioners Internationalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02380688493755064822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476055465417423298.post-23747425901970648472024-01-09T07:00:00.005-06:002024-01-09T07:00:00.208-06:004 Tips to Stop Sea Salt Caramels from Sweating<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50uS9TY4Le3n7405h6Y1wtPoVzeSQwPaL9EjEVmHvOD7sWL7euWW48G0jnjH9Zz7lI2RQBE-w_Q5DlWxYlTtoEadOU32fwAEce1opGGD9qj97Fhu4G8lQvNGR_m7pb_d1IqjftQYwTYz0mN0vlhRrr3X0amvafSeYzjITD-c0bHIXk91t1ImQq0nkzQ/s810/Sea%20Salt%20Caramel.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="810" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50uS9TY4Le3n7405h6Y1wtPoVzeSQwPaL9EjEVmHvOD7sWL7euWW48G0jnjH9Zz7lI2RQBE-w_Q5DlWxYlTtoEadOU32fwAEce1opGGD9qj97Fhu4G8lQvNGR_m7pb_d1IqjftQYwTYz0mN0vlhRrr3X0amvafSeYzjITD-c0bHIXk91t1ImQq0nkzQ/w541-h301/Sea%20Salt%20Caramel.png" width="541" /></a></div><p></p><p><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">Suffer
from sweaty sea salt caramels?</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"> You're not alone. Many candy makers have faced
this common issue and shared possible solutions in the RCI member forum, The Candy
Dish.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">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:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">Some salts are harder than others. </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">Use a
harder and more dense salt, such as pink Himalayan sea salt, which is less
likely to absorb moisture. </span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">Store sea salt caramels at room temperature, rather than reducing
the temperature.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">Dehumidify your storage area to at least 40%.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">4.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">Shrink wrap the boxes or cases to completely enclose the product
before storing.</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p>
</p><p><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">Nobody
likes a sweaty sea salt caramel! Give these tips a try to keep your sea salt
caramels dry.</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">Crave more?</span></i></b><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/nL5TwXc" target="_blank"><b><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #089694; font-size: 10pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Click here</span></i></b></a></span><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"> 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. </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RetailConfectioners/" target="_blank"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #089694; font-size: 10pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Follow us on Facebook</span></i></a></span><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"> for
even more sweet inspiration.</span></i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">Not a member? </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://retailconfectioners.site-ym.com/general/register_member_type.asp"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #4d469c; font-size: 10pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Click here to learn how RCI can help
you build your sweet business</span></i></a></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #4d469c; font-size: 10pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p>Retail Confectioners Internationalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02380688493755064822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476055465417423298.post-48758916791675303532023-12-19T11:45:00.001-06:002023-12-19T11:45:39.109-06:00Candy Hack: A Simple Solution to Spread Brittle More Evenly<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXXN1jNkFm02-NMPAGo71fMemc0MQFzH8J_ddsTcnJDQrck185aOdidzzGluNva5ssICiv2F6_l9mfWQqPExabKyUuuINzdPWRCRktmW2LcBvePUmiZHWj1L-iCIawLtyexdghyphenhyphen7R3PN7gN_qVhAG7NFtyO-R8YqFOazEi_hIhbQe-M4OXkFq3Z6cgg/s810/Brittle.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="810" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXXN1jNkFm02-NMPAGo71fMemc0MQFzH8J_ddsTcnJDQrck185aOdidzzGluNva5ssICiv2F6_l9mfWQqPExabKyUuuINzdPWRCRktmW2LcBvePUmiZHWj1L-iCIawLtyexdghyphenhyphen7R3PN7gN_qVhAG7NFtyO-R8YqFOazEi_hIhbQe-M4OXkFq3Z6cgg/w552-h307/Brittle.png" width="552" /></a></div><p></p><h3 style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; font-weight: normal;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; font-weight: normal;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></h3><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCrosVBJ-1QK46o5jEqYr2Un9K0RWExntfWOXJVMm7bhfnp2wDZ6vPvEmoDHcPGlOqcANzfBSpXlZnkftEcmZh3Mbd3KEr9a7RZoRQbIVe_B36ePuOs_oQelsZjKVhMT7opATxQ5pF2SeJkO1FnqqlRcWz1AvlCvnE5B4c6Roi4E8Q_eCa4Lruv7RfA/s810/Brittle%20(1).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="810" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCrosVBJ-1QK46o5jEqYr2Un9K0RWExntfWOXJVMm7bhfnp2wDZ6vPvEmoDHcPGlOqcANzfBSpXlZnkftEcmZh3Mbd3KEr9a7RZoRQbIVe_B36ePuOs_oQelsZjKVhMT7opATxQ5pF2SeJkO1FnqqlRcWz1AvlCvnE5B4c6Roi4E8Q_eCa4Lruv7RfA/w554-h309/Brittle%20(1).png" width="554" /></a></div></div>
<h3 style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; font-weight: normal;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #211d1e; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Stay tuned, next week we will
share tips for prevent your sea salt caramels from sweating.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Crave more?</span></i></b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/nL5TwXc" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #089694; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Click
here</span></i></a></span><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> 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. </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RetailConfectioners/" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #089694; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Follow us
on Facebook</span></i></a></span><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> for even more sweet inspiration.</span></i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Not a member? </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://retailconfectioners.site-ym.com/general/register_member_type.asp"><i><span style="color: #4d469c; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Click
here to learn how RCI can help you build your sweet business</span></i></a></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i><span style="color: #4d469c; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p>Retail Confectioners Internationalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02380688493755064822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476055465417423298.post-88061029687672597532023-12-11T06:00:00.001-06:002023-12-11T16:19:00.898-06:00Candy Hack: Make Meltaways with Untempered Chocolate<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7nTuhSVnDB3XAC0aYHZuhLUlmT2dQ5qNGMJkvbavt6S4bvzu6aALMfXmj_Od7YuHjZmM9ryBiSuTV1lYF064mjvzOY5w7tCgHLSzeUpDZGGhijjXh4nEznMd-k2ZnzL85q6MaFb0ISfhKP6Q0GwQ0EXen5FZhzm1yZbLQGdbznbN-rwbEMq75LOeJHQ/s810/Make%20Meltaways%20with%20Untempered%20Chocolate.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="810" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7nTuhSVnDB3XAC0aYHZuhLUlmT2dQ5qNGMJkvbavt6S4bvzu6aALMfXmj_Od7YuHjZmM9ryBiSuTV1lYF064mjvzOY5w7tCgHLSzeUpDZGGhijjXh4nEznMd-k2ZnzL85q6MaFb0ISfhKP6Q0GwQ0EXen5FZhzm1yZbLQGdbznbN-rwbEMq75LOeJHQ/w519-h289/Make%20Meltaways%20with%20Untempered%20Chocolate.png" width="519" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">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.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">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 (<i>or was never tempered to start with</i>) the nice,
smooth texture of the meltaway will eventually be replaced with an unpleasant
mouthfeel due to the formation of fat globules.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Mixing Things Up<br /></span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">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.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #211d1e; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Stay tuned, next week we will share a</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> simple
trick for greater consistency when spreading brittle.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Crave more?</span></i></b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/nL5TwXc" target="_blank"><b><i><span style="color: #089694; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Click here</span></i></b></a></span><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> 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. </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RetailConfectioners/" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #089694; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Follow us on Facebook</span></i></a></span><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> for
even more sweet inspiration.</span></i></p><p></p>Retail Confectioners Internationalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02380688493755064822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476055465417423298.post-81722113749781539202023-12-05T06:00:00.001-06:002023-12-05T06:00:00.139-06:00Candy Hack: How to Fix Ganache Gone Wrong<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUhJjODsl7J0Fdw9iauGtRg938OqKLa4N9-fBfT_82jONJgpoTNuw7BJvYjTZ8giLHkk_Up5hEOeHUeAOgQod36KLqAD0P4wQLEiBZvViwhBpTA2KWshpaPnmRlDBJ7MD_9k7PLnLDyIb2Eb9OHkLaDkvVuuA0Yob6Ke9GVIORsHC0ZUsO5lGzjtLf7Q/s810/Ganache%20Gone%20Wrong.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="810" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUhJjODsl7J0Fdw9iauGtRg938OqKLa4N9-fBfT_82jONJgpoTNuw7BJvYjTZ8giLHkk_Up5hEOeHUeAOgQod36KLqAD0P4wQLEiBZvViwhBpTA2KWshpaPnmRlDBJ7MD_9k7PLnLDyIb2Eb9OHkLaDkvVuuA0Yob6Ke9GVIORsHC0ZUsO5lGzjtLf7Q/w553-h308/Ganache%20Gone%20Wrong.png" width="553" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">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.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #211d1e; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">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.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #211d1e; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://retailconfectionersinternational.blogspot.com/2019/01/tip-290-how-not-to-ruin-chocolate.html">Click
here</a> for RCI’s quick-reference guide for troubleshooting other common
mishaps with chocolate. </span><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #211d1e; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Stay tuned, next week we will share a surprising tip
for making meltaways with untempered chocolate.</span><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Crave more?</span></i></b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/nL5TwXc" target="_blank"><b><i><span style="color: #089694; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Click here</span></i></b></a></span><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> 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. </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RetailConfectioners/" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #089694; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Follow us on Facebook</span></i></a></span><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> for
even more sweet inspiration.</span></i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Not a member? </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://retailconfectioners.site-ym.com/general/register_member_type.asp"><i><span style="color: #4d469c; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Click here to learn how RCI can help
you build your sweet business</span></i></a></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i><span style="color: #4d469c; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p>Retail Confectioners Internationalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02380688493755064822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476055465417423298.post-49128635902593980542023-11-28T06:00:00.001-06:002023-11-28T06:00:00.130-06:0010 Ways to Feature Candy Canes this Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdDRM8TdsVHl0wbQRti2tX5pCvlPWf2aZ5iDunNWueGsyUCE_qhfgXkKhiWBgW9NL3G8VyKHfSIfbvSubsttyfevqRt1BNvvIl-qAnPmD3VhgiF-cYkzbUvjlZG1OAZ7RyF4kLBuFi6QulUwcXQ_4E13LZ_SdxYj5qDJ4ux8mLlz3jx-Y8BOFcDJnPRQ/s810/Candy%20Canes.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="810" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdDRM8TdsVHl0wbQRti2tX5pCvlPWf2aZ5iDunNWueGsyUCE_qhfgXkKhiWBgW9NL3G8VyKHfSIfbvSubsttyfevqRt1BNvvIl-qAnPmD3VhgiF-cYkzbUvjlZG1OAZ7RyF4kLBuFi6QulUwcXQ_4E13LZ_SdxYj5qDJ4ux8mLlz3jx-Y8BOFcDJnPRQ/w546-h304/Candy%20Canes.png" width="546" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">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.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh20ojjH_Rp0MGIkykpRIz3kmZ90TxaogPblyGXDOEXqy_X8v6pyIX5mU5-wIRO2Uatr1UUNAnwUohGvSxGoJjAOp9PjAaVOLdnbh7SBEoOX0cvB-ehp7OGnTpM74ElUtwrBg2Jsthp8IgafJtQTdQEG2l7S6YyrmQu-6a-SIvJKERuqdjiv-1ZHnURbg/s810/Candy%20Cane%20Trees.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="810" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh20ojjH_Rp0MGIkykpRIz3kmZ90TxaogPblyGXDOEXqy_X8v6pyIX5mU5-wIRO2Uatr1UUNAnwUohGvSxGoJjAOp9PjAaVOLdnbh7SBEoOX0cvB-ehp7OGnTpM74ElUtwrBg2Jsthp8IgafJtQTdQEG2l7S6YyrmQu-6a-SIvJKERuqdjiv-1ZHnURbg/w540-h301/Candy%20Cane%20Trees.png" width="540" /></a><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> <br /></span><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Photo credit: <a href="https://www.countryliving.com/diy-crafts/g34192401/candy-cane-christmas-tree/?slide=1">Sugar
and Charm</a>, <a href="https://www.countryliving.com/diy-crafts/g34192401/candy-cane-christmas-tree/?slide=17">Sweet
Lil You</a>, <a href="https://www.amenphotography.com/blog/2010/12/our-candy-cane-christmas-tree-project/">Amen
Photography</a></span></i></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="background: white; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Candy Cane Trees</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Make an impact in your holiday window
display or size it down for an eye-catching centerpiece for a tabletop display.
<a href="https://www.amenphotography.com/blog/2010/12/our-candy-cane-christmas-tree-project/">Click
here</a> to view a step-by-step tutorial on the massive candy cane showpiece
pictured above.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6TW1WWDqI994evyw6lOSneHkmfB8RYPUKYR2Op7KmJM5Wj-p1VIyroP-pPoDwvc4XKJnKqvu31yKz_03BX2bVYI3i1JppTJYf8NHmjxWVydhUW-N-tDk8yH0TaF-HoDUJqb91NGIiWlmM4PVmz-XwwsiqlZWsOkmMtCBu195pM4rjsUzZQPuU-mJj0A/s1300/Candy%20Cane%20Marshmallows_Martha%20Stewart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1300" data-original-width="1040" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6TW1WWDqI994evyw6lOSneHkmfB8RYPUKYR2Op7KmJM5Wj-p1VIyroP-pPoDwvc4XKJnKqvu31yKz_03BX2bVYI3i1JppTJYf8NHmjxWVydhUW-N-tDk8yH0TaF-HoDUJqb91NGIiWlmM4PVmz-XwwsiqlZWsOkmMtCBu195pM4rjsUzZQPuU-mJj0A/s320/Candy%20Cane%20Marshmallows_Martha%20Stewart.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Photo credit: <a href="https://www.marthastewart.com/355781/candy-cane-marshmallows">Martha Stewart</a></span></i></div></i><p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="background: white; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Peppermint Swirl Marshmallow</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">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. <a href="https://www.marthastewart.com/355781/candy-cane-marshmallows">Click here</a>
to view recipe.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc15FNCGQhsrLAF10nTJuBOTBG33ipMQd6FnrR6SqaHAWKea7Hztx-pezHYz_4bjJcGW87F1GSyAgvm8aWKI0nLRSAVSh83cxyDZMF8VhTS_3smCit6h6qQ7I3SQH7M2KnQoO0-MyK5e6MX91F1Z-Hd8fkyfyTK9_Xkpkf7T3-RFv7INFClNhG0k1gCg/s800/chocolate-peppermint-marshmallow_Water's%20Edge%20Chocolates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc15FNCGQhsrLAF10nTJuBOTBG33ipMQd6FnrR6SqaHAWKea7Hztx-pezHYz_4bjJcGW87F1GSyAgvm8aWKI0nLRSAVSh83cxyDZMF8VhTS_3smCit6h6qQ7I3SQH7M2KnQoO0-MyK5e6MX91F1Z-Hd8fkyfyTK9_Xkpkf7T3-RFv7INFClNhG0k1gCg/s320/chocolate-peppermint-marshmallow_Water's%20Edge%20Chocolates.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Photo credit: <a href="https://www.watersedgechocolates.com/products/peppermint-marshmallow?variant=1329676288009&utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=WEC%20&utm_content=Chocolate%20Peppermint%20Marshmallow&gclid=CjwKCAiAmZGrBhAnEiwAo9qHiTMudLOBfzZpmz7f2SU0bVs7UsSNWrn0P0k-dRUKHZDZ42xqqST01xoCdgcQAvD_BwE">Water’s
Edge Chocolates</a></span></i></div></i><p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="background: white; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">White Chocolate Peppermint Marshmallow Pops</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">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.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGek-bwKM4RjRDZ_WcChAkScYffBDUWmE2yEeG0-fmzjNSLF-0migPWRAUuhIfuZcf_KUKbSqDR6zfLddDR2pvOTVZik8ktTothN079GgPILhmMOi2Oh3t99ZMeJNfZvs7nALrggeLi5dk8nZFcPMF47poRvS5W7Q55XYKKc6vwQ_-ca1q2iAiY42q2g/s660/Peppermint%20Bark%20Fudge_Hilliard's%20Chocolate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="528" data-original-width="660" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGek-bwKM4RjRDZ_WcChAkScYffBDUWmE2yEeG0-fmzjNSLF-0migPWRAUuhIfuZcf_KUKbSqDR6zfLddDR2pvOTVZik8ktTothN079GgPILhmMOi2Oh3t99ZMeJNfZvs7nALrggeLi5dk8nZFcPMF47poRvS5W7Q55XYKKc6vwQ_-ca1q2iAiY42q2g/s320/Peppermint%20Bark%20Fudge_Hilliard's%20Chocolate.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Photo credit: <a href="https://www.hilliardscandy.com/collections/christmas">Hilliard’s
Chocolates</a></i></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="background: white; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Peppermint Bark Fudge</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">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.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLSgN9R6-ymE_4Ce8N2lep2ayB3r66FWWUkyoVNR3y0yQ2jJa-ifyEi-sP4diariZneryVzVPGxhb5rHmdZ0AKqenDkjYe4Xn7aOjhzvYQ46rTdxdhyphenhyphenaUE9DFOBMiDDHS2nwSvAdf5f-BPBeKkGiHx3d8ytHm9Goad7iuFtOPITz97OaDJ24yK540flA/s1126/Candy%20Cane%20Reindeer%20Pops_Finding%20Zest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1126" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLSgN9R6-ymE_4Ce8N2lep2ayB3r66FWWUkyoVNR3y0yQ2jJa-ifyEi-sP4diariZneryVzVPGxhb5rHmdZ0AKqenDkjYe4Xn7aOjhzvYQ46rTdxdhyphenhyphenaUE9DFOBMiDDHS2nwSvAdf5f-BPBeKkGiHx3d8ytHm9Goad7iuFtOPITz97OaDJ24yK540flA/s320/Candy%20Cane%20Reindeer%20Pops_Finding%20Zest.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Photo credit: <a href="https://www.findingzest.com/candy-cane-reindeer-pops/">Finding
Zest</a></i></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="background: white; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Candy Cane Rudolph Pops</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">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. <a href="https://retailconfectionersinternational.blogspot.com/2023/03/increase-easter-sales-host-peeps-pop.html">Click
here</a> for a past blog post featuring pro-tips from an RCI member for hosting
a similar event (<i>except for Easter</i>) in your shop.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4dbcXplhuxpGZC-XbLqnYs4C0Be5YG3RLiG0irTKOxoldqekGzSRqoH0oXqwpSCCRl5nyZ3GFVOrd-QG6IpDvaByLLCjGpHhk3oOjxuzB9Ihh4WlkCx_e2cCDoV63yVKr5O073u5WYM8wBhT6lotPFjpgBa91uNMdzl7BqBlRqRsmGlktXEESoQirDg/s1680/Peppermint-Mendiants_Cacao%20and%20Cardamom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1120" data-original-width="1680" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4dbcXplhuxpGZC-XbLqnYs4C0Be5YG3RLiG0irTKOxoldqekGzSRqoH0oXqwpSCCRl5nyZ3GFVOrd-QG6IpDvaByLLCjGpHhk3oOjxuzB9Ihh4WlkCx_e2cCDoV63yVKr5O073u5WYM8wBhT6lotPFjpgBa91uNMdzl7BqBlRqRsmGlktXEESoQirDg/s320/Peppermint-Mendiants_Cacao%20and%20Cardamom.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Photo credit: <a href="https://www.cacaoandcardamom.com/products/peppermint-mendiants?variant=43553401798909&currency=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAmZGrBhAnEiwAo9qHibJ8dhVEGImrFgLZzontvNQCF-RBGDvO-kQipNJitVJC4I2dJ4bnrhoCMvkQAvD_BwE">Cacao
& Cardamom</a></span></i></div></i><p></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="background: white; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">6.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">Peppermint Bark Mendiants</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">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.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_17" o:spid="_x0000_i1031" style="height: 90pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 90pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:/Users/lacey/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image010.jpg">
</v:imagedata></v:shape><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_18" o:spid="_x0000_i1030" style="height: 90pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 90pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:/Users/lacey/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image011.jpg">
</v:imagedata></v:shape></span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: center;"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Jy2WR46gU19OVR0BUDPUs4x0O7wIoNgVbWNqpJkBPWuuBGND44neSBhtiQwCx2kigIUmWc94VYRYjB_KnIQPlxbvFg0ZZVl-5m-MRFNVqJQnku7AqZgch86E2NzReNHky7C8u6xC2CNqVkYaXcx3I1f968qAW0NZOTfze6N9IWzoP7lmr8Ef5GhTWg/s1930/Peppermint%20Crunch%20Oreos2_Marie's%20Candies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1930" data-original-width="1930" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Jy2WR46gU19OVR0BUDPUs4x0O7wIoNgVbWNqpJkBPWuuBGND44neSBhtiQwCx2kigIUmWc94VYRYjB_KnIQPlxbvFg0ZZVl-5m-MRFNVqJQnku7AqZgch86E2NzReNHky7C8u6xC2CNqVkYaXcx3I1f968qAW0NZOTfze6N9IWzoP7lmr8Ef5GhTWg/s320/Peppermint%20Crunch%20Oreos2_Marie's%20Candies.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Photo credit: <a href="https://mariescandies.com/products/peppermint-crunch-oreos-1-2-lb">Marie’s
Candies</a></span></i></i></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="background: white; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Peppermint Crunch Oreos</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">RCI member Marie’s Candies of West
Liberty, Ohio puts their own sweet spin on chocolate-covered Oreos<sup>®</sup>.
A seasonal treat only made for Christmas, these mini-Oreos are covered with
sweet white coating and crunchy peppermint dust.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8VnmDzluOlR4xckNw3AGumDKrQ-ZEzoi-JA_psqrEFniR0kfzDQ1fd2gs-yAU57u0NEr-6XBaZaIJN-CONpBg5b5SvCKWIkuBCIWL2EO0e9UWF4qUz6VIpR_XQ-HMSaG9L9pIXaJiSSOPab-DW98F-j6x4ylPb8O_VMJVCaK48qB_5uoUpRDdOxdkIg/s320/Peppermint%20Bark%20Popcorn_Cooking%20Classy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="242" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8VnmDzluOlR4xckNw3AGumDKrQ-ZEzoi-JA_psqrEFniR0kfzDQ1fd2gs-yAU57u0NEr-6XBaZaIJN-CONpBg5b5SvCKWIkuBCIWL2EO0e9UWF4qUz6VIpR_XQ-HMSaG9L9pIXaJiSSOPab-DW98F-j6x4ylPb8O_VMJVCaK48qB_5uoUpRDdOxdkIg/s1600/Peppermint%20Bark%20Popcorn_Cooking%20Classy.jpg" width="242" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Photo credit: <a href="https://www.cookingclassy.com/peppermint-bark-popcorn/">Cooking Classy</a></span></i></div></i><p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="background: white; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Candy Cane Bark Popcorn</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">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! <a href="https://www.cookingclassy.com/peppermint-bark-popcorn/">Click here</a>
for more details.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_13" o:spid="_x0000_i1028" style="height: 90pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 90pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:/Users/lacey/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image013.jpg">
</v:imagedata></v:shape></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1_e76lBvZwMxYYLOU7ptkiwS8LbdG634DBYsA9EIivnFNREqiQQah_0L4g2IOSODLjPiAhFTOag2iyJs5LCuEYlKaJndtiw5b39QaA9r9jhNGD-A1PAaJHx1cJTxeIn8X17qU-G81D6kI8IwssJIgRd-AQtO8mO2K-NVetHVR4jJg4BdHkswrzYr7Q/s600/Peppermint%20Chocolate%20Pretzels_Mrs%20Prindables.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1_e76lBvZwMxYYLOU7ptkiwS8LbdG634DBYsA9EIivnFNREqiQQah_0L4g2IOSODLjPiAhFTOag2iyJs5LCuEYlKaJndtiw5b39QaA9r9jhNGD-A1PAaJHx1cJTxeIn8X17qU-G81D6kI8IwssJIgRd-AQtO8mO2K-NVetHVR4jJg4BdHkswrzYr7Q/s320/Peppermint%20Chocolate%20Pretzels_Mrs%20Prindables.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Photo credit: <a href="https://www.mrsprindables.com/shop/peppermint-cloud-chocolate-and-caramel-dipped-pretzels/">Mrs
Prindables</a></span></i></div></i><p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="background: white; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Peppermint and Caramel Chocolate-Covered Pretzels</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">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!</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_6" o:spid="_x0000_i1027" style="height: 91.5pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 109.5pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:/Users/lacey/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image014.jpg">
</v:imagedata></v:shape></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi31dnec9IZ-mhqf1QlRf5ZGQ7AEZwN4Hua4U86-O54IwuGhYO9euIencyP2sxocBr8jjSejOX-xoi-IbYZFQEjBUdXCYGGy8cLu4IeJLreNviblGAIGKBhy9vVKWJ31SNjFq_jDf6cCVMMku8ogbdvhBx9rVscawyySg6aZG-ZtdA-duSSFb89MLSDwg/s810/Candy%20Canes%20Sweetheart%20Pops.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="810" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi31dnec9IZ-mhqf1QlRf5ZGQ7AEZwN4Hua4U86-O54IwuGhYO9euIencyP2sxocBr8jjSejOX-xoi-IbYZFQEjBUdXCYGGy8cLu4IeJLreNviblGAIGKBhy9vVKWJ31SNjFq_jDf6cCVMMku8ogbdvhBx9rVscawyySg6aZG-ZtdA-duSSFb89MLSDwg/w518-h288/Candy%20Canes%20Sweetheart%20Pops.png" width="518" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Photo credit: <a href="http://sprinklesomesunshine.blogspot.com/2012/01/sweet-heart-valentine-pops-party.html">Sprinkle
Some Sunshine</a>, <a href="https://www.ohnuts.com/blog/peppermint-bark-candy-cane-hearts/">Oh!Nuts</a>,
<a href="https://homeandhallow.com/valentines-candy-cane-heart-lollipops/">Home
& Hallow</a></span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="background: white; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Candy Cane Sweetheart Pops</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">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. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">While National Candy Cane Day is the day after Christmas (<i>December 26</i>), we hope this week’s post inspires you to celebrate the candy cane all month
long!</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Crave more?</span></i></b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/nL5TwXc" target="_blank"><b><i><span style="color: #089694; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Click here</span></i></b></a></span><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> 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. </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RetailConfectioners/" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #089694; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Follow us on Facebook</span></i></a></span><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> for
even more sweet inspiration.</span></i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Not a member? </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://retailconfectioners.site-ym.com/general/register_member_type.asp"><i><span style="color: #4d469c; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Click here to learn how RCI can help
you build your sweet business</span></i></a></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i><span style="color: #4d469c; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">.</span></i></span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Retail Confectioners Internationalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02380688493755064822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476055465417423298.post-21967133603434494562023-11-21T06:00:00.001-06:002023-11-21T06:00:00.144-06:003 Ways to Generate Online Sales<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNS5MyP8SYZI3TSqUPO_YU2f6RMq3bFGcMOLLsPlSH_Pyoo5GemRK-eGZutbm2kbn51yh0hbsicosDIfjcB5eYTF1AHgy0WnV5Gbc65cb6bQ5e6QHHevUqp7-M-p7GsN5Dn3aiRUe95bUZ1J41DcQJgo8AqlVv9WDM_I5lMszteSw5QHX6w5iQZ7-oQ/s810/Generate%20Online%20Sales.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="810" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNS5MyP8SYZI3TSqUPO_YU2f6RMq3bFGcMOLLsPlSH_Pyoo5GemRK-eGZutbm2kbn51yh0hbsicosDIfjcB5eYTF1AHgy0WnV5Gbc65cb6bQ5e6QHHevUqp7-M-p7GsN5Dn3aiRUe95bUZ1J41DcQJgo8AqlVv9WDM_I5lMszteSw5QHX6w5iQZ7-oQ/w554-h308/Generate%20Online%20Sales.png" width="554" /></a><br /></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">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.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">Online<u1:p></u1:p></span></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">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.<u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO88gxGQhH_LchEYfOQAiEEVh_D9SFL5T0aakY61YeQpjY2tSfSJdYxWKocbU5WXRmxH_co6nOXx8-VZBXfRF5jtCdMiriHHKri-YfmhZ1F5TF7wiA0xGBB673TfaY0Jx1J_lXP_EMCBlakEI765wBsdkMctRZLGwJHet6QH318lq-8nxiaVwd7i7luA/s400/What%20Motivates%20Businesses%20to%20Design%20Website_Top_Design_Firms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="400" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO88gxGQhH_LchEYfOQAiEEVh_D9SFL5T0aakY61YeQpjY2tSfSJdYxWKocbU5WXRmxH_co6nOXx8-VZBXfRF5jtCdMiriHHKri-YfmhZ1F5TF7wiA0xGBB673TfaY0Jx1J_lXP_EMCBlakEI765wBsdkMctRZLGwJHet6QH318lq-8nxiaVwd7i7luA/w400-h368/What%20Motivates%20Businesses%20to%20Design%20Website_Top_Design_Firms.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">In a
survey by <a href="https://topdesignfirms.com/web-design/blog/web-design-data-2022"><span style="color: #089694;">Top Design Firms</span></a>, 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%). <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Looking to create your own e-commerce website? RCI members have
recommended <a href="https://www.ecwid.com/?source=ppc-b-brandE&jadid&jap&jk=Ecwid&jkId=8a8ae4cd46f9aa06014712c7144a7a8e&jmt=1_e_&jp&js=1&jsid=36964&jt=1&msclkid=a11c34a1987f1b2908c3552031840b22"><span style="color: #089694;">Ecwid</span></a> as a user-friendly option to add an
online store to any site—with free and paid versions available.<u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter">
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0">
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1">
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2">
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth">
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1">
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2">
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth">
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0">
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight">
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0">
</v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:formulas>
<v:path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f">
<o:lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit">
</o:lock></v:path></v:stroke></v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_1" o:spid="_x0000_i1025" style="height: 183.75pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 200.25pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:/Users/lacey/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.jpg">
</v:imagedata></v:shape></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">Mobile<u1:p></u1:p></span></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">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. <a href="https://retailconfectionersinternational.blogspot.com/2019/09/tip-313-optimize-your-website-for.html"><span style="color: #089694;">Click here</span></a> for a past blog post with tips
on how to optimize your mobile site in 3 steps.<u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">Social Media<u1:p></u1:p></span></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">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.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">If your
business isn’t already taking advantage of these sales opportunities, now is as
good a time as any to get started!</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Crave more?</span></i></b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/nL5TwXc" target="_blank"><b><i><span style="color: #089694; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Click here</span></i></b></a></span><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> 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. </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RetailConfectioners/" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #089694; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Follow us on Facebook</span></i></a></span><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> for
even more sweet inspiration.</span></i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Not a member? </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://retailconfectioners.site-ym.com/general/register_member_type.asp"><i><span style="color: #4d469c; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Click here to learn how RCI can help
you build your sweet business</span></i></a></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i><span style="color: #4d469c; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">.</span></i></span></p><p></p>Retail Confectioners Internationalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02380688493755064822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476055465417423298.post-39761888457754813882023-11-14T06:00:00.002-06:002023-11-14T09:28:47.425-06:00Best of Christmas: Top Christmas Posts from the RCI Blog<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDzXc0Q1elfBnSCmlkDLkx_wbTKeAxWMAHUCYDLEUP9fvgd-Y8G7qcEjlD5aGHflCRGuWImq8E20mGEP_OwtIcCQCi3NLb806CCHXGDyMAGT_814IDzf5Jjln3u15o94E-gDhfZgz9DIVFt00lfvkPLZIwrRloUgyL-kDvyljrALhqRvGhHxWwUDAQSA/s810/Best%20of%20Christmas%202023.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="810" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDzXc0Q1elfBnSCmlkDLkx_wbTKeAxWMAHUCYDLEUP9fvgd-Y8G7qcEjlD5aGHflCRGuWImq8E20mGEP_OwtIcCQCi3NLb806CCHXGDyMAGT_814IDzf5Jjln3u15o94E-gDhfZgz9DIVFt00lfvkPLZIwrRloUgyL-kDvyljrALhqRvGhHxWwUDAQSA/w534-h297/Best%20of%20Christmas%202023.png" width="534" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">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!</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHoRYX4tzyn3Fl0AO8G_-caz2OhIFv50S_kINygCm4Zcev0EUcmrGMv6QLIrYHyCaS8-t6MpxcI9qGVVM6XDSTtZkzza9exZXSKlH_24o_JFKx9wxiEL7-yENjIwpjUMqoM67UyLa2282kOwno0jRz25LSlgAnO1cUaeb_7oOEQsTWdCmQUZBuWmdnvA/s810/Stand%20Out%20with%20Instagram%20Worthy%20Holiday%20Treats.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="810" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHoRYX4tzyn3Fl0AO8G_-caz2OhIFv50S_kINygCm4Zcev0EUcmrGMv6QLIrYHyCaS8-t6MpxcI9qGVVM6XDSTtZkzza9exZXSKlH_24o_JFKx9wxiEL7-yENjIwpjUMqoM67UyLa2282kOwno0jRz25LSlgAnO1cUaeb_7oOEQsTWdCmQUZBuWmdnvA/s320/Stand%20Out%20with%20Instagram%20Worthy%20Holiday%20Treats.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter">
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0">
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1">
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2">
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth">
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1">
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2">
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth">
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0">
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight">
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0">
</v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:formulas>
<v:path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f">
<o:lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit">
</o:lock></v:path></v:stroke></v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_1" o:spid="_x0000_i1028" style="height: 87pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 156.75pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:/Users/lacey/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.png">
</v:imagedata></v:shape></span></b><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<h3 style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 16pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Stand Out
with Instagram-Worthy Holiday Treats</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">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 <i>daily</i> 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. <a href="https://retailconfectionersinternational.blogspot.com/search?q=stand+out+with+instagram"><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Click here</span></a> to snag
creative ideas to transform some of your <i>potentially </i>existing treats (<i>like
chocolate-covered cookies and rice cereal treats</i>) into new holiday
favorites.</span></h3><div><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="background: white; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 16.5pt; font-weight: normal;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmFmLXpHPBR660apESVK9U7c8fv7ueIiJ2j_yS7gbuGwStYB3KItOtC5gThoEAuJdRb__BHgPDeAG3sF-pPLXLPumI8R8kI3ZzmjwA3rLIZ92TDP199sLCREewKtLsqKpredt4mntt4mrgS7r7VCJsPpxd0DxZrIzh_HlWBPEhpolnY9OB69fAA46zA/s810/Holiday%20Gift%20Guide.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="810" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmFmLXpHPBR660apESVK9U7c8fv7ueIiJ2j_yS7gbuGwStYB3KItOtC5gThoEAuJdRb__BHgPDeAG3sF-pPLXLPumI8R8kI3ZzmjwA3rLIZ92TDP199sLCREewKtLsqKpredt4mntt4mrgS7r7VCJsPpxd0DxZrIzh_HlWBPEhpolnY9OB69fAA46zA/s320/Holiday%20Gift%20Guide.png" width="320" /></a></div></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_2" o:spid="_x0000_i1027" style="height: 89.25pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 161.25pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:/Users/lacey/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image002.png">
</v:imagedata></v:shape></span></b><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<h3 style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 16.5pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://retailconfectionersinternational.blogspot.com/2020/11/how-to-create-your-own-holiday-gift.html"><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">How to Create Your Own Holiday Gift Guide</span><span color="windowtext" style="mso-color-alt: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></a></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">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.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">If you
think you have to hire a graphic designer to create a professional gift guide, <i style="color: black;">think
again</i>! 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.<u>
<a href="https://retailconfectionersinternational.blogspot.com/2020/11/how-to-create-your-own-holiday-gift.html"><span style="color: #00b0ad; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Read more</span></a></u><span style="color: #00b0ad;">.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWL-FkyFQI4JOrrClMDtw-oJM3qPc_GPca5GNXqvmogChHfn6yZIKT9jieQcidlcwPxg8LJ6oQVxstGAogpQdoC0JR8B7JPYYkrY_GBJhP6xEtNjEHlingLURjQay4Nhuaq3-wCzUHl-i5Piw1_zDCwLvHWQSJNaf775xThGeU9zxQf_umnlEVDq75PA/s810/Stocking%20Stuffers.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="810" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWL-FkyFQI4JOrrClMDtw-oJM3qPc_GPca5GNXqvmogChHfn6yZIKT9jieQcidlcwPxg8LJ6oQVxstGAogpQdoC0JR8B7JPYYkrY_GBJhP6xEtNjEHlingLURjQay4Nhuaq3-wCzUHl-i5Piw1_zDCwLvHWQSJNaf775xThGeU9zxQf_umnlEVDq75PA/s320/Stocking%20Stuffers.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_3" o:spid="_x0000_i1026" style="height: 89.25pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 161.25pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:/Users/lacey/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image003.png">
</v:imagedata></v:shape></span></b><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<h3 style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 16pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://retailconfectionersinternational.blogspot.com/2022/11/how-to-sell-more-stocking-stuffers.html"><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">How to Sell More Stocking Stuffers</span></a></span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">With
gentle nudging, you can help ensure stockings (<u style="color: black;">and your bottom line</u>)
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. <a href="https://retailconfectionersinternational.blogspot.com/2022/11/how-to-sell-more-stocking-stuffers.html"><span style="color: #00b0ad; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Read more.</span></a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWz9tEI0JM8pHG-UW0pVeKi2pQeDtoPL9Pg99capXh_iPXlIV-SQ5uNDNDeTEWqfBj0LcoA_AELtmksQP_9kWbwE9heumHHxu6Regzha8mtWNUyB7wAPKlrIHZV1A0rO_9uovuh6lDbQg_20OUhkLMdA6nuRzagdKUkFREHsHxQAG0SOLw3lFub3z09w/s810/Stocking%20Stuffer%20Ideas.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="810" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWz9tEI0JM8pHG-UW0pVeKi2pQeDtoPL9Pg99capXh_iPXlIV-SQ5uNDNDeTEWqfBj0LcoA_AELtmksQP_9kWbwE9heumHHxu6Regzha8mtWNUyB7wAPKlrIHZV1A0rO_9uovuh6lDbQg_20OUhkLMdA6nuRzagdKUkFREHsHxQAG0SOLw3lFub3z09w/s320/Stocking%20Stuffer%20Ideas.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 10.05pt; margin-bottom: 4pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 10pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_4" o:spid="_x0000_i1025" style="height: 107.25pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 192.75pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:/Users/lacey/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image004.png">
</v:imagedata></v:shape></span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h3 style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 16pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://retailconfectionersinternational.blogspot.com/2022/11/5-quick-easy-treats-to-add-to-your.html"><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">5 Quick & Easy Treats to Add to your Stocking Stuffer Display</span></a></span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 10.05pt; margin-bottom: 4pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 10pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">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.</span> <a href="https://retailconfectionersinternational.blogspot.com/2022/11/5-quick-easy-treats-to-add-to-your.html"><span style="color: #00b0ad; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Read more</span></a>.<span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">We hope that these posts have inspired you to
get creative this holiday season and make it one to remember.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">Crave more?</span></i></b><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/nL5TwXc" target="_blank"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #089694; font-size: 10pt;">Click
here</span></i></a></span><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"> 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. </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RetailConfectioners/" target="_blank"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #089694; font-size: 10pt;">Follow us
on Facebook</span></i></a></span><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"> for even more sweet inspiration.</span></i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">Not a member? </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://retailconfectioners.site-ym.com/general/register_member_type.asp"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #4d469c; font-size: 10pt;">Click
here to learn how RCI can help you build your sweet business</span></i></a></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #4d469c; font-size: 10pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p>Retail Confectioners Internationalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02380688493755064822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476055465417423298.post-25884516735546785182023-11-07T05:00:00.001-06:002023-11-07T05:00:00.153-06:00How to Make a Very Merry Christmas Truffle Tree<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNu6qMqlbOnUg-Q3WdAqOnc9LeB-Zim7nVU7mg11m3KSAGjVSF3B-e4hfFPkLkHZmdu2yq3pC7qVY2c_mdhC1CZ_jCyMFln-skF_L0lHiuC_5a5-K6KqnE9NVUe3t1nLsWQDcLqPJygptk1JmX3pzRo-dEnqRbUWQiB4c7ZyFgTXUNlLMRiYAkSitqfg/s810/Christmas%20Truffle%20Tree2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="810" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNu6qMqlbOnUg-Q3WdAqOnc9LeB-Zim7nVU7mg11m3KSAGjVSF3B-e4hfFPkLkHZmdu2yq3pC7qVY2c_mdhC1CZ_jCyMFln-skF_L0lHiuC_5a5-K6KqnE9NVUe3t1nLsWQDcLqPJygptk1JmX3pzRo-dEnqRbUWQiB4c7ZyFgTXUNlLMRiYAkSitqfg/w557-h310/Christmas%20Truffle%20Tree2.png" width="557" /></a><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">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.</span><span color="windowtext" face=""Arial",sans-serif"><u1:p></u1:p></span> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">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.</span></i></span><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span color="windowtext" face=""Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p>
<u1:p></u1:p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Materials Needed<u1:p></u1:p></span></span></b></span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Truffles</span></span></span></li><li><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Silicone mats</span></span></span></li><li><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Plastic wrap</span></span></span></li><li><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Foam block</span></span></span></li><li><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Parchment paper or aluminum foil (<i>optiona</i>l)</span></span></span></li><li><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Round toothpicks</span></span></span></li><li><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Tempered chocolate</span></span></span></li><li><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Foam cone</span></span></span></li><li><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Wrapping paper or fabric (<i>preferably coordinating
with the color of your truffles</i>)</span></span></span></li><li><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Flathead pins</span></span></span></li><li><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Scissors</span></span></span></li><li><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Ribbon or tree topper (<i>optional</i>)</span></span></span></li></ul><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Step-By-Step Instructions<u1:p></u1:p></span></span></b></span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">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 (<i>Note: Ganache centers may
be returned to the freezer for future use</i>). Cover balls with plastic wrap
and allow them to come to room temperature.</span></span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span color="windowtext" face=""Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWOAniGsu_LWe52iTDbaKEJGHGg5i3sWNZyBl9Ks6TSeT4vIoJuCtw00IHEVGBGplv9HLE77uyjG3HRHLhAgmUWDV_kThaQlVTJgDRsSff660EVLt1pwDAq2nRW-6RlLvYdvvOAKkeL7_5B9oRi3G4DNfptqFvRYthtl2yZ6AycXG3txwcCbeF-ZT4fg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWOAniGsu_LWe52iTDbaKEJGHGg5i3sWNZyBl9Ks6TSeT4vIoJuCtw00IHEVGBGplv9HLE77uyjG3HRHLhAgmUWDV_kThaQlVTJgDRsSff660EVLt1pwDAq2nRW-6RlLvYdvvOAKkeL7_5B9oRi3G4DNfptqFvRYthtl2yZ6AycXG3txwcCbeF-ZT4fg" width="180" /></a></div><p></p>
<u1:p></u1:p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrfV3lBaKLkQYExKAHT6S4hIn78YMV2IbHNxhLNWe_3o2joTUfOjv63ikrQf7mVSy8Dg0_TtQTGVU1MZtNLlCjpYGn6_ItsBER12-KZ_OCl8QuUz7L_3thXhMPyYfXj7iNwEQZ22S09t8/s640/Annedores_Truffles+in+block.JPG"><span style="color: #089694; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter">
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0">
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1">
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2">
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth">
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1">
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2">
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth">
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0">
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight">
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0">
</v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:formulas>
<v:path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f">
<o:lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit">
</o:lock></v:path></v:stroke></v:shapetype><v:shape href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrfV3lBaKLkQYExKAHT6S4hIn78YMV2IbHNxhLNWe_3o2joTUfOjv63ikrQf7mVSy8Dg0_TtQTGVU1MZtNLlCjpYGn6_ItsBER12-KZ_OCl8QuUz7L_3thXhMPyYfXj7iNwEQZ22S09t8/s640/Annedores_Truffles+in+block.JPG" id="Picture_x0020_3" o:button="t" o:spid="_x0000_i1031" style="height: 300pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 225pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:/Users/lacey/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.jpg">
</v:imagedata></v:shape></span></a></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Cover a foam block with parchment paper or aluminum
foil, so it can be </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">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.</span></p>
<u1:p></u1:p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">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.</span></span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span color="windowtext" face=""Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<u1:p></u1:p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Before you begin to build your tree, first, wrap the
foam cone completely with wrapping paper or fabric – secure with flathead pins,
as needed.</span></span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span color="windowtext" face=""Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidaIoSlwMpWuYMAww7p2VO01X9k2uVWvej8XFL67D-3N-FUTNC6YP-SdWyC5OGvkxamZXi99W1xZEMK9xo7sTTVUx-fJv3rt-3w1oEpIa_2A3aOcCLiVUGqYhkWmW_hgAbQRjHySr08z-DtWOEmBm1zoqiH1ZpNFsvtwJvXOA0HexkNl-RK8fkyk0F4A/s2428/Annedores_Building%20Tree%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2428" data-original-width="1274" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidaIoSlwMpWuYMAww7p2VO01X9k2uVWvej8XFL67D-3N-FUTNC6YP-SdWyC5OGvkxamZXi99W1xZEMK9xo7sTTVUx-fJv3rt-3w1oEpIa_2A3aOcCLiVUGqYhkWmW_hgAbQRjHySr08z-DtWOEmBm1zoqiH1ZpNFsvtwJvXOA0HexkNl-RK8fkyk0F4A/s320/Annedores_Building%20Tree%20(2).JPG" width="168" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: left;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Beginning at the bottom of the cone, push the tooth-</span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">picked truffles into the cone working your way around the cone
to create the first row. On the second row, stagger the truffles by placing
them in the open spaces created by the first row. Carefully work your way up
the cone row by row until the entire cone is covered in truffles. Toothpicks
may need to be cut as you reach the top of the cone. </span><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgIpbibS_ohZ2-t8YtUDTTVspmzOOQCHpG3SIPAnVJhE9nuKDClN0XpfpbvNpl159am4kHZUavgLn_oG2aJOEaGWxeLx85hirQy5zEOnfK5XuX-ppeGLPyE9Et-LBvD3-5bXRbRO6P_0YJcMSqOos4N0qFzRj62UN_i0TF2v4PIBHEAiJexTUp-rERbQQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2092" data-original-width="892" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgIpbibS_ohZ2-t8YtUDTTVspmzOOQCHpG3SIPAnVJhE9nuKDClN0XpfpbvNpl159am4kHZUavgLn_oG2aJOEaGWxeLx85hirQy5zEOnfK5XuX-ppeGLPyE9Et-LBvD3-5bXRbRO6P_0YJcMSqOos4N0qFzRj62UN_i0TF2v4PIBHEAiJexTUp-rERbQQ=w170-h400" width="170" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 4.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 10.05pt; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Christmas Truffle Tree Inspiration<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 10.05pt; margin-bottom: 4.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">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.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 10.05pt; margin-bottom: 4pt; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJyejsWYh4QdnBktZkQif4g6FgZzNNhPoBlicsO3t9msagQUTEbRqBuLr9j3X8CvinJUGVtpzA8YFgKdFxfdgnU0F6IEtS8uXXLRAo8Mbz4ar26pddFAyznD2S1c5KOteJEBs5IeYZKxeNbE5Zx-UmWBC9aFywKmoLJsUQr5umCvhVOyP9khYkM5DL5A/s750/Gingerbread%20Truffle%20Tree_Woman's%20World.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="750" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJyejsWYh4QdnBktZkQif4g6FgZzNNhPoBlicsO3t9msagQUTEbRqBuLr9j3X8CvinJUGVtpzA8YFgKdFxfdgnU0F6IEtS8uXXLRAo8Mbz4ar26pddFAyznD2S1c5KOteJEBs5IeYZKxeNbE5Zx-UmWBC9aFywKmoLJsUQr5umCvhVOyP9khYkM5DL5A/s320/Gingerbread%20Truffle%20Tree_Woman's%20World.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i style="color: #211d1e; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: 10pt;">Photo credit: <a href="https://www.womansworld.com/recipe/dessert/gingerbread-truffle-tree-168659">Woman’s
Day</a></i></div></i><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 4pt 0.5in; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #211d1e; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Gingerbread Truffle
Tree<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 10.05pt; margin-bottom: 4.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #211d1e; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The addition of gingerbread
royal icing decorations, colorful non-pareils and foil balls make this truffle tree
especially festive.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 10.05pt; margin-bottom: 4.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #211d1e; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_5" o:spid="_x0000_i1027" style="height: 135.75pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 100.5pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:/Users/lacey/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image005.jpg">
</v:imagedata></v:shape></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZfmOw8OKZqngXo0kauwRp4Jr-httGcMlzfqIXce449EUPAKVqiYTUAtYNaHvi0zloa_XCbX1xv-ZLiNd_o0ieeSMxoEPVXaVOQPuUGrCXDZFnIt_j2obgitvgUVe4-07zaAahErC8wVvSo0WBgFatpLo3_l87QoCBLfc_ulBv7FCMSB315h-wXlCqKA/s2560/Chocolate-Truffle-Tree-Sonata-Home-Design-scaled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1890" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZfmOw8OKZqngXo0kauwRp4Jr-httGcMlzfqIXce449EUPAKVqiYTUAtYNaHvi0zloa_XCbX1xv-ZLiNd_o0ieeSMxoEPVXaVOQPuUGrCXDZFnIt_j2obgitvgUVe4-07zaAahErC8wVvSo0WBgFatpLo3_l87QoCBLfc_ulBv7FCMSB315h-wXlCqKA/s320/Chocolate-Truffle-Tree-Sonata-Home-Design-scaled.jpg" width="236" /></a></div><span style="color: #211d1e; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: 10pt;">Photo credit: <a href="https://www.sonatahomedesign.com/how-to-make-a-chocolate-truffle-christmas-tree/">Sonata
Home Design</a></i></div></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 4pt 0.5in; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #211d1e; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Berries & Bows<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 10.05pt; margin-bottom: 4.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #211d1e; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">This Christmas truffle
tree is understated and elegant with bright, red cranberries and a big wire bow
as embellishments.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 10.05pt; margin-bottom: 4.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #211d1e; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_6" o:spid="_x0000_i1026" style="height: 135pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 89.25pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:/Users/lacey/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image006.jpg">
</v:imagedata></v:shape></span><span style="color: #211d1e; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 10.05pt; margin-bottom: 4.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYdMHLhvicaH_VK3eRP4Lkwy7SaqqR3r0jC5t3luRW-LlsUUTQeVTFCKu385UGpc_vbtRlnafOj3mAUcBXrsT_RV3Z5zAW1HfNs7Tks9W8emhn3_J6LtsqdE4N63_xtFV7J9VIMERbVihOBcAfRzq9aBGB6wbiOySE3ibC72mA3l-3X5R4LLr4wLj-Uw/s640/Truffle%20Tower_Pinterest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="422" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYdMHLhvicaH_VK3eRP4Lkwy7SaqqR3r0jC5t3luRW-LlsUUTQeVTFCKu385UGpc_vbtRlnafOj3mAUcBXrsT_RV3Z5zAW1HfNs7Tks9W8emhn3_J6LtsqdE4N63_xtFV7J9VIMERbVihOBcAfRzq9aBGB6wbiOySE3ibC72mA3l-3X5R4LLr4wLj-Uw/s320/Truffle%20Tower_Pinterest.jpg" width="211" /></a></i></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #211d1e; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Photo credit: Pinterest</span></i></div></i><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 4pt 0.5in; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #211d1e; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Chocolate Roses<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 10.05pt; margin-bottom: 4.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #211d1e; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">We love how this
truffle tree is adorned with hand-sculpted chocolate roses.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 10.05pt; margin-bottom: 4.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #211d1e; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 10.05pt; margin-bottom: 4.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #211d1e; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_7" o:spid="_x0000_i1025" style="height: 113.25pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 169.5pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:/Users/lacey/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image007.jpg">
</v:imagedata></v:shape></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVhB0XPwNMUch94fa6qkFXnFaYPd8h4dnmhL-1HF2nlMl-JRQrfi5X4ezUmGWmbBcyxQoAaKXDFPrAiX3JQFoluzZWTfd0TZq9CkRRb4CY8jDMkWN1f-GnLOPG1hWcFeiRJ2-bE2scdSOpmFy31o5oCq7RaJv49u349djD0MgjhbKYHqu-5aqtLWlNLw/s364/White%20Christmas%20Truffle%20Tree_Taste%20dot%20com%20au.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="242" data-original-width="364" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVhB0XPwNMUch94fa6qkFXnFaYPd8h4dnmhL-1HF2nlMl-JRQrfi5X4ezUmGWmbBcyxQoAaKXDFPrAiX3JQFoluzZWTfd0TZq9CkRRb4CY8jDMkWN1f-GnLOPG1hWcFeiRJ2-bE2scdSOpmFy31o5oCq7RaJv49u349djD0MgjhbKYHqu-5aqtLWlNLw/s320/White%20Christmas%20Truffle%20Tree_Taste%20dot%20com%20au.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #211d1e; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: 10pt;">Photo credit: <a href="https://www.taste.com.au/entertaining/articles/how-to-make-a-christmas-truffle-tree/ywzt8fk7">Taste.com/au</a></i></div></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 4.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 10.05pt; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="color: #211d1e; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: medium;">White Christmas<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 10.05pt; margin-bottom: 4.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #211d1e; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The use of white sprinkles,
silver sprinkles and desiccated coconut helps achieve this dreamy white
Christmas themed truffle tree.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 10.05pt; margin-bottom: 4.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">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.</span></span><span style="color: #211d1e; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Crave more?</span></i></b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/nL5TwXc" target="_blank"><b><i><span style="color: #089694; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Click here</span></i></b></a></span><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> 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. </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RetailConfectioners/" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #089694; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Follow us on Facebook</span></i></a></span><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> for
even more sweet inspiration.</span></i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Not a member? </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://retailconfectioners.site-ym.com/general/register_member_type.asp"><i><span style="color: #4d469c; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Click here to learn how RCI can help
you build your sweet business</span></i></a></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i><span style="color: #4d469c; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p>Retail Confectioners Internationalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02380688493755064822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476055465417423298.post-89458262265250808202023-10-31T05:00:00.001-05:002023-10-31T12:26:18.708-05:00Let’s Talk Turkey: 8 Ideas for Gobble-Worthy Chocolate Turkeys<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOTXU6jEjfNR4C6WAVKKGlWAkaDe28kyLawbLM4He-GHIqbDd_bXsM4psFs0MQ6P2mtBrcwEwn12hdhhPFYrGBXgi4GLhz6an7Kh4iIJK7aHt7ceJ6oTXg2Kj6HPMgI7BvaGdgYclbWz8fcVKRMsP3ShwcQcIIkTE0nXyx3YBTax4vlHj_sb17j1y31A/s1105/Let's%20Talk%20Turkey.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="617" data-original-width="1105" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOTXU6jEjfNR4C6WAVKKGlWAkaDe28kyLawbLM4He-GHIqbDd_bXsM4psFs0MQ6P2mtBrcwEwn12hdhhPFYrGBXgi4GLhz6an7Kh4iIJK7aHt7ceJ6oTXg2Kj6HPMgI7BvaGdgYclbWz8fcVKRMsP3ShwcQcIIkTE0nXyx3YBTax4vlHj_sb17j1y31A/w537-h300/Let's%20Talk%20Turkey.png" width="537" /></a></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Happy Halloween! In true candy-maker
style, we know you’re already preparing for the next holiday (<i>and the next,
and the next</i>)! 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.</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter">
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0">
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1">
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2">
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth">
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1">
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2">
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth">
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0">
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight">
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0">
</v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:formulas>
<v:path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f">
<o:lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit">
</o:lock></v:path></v:stroke></v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_1" o:spid="_x0000_i1033" style="height: 129.75pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 103.5pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:/Users/lacey/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.jpg">
</v:imagedata></v:shape></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCTDshx2yWQMHEWtOF_j5WTaKPdNgimZ4RuTXymP5jLTmL11Qqqt0w7HIQn4pL_kbNRCiKnPWC1SD_ivKwwK1ttR21Up7421ReEKX2rfnbjnYRgT8_83n4jKVkTXPcjfUUgmouL1-PONzU-UKodiYoCXP27EEleypcNeDPQkzC__rihowLyEKI0cvjBQ/s600/Quix%20Chocolate%20Turkey.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCTDshx2yWQMHEWtOF_j5WTaKPdNgimZ4RuTXymP5jLTmL11Qqqt0w7HIQn4pL_kbNRCiKnPWC1SD_ivKwwK1ttR21Up7421ReEKX2rfnbjnYRgT8_83n4jKVkTXPcjfUUgmouL1-PONzU-UKodiYoCXP27EEleypcNeDPQkzC__rihowLyEKI0cvjBQ/s320/Quix%20Chocolate%20Turkey.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Photo credit: <a href="https://www.quixchocolate.com/">Quix Chocolate</a></span></i></div>
</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 16pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Hand-Painted Chocolate Turkey Centerpiece<br />
</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">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.</span><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">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!</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">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.</span><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFrlf4_vGNDwa5fpUD2Skk1CS8uAU_BdOL-deY2at18K44-8XO7FcEdYmHqm6JcnAb6I3eERhC-CKcR0ZKdLAANNK8Q4rYLoAkKqwWo3Bj0ojhWxtpMVkCDpfg6hkn8ZzKXGHUG-ywV7wto2Q4CG29rXuweRn3yCevAgpgzNjEV68DRKhWTRhTuuRH2g/s500/Turkey%20Pop%20-%20Graham's%20Chocolates.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFrlf4_vGNDwa5fpUD2Skk1CS8uAU_BdOL-deY2at18K44-8XO7FcEdYmHqm6JcnAb6I3eERhC-CKcR0ZKdLAANNK8Q4rYLoAkKqwWo3Bj0ojhWxtpMVkCDpfg6hkn8ZzKXGHUG-ywV7wto2Q4CG29rXuweRn3yCevAgpgzNjEV68DRKhWTRhTuuRH2g/s320/Turkey%20Pop%20-%20Graham's%20Chocolates.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">Photo Credit: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GrahamsChocolate/photos/pb.100064034730702.-2207520000/10159020713682694/?type=3">Graham’s
Chocolates</a></span></i></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 16pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Chocolate Turkey Pop<br />
</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">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.</span><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQMSFdaXJdLExQCB8j7LPnJbUWe9UIgL2u_U8C8BOaToqsi7LU-iwbI5P6k-JdJCZTIuhhFx0zbnlNncDlwSeK1ayk4g_TDr4aE9TYaMGaqY2MfwTgMdBy1sFp4fyoj8QX6RbOyFglIkg8k_sLQzLpLiPS5POgUr1iNl7KuH-gcfUgVQQFUYx76Fy7Ww/s500/Madelaine%20Chocolate%201%20oz%20Turkey%20Place%20Holder.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQMSFdaXJdLExQCB8j7LPnJbUWe9UIgL2u_U8C8BOaToqsi7LU-iwbI5P6k-JdJCZTIuhhFx0zbnlNncDlwSeK1ayk4g_TDr4aE9TYaMGaqY2MfwTgMdBy1sFp4fyoj8QX6RbOyFglIkg8k_sLQzLpLiPS5POgUr1iNl7KuH-gcfUgVQQFUYx76Fy7Ww/s320/Madelaine%20Chocolate%201%20oz%20Turkey%20Place%20Holder.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">Photo credit: <a href="https://madelainechocolate.com/product/1-oz-turkey/">The Madelaine
Chocolate Company</a></span></i></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 16pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Foil-Wrapped Mini Chocolate Turkey<br />
</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">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 (<i>and other moulded turkeys of literally every shape and
size</i>) 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.</span><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrFyi7oLEU4QmT3Rgn1oJAV8nKvD4TmMaoKYrVJ6KbAaMtK_npohOi6-W6YYNZmbEf4FJEP4azITv6O4m8noZC0r9MoRHniPVX0tYG3lrsz9WFw0yx1f1yOg9SE2qdQpgmwQpgPE4hy2dnlb4pYfIL5knMgZ26aJisGA_ySqM6dFbyetO-zsjvreBRHA/s1440/Strawberry%20Turkeys%20-%20Water's%20Edge%20Chocolates.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrFyi7oLEU4QmT3Rgn1oJAV8nKvD4TmMaoKYrVJ6KbAaMtK_npohOi6-W6YYNZmbEf4FJEP4azITv6O4m8noZC0r9MoRHniPVX0tYG3lrsz9WFw0yx1f1yOg9SE2qdQpgmwQpgPE4hy2dnlb4pYfIL5knMgZ26aJisGA_ySqM6dFbyetO-zsjvreBRHA/s320/Strawberry%20Turkeys%20-%20Water's%20Edge%20Chocolates.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Photo credit: <a href="https://www.watersedgechocolates.com/">Water’s Edge
Chocolates</a></i></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 16pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Turkey<br />
</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">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 <a href="https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/chocolate-covered-strawberry-turkeys/">click
here</a> for a video tutorial by Taste of Home!</span><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs48tDXMpD2qiZhD09u5Yos4S3XHaXxgX91k-Fkq-btFx6s3Tcgq6-jNFGA6ui6PWalBB-2HKsX3mTuTNY60ZLg61mcBWhXluTTN1QmG7eBMSbjCrHOi4e69ZjufDaM1XqMFBOHtG4kBdCoT09xPPkYZmAjwlYOxIOBkHRugw8Lepz5nIcf58MUaOkJg/s500/Turkey%20Nutter%20Butter%20-%20Bruce's%20Candy%20Kitchen.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs48tDXMpD2qiZhD09u5Yos4S3XHaXxgX91k-Fkq-btFx6s3Tcgq6-jNFGA6ui6PWalBB-2HKsX3mTuTNY60ZLg61mcBWhXluTTN1QmG7eBMSbjCrHOi4e69ZjufDaM1XqMFBOHtG4kBdCoT09xPPkYZmAjwlYOxIOBkHRugw8Lepz5nIcf58MUaOkJg/s320/Turkey%20Nutter%20Butter%20-%20Bruce's%20Candy%20Kitchen.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">Photo credit: <a href="https://www.brucescandy.com/">Bruce’s Candy Kitchen</a></span></i></div></i><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-size: 16pt;">Chocolate-Covered Nutter Butter<sup>®</sup> Turkey</b></div><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Transform your chocolate-covered Nutter
Butter<sup>®</sup> cookies into cute little turkeys with the addition of a turkey
face sugar decoration and candy corn. If you don’t have these sugar
decorations, consider using candy eyes and hand-piping the beak and wattle with
colored chocolate.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;"> </span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYYwgJtK-g_HJZW8NmEuzL1cnb6rQJw581RdJh9nGdLS6X-7h7E57tALqvdPnCmJSz1hprzaLbe1RCggM_Q5Em4oUgXeKo_-upmbASz927gh8A1QziJlH5SOzE7h7w1g0A6y2vgsrfW7zY-BSnpU7AmtEprPNMVa34aWwnrUL1F2eCNWEuLDA_sV2zw/s1800/Turkey%20Oreos%20-%20Bruce's%20Candy%20Kitchen.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYYwgJtK-g_HJZW8NmEuzL1cnb6rQJw581RdJh9nGdLS6X-7h7E57tALqvdPnCmJSz1hprzaLbe1RCggM_Q5Em4oUgXeKo_-upmbASz927gh8A1QziJlH5SOzE7h7w1g0A6y2vgsrfW7zY-BSnpU7AmtEprPNMVa34aWwnrUL1F2eCNWEuLDA_sV2zw/s320/Turkey%20Oreos%20-%20Bruce's%20Candy%20Kitchen.jpg" width="256" /></a></div></span></div><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: 10pt;">Photo credit: <a href="https://www.brucescandy.com/">Bruce’s Candy Kitchen</a></i></div>
</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 16pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Chocolate-Covered Oreo<sup>®</sup> Turkey</span></b><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">RCI Member Bruce’s Candy Kitchen of
Cannon Beach, Oregon shares another example of how to transform a chocolate-covered
Oreo<sup>® </sup>into a sweet turkey tom! We especially love the preview of
their festive packaging in the background.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98oBjeCT2hYkvoDNSuuM0gvvA6MIpVk5_oB5YPgCFj8aovr8ka0neQlTPogF0mCuzm_HMjh4pJ4pHvpTvUEXg7MSyfBJPXwK0C3i7NZNGEwH1uHApoa91QMMktKreadBGIwmYTqEBEtQ2e83hQn1Qv6F7ivfAlI_DwRCgrcZ50-XPh9QyGy9MosdNCQ/s500/Turkey-Treats_One%20Little%20Project.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98oBjeCT2hYkvoDNSuuM0gvvA6MIpVk5_oB5YPgCFj8aovr8ka0neQlTPogF0mCuzm_HMjh4pJ4pHvpTvUEXg7MSyfBJPXwK0C3i7NZNGEwH1uHApoa91QMMktKreadBGIwmYTqEBEtQ2e83hQn1Qv6F7ivfAlI_DwRCgrcZ50-XPh9QyGy9MosdNCQ/s320/Turkey-Treats_One%20Little%20Project.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">Photo credit: <a href="https://onelittleproject.com/thanksgiving-treats/">One Little Project</a></span></i></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 16pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Peanut Butter Cup Turkey<br />
</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">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. <a href="https://onelittleproject.com/thanksgiving-treats/">Click here</a> for a
tutorial by One Little Project.</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeaPbYOEPpmvarf-Ydlml769YZzGDJN0WE97HKRMqMMnBL9ksZoMv6q_2xjQXs8VYdxYZWcSm84FcEn7Vt_ZIYv4hzGGLVRCStQ3SdztIwC_DFN3NEgT1U03M4SxpmrJsLifZyB5Ak1_2M2-FW4FYgu1F6-98BcrgNn8yIH_-NWBmZ-UbFt27My0WFFA/s600/pretzel-turkeys_PigSkins%20and%20Pigtails.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeaPbYOEPpmvarf-Ydlml769YZzGDJN0WE97HKRMqMMnBL9ksZoMv6q_2xjQXs8VYdxYZWcSm84FcEn7Vt_ZIYv4hzGGLVRCStQ3SdztIwC_DFN3NEgT1U03M4SxpmrJsLifZyB5Ak1_2M2-FW4FYgu1F6-98BcrgNn8yIH_-NWBmZ-UbFt27My0WFFA/s320/pretzel-turkeys_PigSkins%20and%20Pigtails.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Photo credit:<a href="https://www.frugalcouponliving.com/thanksgiving-turkey-pretzels/"> Frugal
Coupon Living</a></i></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 16pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Pretzel Stick Turkey<br />
</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">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 <i>yes, more candy corn</i>, to your chocolate-covered pretzel sticks
concludes our compilation of gobble-worthy chocolate turkeys.</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">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 <u>big sales opportunity</u>! 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.</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">Crave more?</span></i></b><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/nL5TwXc" target="_blank"><b><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #089694; font-size: 10pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Click here</span></i></b></a></span><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"> 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. </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RetailConfectioners/" target="_blank"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #089694; font-size: 10pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Follow us on Facebook</span></i></a></span><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"> for
even more sweet inspiration.</span></i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">Not a member? </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://retailconfectioners.site-ym.com/general/register_member_type.asp"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #4d469c; font-size: 10pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Click here to learn how RCI can help
you build your sweet business</span></i></a></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #4d469c; font-size: 10pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p>Retail Confectioners Internationalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02380688493755064822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476055465417423298.post-35545779843187731792023-10-24T06:00:00.001-05:002023-10-24T06:00:00.150-05:00Collaborate to Get More Customers for Small Business Saturday<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht1txxlmVMrDPgKI4S-o7cNCHbi8wSiD4MiHAp1KRxKlAW_hve0YJmRcTrXxoAyJMytZIOjnL4NhM49VQ-u1JYYT6Tls_sore9nx5anFDndvQGzdxJyzWB5E0EOqI8f7FjvNJwR5aGEaTLVrt-mSSPLnNZu5N9rPlbk9EiuAU-DybgVQTiuC4LpdmzoQ/s810/Small%20Business%20Saturday%201.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="810" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht1txxlmVMrDPgKI4S-o7cNCHbi8wSiD4MiHAp1KRxKlAW_hve0YJmRcTrXxoAyJMytZIOjnL4NhM49VQ-u1JYYT6Tls_sore9nx5anFDndvQGzdxJyzWB5E0EOqI8f7FjvNJwR5aGEaTLVrt-mSSPLnNZu5N9rPlbk9EiuAU-DybgVQTiuC4LpdmzoQ/w561-h312/Small%20Business%20Saturday%201.png" width="561" /></a></div><p></p><p><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">So, it’s almost November. This means Small Business Saturday is right around the corner!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">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.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">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.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"><b>Cross-Promote Special Offers and
Events<br /></b></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">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.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">Not only will this practice
create great relationships with fellow small businesses (<i>not to mention,
champions for your business</i>), 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.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"><b>Team Up on Traditional Advertising<br /></b></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">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 </span><span class="MsoHyperlink" face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://www.shopify.com/blog/116020101-community-is-at-the-heart-of-one-small-towns-commercial-success"><span style="color: #089694; text-decoration-line: none;">Shopify.com</span></a></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">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.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">If you’re asking yourself “what
other businesses should I be collaborating with?” <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/advice/3/how-do-you-diversify-your-network-find-new-opportunities">Read this
article</a><span class="MsoHyperlink"> on LinkedIn </span>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. <span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/shop-small/howtoparticipate?linknav=us-loy-nav-howtoparticipate"><span style="color: #089694; text-decoration-line: none;">Click here</span></a></span> for
more information about how to get involved.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">Crave more?</span></i></b><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></i><a href="https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/nL5TwXc" target="_blank"><b><i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #089694; font-size: 10pt; text-decoration-line: none;">Click here</span></i></b></a><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"> 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. </span></i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RetailConfectioners/" target="_blank"><i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #089694; font-size: 10pt; text-decoration-line: none;">Follow us on Facebook</span></i></a><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"> for
even more sweet inspiration.</span></i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Not a member? </span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://retailconfectioners.site-ym.com/general/register_member_type.asp"><i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #4d469c; font-size: 10pt; text-decoration-line: none;">Click here to learn how RCI can help
you build your sweet business</span></i></a></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #4d469c; font-size: 10pt;">.</span></i></span>Retail Confectioners Internationalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02380688493755064822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476055465417423298.post-81535592408711535332023-10-17T06:00:00.001-05:002023-10-17T06:00:00.146-05:003 Ways to Maximize Sales with Packaging<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-3iZrDudRKIuoSeiC74gb03Y9I1SaIzhnkkIEMRan-VgwgLh7GUQtwn4RDE_5Egi2zMEYdSgXKyz3vxzM8fAWJgD4T8b8prJc2d4l9ZWLQ3gRQC0Rynt78CFbz_x7KBbUAs_V25DOrhLDZkbqpJhk0qeHiolbUybVQyEElQNF6albUd7q4lVEZmTsOQ/s810/Maximize%20Sales%20with%20Packaging.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="810" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-3iZrDudRKIuoSeiC74gb03Y9I1SaIzhnkkIEMRan-VgwgLh7GUQtwn4RDE_5Egi2zMEYdSgXKyz3vxzM8fAWJgD4T8b8prJc2d4l9ZWLQ3gRQC0Rynt78CFbz_x7KBbUAs_V25DOrhLDZkbqpJhk0qeHiolbUybVQyEElQNF6albUd7q4lVEZmTsOQ/w545-h303/Maximize%20Sales%20with%20Packaging.png" width="545" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 10.05pt; margin-bottom: 4.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">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.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 10.05pt; text-autospace: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter">
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0">
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1">
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2">
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth">
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1">
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2">
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth">
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0">
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight">
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0">
</v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:formulas>
<v:path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f">
<o:lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit">
</o:lock></v:path></v:stroke></v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_1" o:spid="_x0000_i1027" style="height: 69.75pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 104.25pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:/Users/lacey/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.jpg">
</v:imagedata></v:shape></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 10.05pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvOkemXJMq1LU-Xp75qX-o5MEd4M_lWjf1L3chfd4hcz0hDjX5B-lqZ0uTfNhLDRXfV4UqMOnzYiTGu6dfk2LPx7yiuoM_ae2y2FR5FAbThtslZOSn8ZbLKxdJvf-oj9mX4g60BkpHiXeRjtnlfSogHJAl8z7Ft0OgMVH0C7_NLlU796Zs_nasrOOAsA/s1000/Gondola%20-%20Fazio's%20Chocolates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvOkemXJMq1LU-Xp75qX-o5MEd4M_lWjf1L3chfd4hcz0hDjX5B-lqZ0uTfNhLDRXfV4UqMOnzYiTGu6dfk2LPx7yiuoM_ae2y2FR5FAbThtslZOSn8ZbLKxdJvf-oj9mX4g60BkpHiXeRjtnlfSogHJAl8z7Ft0OgMVH0C7_NLlU796Zs_nasrOOAsA/s320/Gondola%20-%20Fazio's%20Chocolates.jpg" width="320" /></a></i></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Fazio’s
Chocolate uses this custom gondola-inspired box to represent the founder’s
Italian heritage.</span></i></div></i><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 10.05pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><b>Pique Interest</b></span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">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.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 10.05pt; margin-bottom: 4.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ba7FEfcvmEcU8jTp1u_JYaIxvJfMi3GLGLP6Tw43VuaJAlnaLSQpAaT3cOMOqlafJq0SuNFVXEsWa35HL-UKomN6AIRO67_R6nBlnQqxeMG_tVCv9g0oRVzx69-r_eRnD4d38FA-r9h50tBQ1Cg5_oiNy2CEbjk7GxrAQ8nb4ryS097pXwy4U4h37w/s400/Peterbrooke%20Gift%20Basket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ba7FEfcvmEcU8jTp1u_JYaIxvJfMi3GLGLP6Tw43VuaJAlnaLSQpAaT3cOMOqlafJq0SuNFVXEsWa35HL-UKomN6AIRO67_R6nBlnQqxeMG_tVCv9g0oRVzx69-r_eRnD4d38FA-r9h50tBQ1Cg5_oiNy2CEbjk7GxrAQ8nb4ryS097pXwy4U4h37w/s320/Peterbrooke%20Gift%20Basket.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 10.05pt; margin-bottom: 4.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_5" o:spid="_x0000_i1026" style="height: 115.5pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 102.75pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:/Users/lacey/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image002.jpg">
</v:imagedata></v:shape></span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 10.05pt; margin-bottom: 4.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">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.</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 10.05pt; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Brand
Recognition</span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;"><br /></span></span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">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.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 10.05pt; margin-bottom: 4.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglP55SUX5ZtGe2FiFbzClfw25c77lQ_YIzdv5WwLWQg_9ggJJK1aI7CighhA-k_q0B-Bc9aX1OPX36eEHsPw10gdZFTOmabH8yMs7EQc_BEWkgPkUMTSlucsyzPFXGSLHjuBLkkJ_O_0VRTbW_frmArB8XO_C4isAd7NmjbB05cNjyevzZ6OoBImeOMQ/s350/Reids_GrandAssortement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="350" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglP55SUX5ZtGe2FiFbzClfw25c77lQ_YIzdv5WwLWQg_9ggJJK1aI7CighhA-k_q0B-Bc9aX1OPX36eEHsPw10gdZFTOmabH8yMs7EQc_BEWkgPkUMTSlucsyzPFXGSLHjuBLkkJ_O_0VRTbW_frmArB8XO_C4isAd7NmjbB05cNjyevzZ6OoBImeOMQ/s320/Reids_GrandAssortement.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_6" o:spid="_x0000_i1025" style="height: 142.5pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 191.25pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:/Users/lacey/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image003.jpg">
</v:imagedata></v:shape></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: 10pt;">Reid Candy & Nut Shop’s strong local ties are evident in their use of
imagery that represents the community they've been a part of since 1971.</i><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 10.05pt; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Emotional
Connection</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">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.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 10.05pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Looking to
level up your packaging? Check out <a href="https://www.retailconfectioners.org/search/custom.asp?id=1459">RCI’s Buyer’s
Guide</a> 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.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Crave more?</span></i></b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/nL5TwXc" target="_blank"><b><i><span style="color: #089694; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Click here</span></i></b></a></span><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> 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. </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RetailConfectioners/" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #089694; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Follow us on Facebook</span></i></a></span><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> for
even more sweet inspiration.</span></i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Not a member? </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://retailconfectioners.site-ym.com/general/register_member_type.asp"><i><span style="color: #4d469c; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Click here to learn how RCI can help
you build your sweet business</span></i></a></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i><span style="color: #4d469c; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p>Retail Confectioners Internationalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02380688493755064822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476055465417423298.post-67656765363706081572023-10-10T06:00:00.006-05:002023-10-10T06:00:00.138-05:00Best of Halloween: Top Halloween Posts from the RCI Blog<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhweG5Mw8iX196ZAtIWcUUSIxtWIQnvKNF7GfLojhocstktipxQ34IC4HIqWh50c3BU30Dc0KjpALFja5Ey8y23p_DQ5GFyyNg6sMc0mNWp1B0hDLDIks56HYg7umqI-8ZaOF1fuRu0dzSvSizrF5ACnXom79TIEtFjq0KlNhQTj5W8UDXl8caPmmaC6g/s810/Best%20of%20Halloween.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="810" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhweG5Mw8iX196ZAtIWcUUSIxtWIQnvKNF7GfLojhocstktipxQ34IC4HIqWh50c3BU30Dc0KjpALFja5Ey8y23p_DQ5GFyyNg6sMc0mNWp1B0hDLDIks56HYg7umqI-8ZaOF1fuRu0dzSvSizrF5ACnXom79TIEtFjq0KlNhQTj5W8UDXl8caPmmaC6g/w561-h312/Best%20of%20Halloween.png" width="561" /></a><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo credits (from left): Bruce's Candy Kitchen, Apple Tree Chocolate, Graham's Chocolates, Hillard's Chocolates</span></i></div><p></p><p><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;">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.</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ZP8__zmpmO-Aa9vRD8xZiePLn04lPQpDw5aaaXMmFZP_bPMzTC2Tro-3SNhORiVByN7eCdpJgmhII4v3EwyX5bDe4ceFV-97HkV9HShdPrM-sl689e27yhzOxVOjiUVx50H1tmizQGIYhjYSaQXCBxcMzIzCR7VnQBhMSaZ_dJY3kIY8Rvb97zrv0w/s509/Halloween%20Apples.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="282" data-original-width="509" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ZP8__zmpmO-Aa9vRD8xZiePLn04lPQpDw5aaaXMmFZP_bPMzTC2Tro-3SNhORiVByN7eCdpJgmhII4v3EwyX5bDe4ceFV-97HkV9HShdPrM-sl689e27yhzOxVOjiUVx50H1tmizQGIYhjYSaQXCBxcMzIzCR7VnQBhMSaZ_dJY3kIY8Rvb97zrv0w/w400-h221/Halloween%20Apples.png" width="400" /></a></div><p></p>
<h3 style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><u><span style="color: #00b0ad;"><a href="https://retailconfectionersinternational.blogspot.com/2020/09/6-ways-to-dress-your-apples-for.html"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" style="color: #00b0ad; font-size: 16.5pt;">6
Ways to Dress Your Apples for Halloween</span></a></span></u><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 16.5pt; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br />
</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; mso-themecolor: text1;">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.</span></h3><div><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 16.5pt; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirki-yqbj8GdJqQ7CfSk85ohp2_4jhvqPvxaIqh8d9g3PL9lB8rT4KR6S0HYqcd8rJd5osdk-rGnkJJ8cRs9Ndrn1_2IjPJBQ1mQcrBdT3XtIrcQvIMhtTZ5U2rZLa-5U7MeXayvv8xQrsL0WuQa6l6PWDqyxLE6qURTJ0GsnvkWN2RNTxlLttgZvWHw/s810/Halloween%20Treats.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="810" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirki-yqbj8GdJqQ7CfSk85ohp2_4jhvqPvxaIqh8d9g3PL9lB8rT4KR6S0HYqcd8rJd5osdk-rGnkJJ8cRs9Ndrn1_2IjPJBQ1mQcrBdT3XtIrcQvIMhtTZ5U2rZLa-5U7MeXayvv8xQrsL0WuQa6l6PWDqyxLE6qURTJ0GsnvkWN2RNTxlLttgZvWHw/w400-h223/Halloween%20Treats.png" width="400" /></a></div></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><u><span style="color: #00b0ad;"><a href="https://retailconfectionersinternational.blogspot.com/2020/09/5-tricks-to-transform-your-existing.html"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" style="color: #00b0ad; font-size: 16.5pt;">5
Tricks to Transform Your Existing Treats for Halloween</span></a></span></u><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 16.5pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><br />
</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></h3><div><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_gsBrNZSTWKjnTwHFyYWim_810PI8B58mQgBol6C22WPWMYEMXfZQ5KOHDAisyFzAk0h43hhTV27064VEkSJd3aeqX54ZbXuwEiujQuEMqdUMjITO0WP4elFsADUsewXxl67TIrZPdHqLtyGVg8DW38oD_1fK1rOz7lKDLCKDHub-2d8DkBP_r2a8AQ/s1640/Smash%20Pumpkins.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1640" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_gsBrNZSTWKjnTwHFyYWim_810PI8B58mQgBol6C22WPWMYEMXfZQ5KOHDAisyFzAk0h43hhTV27064VEkSJd3aeqX54ZbXuwEiujQuEMqdUMjITO0WP4elFsADUsewXxl67TIrZPdHqLtyGVg8DW38oD_1fK1rOz7lKDLCKDHub-2d8DkBP_r2a8AQ/w400-h225/Smash%20Pumpkins.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<h3 style="background: white; margin: 0in;"><u><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" style="color: #00b0ad; font-size: 16.5pt;"><a href="https://retailconfectionersinternational.blogspot.com/2015/10/rewind-to-tip-141-get-smashing-with.html"><span style="color: #00b0ad;">Smash Treats for a Frighteningly Fun Halloween</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></u></h3>
<p><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;">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! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;">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!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">Crave more?</span></i></b><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/nL5TwXc" target="_blank"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #089694; font-size: 10pt;">Click
here</span></i></a></span><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"> 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. </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RetailConfectioners/" target="_blank"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #089694; font-size: 10pt;">Follow us
on Facebook</span></i></a></span><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"> for even more sweet inspiration.</span></i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">Not a member? </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://retailconfectioners.site-ym.com/general/register_member_type.asp"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #4d469c; font-size: 10pt;">Click
here to learn how RCI can help you build your sweet business</span></i></a></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #4d469c; font-size: 10pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p>Retail Confectioners Internationalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02380688493755064822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476055465417423298.post-23810837292309901502023-10-03T06:00:00.010-05:002023-10-03T06:00:00.166-05:00Email Marketing Made Easy with Automation<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4eQlib2_cqPxpJ35_2uDkgfIOh2IQVYko8o8wX-zQpxebztmUAyWvmy97FltA3Q8HUNrIX0tXWiNtO7_A5j_J1-M6vMDejakIaFBSDc6zcfvu3LP2OSETWrE5LLHfgsvyYWg3o72xcXqeqApOi1NltmEsEU3QA2_9ipggOgSslYll06zga_C-JZQEtg/s1640/Email%20Automation.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1640" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4eQlib2_cqPxpJ35_2uDkgfIOh2IQVYko8o8wX-zQpxebztmUAyWvmy97FltA3Q8HUNrIX0tXWiNtO7_A5j_J1-M6vMDejakIaFBSDc6zcfvu3LP2OSETWrE5LLHfgsvyYWg3o72xcXqeqApOi1NltmEsEU3QA2_9ipggOgSslYll06zga_C-JZQEtg/w541-h304/Email%20Automation.png" width="541" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="color: #211d1e; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Imagine
being able to set your email marketing on autopilot.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 10.05pt; margin-bottom: 4.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">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 (<i>available for both free and paid plans</i>) or others. Once the
email(s) are created and perimeters are in place (<i>such as the order or frequency
you decide</i>), 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. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 4.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 10.05pt; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Create an Automated Welcome Email Series</span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;"><br /></span></span></b><span style="color: #211d1e; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">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.</span><span style="color: #211d1e; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 10.05pt; margin-bottom: 4.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #211d1e; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">For
the second email in the series, you should teach readers something. This could
include details about your products (<i>e.g., high-quality ingredients,
small-batch confections</i>) 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.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 10.05pt; margin-bottom: 4.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #211d1e; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">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.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 10.05pt; margin-bottom: 4.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #211d1e; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">What do they want to
know?</span></li><li><span style="color: #211d1e; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">What do they need to
know?</span></li><li><span style="color: #211d1e; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">What are their needs,
problems and challenges?</span></li></ul><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 10.05pt; margin-bottom: 4.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #211d1e; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Answering
these questions will help you to develop communication that nurtures and
engages with prospective and returning customers.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 4.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 10.05pt; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Avoid Time-Sensitive Content</span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;"><br /></span></span></b><span style="color: #211d1e; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">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 (</span><i style="color: #211d1e; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">or take
another action</i><span style="color: #211d1e; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">), 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.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #211d1e; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">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.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Crave more?</span></i></b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/nL5TwXc" target="_blank"><b><i><span style="color: #089694; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Click here</span></i></b></a></span><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> 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. </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RetailConfectioners/" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #089694; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Follow us on Facebook</span></i></a></span><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> for
even more sweet inspiration.</span></i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Not a member? </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://retailconfectioners.site-ym.com/general/register_member_type.asp"><i><span style="color: #4d469c; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Click here to learn how RCI can help
you build your sweet business</span></i></a></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i><span style="color: #4d469c; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p>Retail Confectioners Internationalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02380688493755064822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476055465417423298.post-12891436929780424972023-09-26T05:00:00.002-05:002023-09-26T05:00:00.144-05:00Home Sweet Home: Increase Sales with Housewarming Gifts<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJReiWFLti1aHT3oIdhapMupMibvf7BuIxH99_Di4q6Z3z4QCVU8O_dyGdL3SxaX0jI2kSj8u07Z_j9n17COJ32C-BQ_S1eFpx0EP6JhB3iRVgfJRlmsF7HOUNmevuuPCKxP657R3ZqyCw_Zbj8JB5M41zHypSM96rbIJNu6GNnUSKeedy2PBUc1Hzg/s810/Housewarming%20Gifts.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="810" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJReiWFLti1aHT3oIdhapMupMibvf7BuIxH99_Di4q6Z3z4QCVU8O_dyGdL3SxaX0jI2kSj8u07Z_j9n17COJ32C-BQ_S1eFpx0EP6JhB3iRVgfJRlmsF7HOUNmevuuPCKxP657R3ZqyCw_Zbj8JB5M41zHypSM96rbIJNu6GNnUSKeedy2PBUc1Hzg/w536-h298/Housewarming%20Gifts.png" width="536" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">A thoughtful housewarming
gift can help commemorate the special occasion and make new homeowners feel
more at home. <span style="color: black;">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? </span>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.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter">
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0">
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1">
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2">
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth">
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1">
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2">
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth">
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0">
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight">
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0">
</v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:formulas>
<v:path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f">
<o:lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit">
</o:lock></v:path></v:stroke></v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_1" o:spid="_x0000_i1028" style="height: 180pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 143.25pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:/Users/lacey/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.jpg">
</v:imagedata></v:shape></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA313_ABvDCZN1PEFN_kFtUws9MzBpSoxd32h4Mo1m8HSqKCR9DwQbOybQIE6a7-kl-xXNcZoLLCNG6TUeDPG_XL2lgBow8MIaT1MKik3pf7kQTrCzYQ0CekKQwDP-_zZQRwbhdVLmwqgRl9jxeWvP9kCnshWL-NQYnfvXYE09mdzDY1IzX3MGGNwakQ/s913/Candy%20House%20-%20The%20Chocolate%20Girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-weight: bold; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="913" data-original-width="726" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA313_ABvDCZN1PEFN_kFtUws9MzBpSoxd32h4Mo1m8HSqKCR9DwQbOybQIE6a7-kl-xXNcZoLLCNG6TUeDPG_XL2lgBow8MIaT1MKik3pf7kQTrCzYQ0CekKQwDP-_zZQRwbhdVLmwqgRl9jxeWvP9kCnshWL-NQYnfvXYE09mdzDY1IzX3MGGNwakQ/s320/Candy%20House%20-%20The%20Chocolate%20Girl.jpg" width="254" /></a><br /><i style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Photo credit: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheChocolateGirl.net" target="_blank">The Chocolate Girl</a></span></i></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Candy House Box<br />
</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">This cute wooden box is the perfect
container to <i>house</i> 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.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCc-Q3-CLTcwx4GpjNQ2jjWLXFqI7izVqgg2P3DVj9zB4K_a33Rqtn9KthlRP3vTE55lbTxQ-Y1qQHlrd3hydj0PycZGg-H3W9yKownJXVojPJWSFthaCLEG7bvxik-tYj0TSlzCT3Uyy5f-pGOosY1o-y_4-x9Dyc6nAW1AzxAMiTSRBLnA6yQxCZmA/s441/Welcome%20Home%20-%20Nashville%20Wraps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="355" data-original-width="441" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCc-Q3-CLTcwx4GpjNQ2jjWLXFqI7izVqgg2P3DVj9zB4K_a33Rqtn9KthlRP3vTE55lbTxQ-Y1qQHlrd3hydj0PycZGg-H3W9yKownJXVojPJWSFthaCLEG7bvxik-tYj0TSlzCT3Uyy5f-pGOosY1o-y_4-x9Dyc6nAW1AzxAMiTSRBLnA6yQxCZmA/s320/Welcome%20Home%20-%20Nashville%20Wraps.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><i></i></p><div style="text-align: center;"><i><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Photo credit: <a href="https://www.nashvillewraps.com/boxes/birthday-gift-baskets/p-281/whks">Nashville
Wraps</a></span></i></i></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">
</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjMNpz879k0lOekUu3o4P1ub71s2_-1lnYIfdJSUgi8Fs9PzxBtw1udhlhkdrCB5_G93JcS1beYdLQhBysKzd7uB460WyGvvD3dPhTu-KriOuGR9CL3OCdj-nKDi3YkLAxsoV6xWlys2CWdz7mvtuHCOg4lSyFfqB5Ab63_X44xLnzklldyAdzzsEy4w/s1280/Big_Colorado_Hug__itsonlynaturalgifts%20dot%20com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjMNpz879k0lOekUu3o4P1ub71s2_-1lnYIfdJSUgi8Fs9PzxBtw1udhlhkdrCB5_G93JcS1beYdLQhBysKzd7uB460WyGvvD3dPhTu-KriOuGR9CL3OCdj-nKDi3YkLAxsoV6xWlys2CWdz7mvtuHCOg4lSyFfqB5Ab63_X44xLnzklldyAdzzsEy4w/s320/Big_Colorado_Hug__itsonlynaturalgifts%20dot%20com.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: 10pt;">Photo credit: <a href="https://itsonlynaturalgifts.com/big-colorado-hug-gift-basket/?sku=GT436&utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_campaign=bp-pmax-dines-out&utm_content=&utm_term=&matchtype=&network=x&device=c&gclid=CjwKCAjw38SoBhB6EiwA8EQVLg1IQvJHq4EFsqDrbY3rF0j2KUskZXD-4aaZXmMloJQzhPbku-b36hoC93cQAvD_BwE">It’s
Only Natural Gifts</a></i></div></i><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Big Hug Care Package<br />
</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">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!”</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrgTeMz0MC0FiHmT5I92OuM3K8WqlNklZ5e8G4sNZ3Rxb9naRtLyO-b9O32RT8tqGWbkK1TlmdmoAhwumFU7BIMRNVuTkq3AFmgN_L1DQfMqT2535Lbx1dBCHWzE_12oPITtkE65iWCaoRZ_fVKjLC-WdrUK96l-TNPQeAwlXsnH43QfLoAOVfkgye5g/s1130/Buffett's%20New%20Mexico%20Gift%20Basket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1130" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrgTeMz0MC0FiHmT5I92OuM3K8WqlNklZ5e8G4sNZ3Rxb9naRtLyO-b9O32RT8tqGWbkK1TlmdmoAhwumFU7BIMRNVuTkq3AFmgN_L1DQfMqT2535Lbx1dBCHWzE_12oPITtkE65iWCaoRZ_fVKjLC-WdrUK96l-TNPQeAwlXsnH43QfLoAOVfkgye5g/s320/Buffett's%20New%20Mexico%20Gift%20Basket.jpg" width="283" /></a></div><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: left;">Photo credit: <a href="https://www.buffettscandies.com/">Buffett’s Candies</a></i></div><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><br />
</span><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Best in State</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><br />
Welcome new homeowners to the “neighborhood” with a state-shaped basket filled
with your signature treats and perhaps some unique-to-your-state flavors. RCI member
Buffett’s Candies </span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">sources baskets shaped like their home state of
New Mexico from </span><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="http://www.weavecrafters.com/" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background: white; color: #089694; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">WeaveCrafters</span></a></span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">. This Texas-based company makes handmade baskets
in the shape of all 50 states and are highly recommended by many members.</span>
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">They also make a house-shaped basket. </span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><a href="https://retailconfectionersinternational.blogspot.com/2020/09/best-in-state-sweet-gift-basket-ideas.html">Click
here</a> for a past RCI blog post with more ideas for creating custom gift baskets for your
state. </span><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">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.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">We hope this inspires you to go put the <i>sweet</i> in "home sweet home" with your housewarming gifts!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Crave more?</span></i></b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/nL5TwXc" target="_blank"><b><i><span style="color: #089694; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Click here</span></i></b></a></span><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> 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. </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RetailConfectioners/" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #089694; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Follow us on Facebook</span></i></a></span><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> for
even more sweet inspiration.</span></i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Not a member? </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://retailconfectioners.site-ym.com/general/register_member_type.asp"><i><span style="color: #4d469c; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Click here to learn how RCI can help
you build your sweet business</span></i></a></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i><span style="color: #4d469c; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p>Retail Confectioners Internationalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02380688493755064822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476055465417423298.post-55892915283390431782023-09-19T06:00:00.006-05:002023-09-19T06:00:00.140-05:00How to Make Holographic Chocolate<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguPJNi91YCivpTyt5ozNiOBOCVXFoJH6KOrUeeSRFmj2tP0pbNBHLcNf7v5mVhSMtHOKrCW209dEfTP7TwgOE0jPTEmrA4NWoHZvcdkb65j7fs3_NmdnkpIN5w9rMaVWLEF0ann_UTOAg1OjCR9k5HNfVSHjUZ0N049xud-rVlb1wwx4P6Prx5tCGRRQ/s810/Holographic%20Chocolate.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="810" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguPJNi91YCivpTyt5ozNiOBOCVXFoJH6KOrUeeSRFmj2tP0pbNBHLcNf7v5mVhSMtHOKrCW209dEfTP7TwgOE0jPTEmrA4NWoHZvcdkb65j7fs3_NmdnkpIN5w9rMaVWLEF0ann_UTOAg1OjCR9k5HNfVSHjUZ0N049xud-rVlb1wwx4P6Prx5tCGRRQ/w549-h305/Holographic%20Chocolate.png" width="549" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">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. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">How does it work? <br />
</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">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 (<i>also known as a
gradient sheet</i>), 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 <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Pack-Diffraction-Grating-Double-separate/dp/B07CL2MGXW/ref=sr_1_6?crid=2MK5Q0Q1SHOK6&keywords=diffraction+grating+sheet&qid=1694457139&s=industrial&sprefix=diffraction+grat%2Cindustrial%2C4774&sr=1-6" target="_blank">Amazon</a>.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">How to do it? <br />
</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">There are a few ways to make this
dazzling design. </span><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">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. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">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. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">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. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">How can it be applied? <br />
</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">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!</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Crave more?</span></i></b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/nL5TwXc" target="_blank"><b><i><span style="color: #089694; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Click here</span></i></b></a></span><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> 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. </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RetailConfectioners/" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #089694; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Follow us on Facebook</span></i></a></span><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> for
even more sweet inspiration.</span></i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Not a member? </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://retailconfectioners.site-ym.com/general/register_member_type.asp"><i><span style="color: #4d469c; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Click here to learn how RCI can help
you build your sweet business</span></i></a></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i><span style="color: #4d469c; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p>Retail Confectioners Internationalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02380688493755064822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476055465417423298.post-23233882268373291152023-09-12T06:00:00.001-05:002023-09-12T06:00:00.141-05:00Using QR Codes for Labeling Small Packaging<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_VLynr9Bu-T1hG7CSJFwWtiQVnix38AoDS-jvYzcwx6T8vueNlV31Ba8FoMGI9fgmfd4qn6lFasGh__h6Tn8UAAlT1bYKbr5fHi9a2WD-AiRw8aqrzYyFA5SC-wZTm2BvEKZFsXCP1971BwvaTSY7AS2jCfnQpscgkHi-ZmkNAaMdJFsknMrDN-Lrlg/s810/QR%20Codes.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="810" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_VLynr9Bu-T1hG7CSJFwWtiQVnix38AoDS-jvYzcwx6T8vueNlV31Ba8FoMGI9fgmfd4qn6lFasGh__h6Tn8UAAlT1bYKbr5fHi9a2WD-AiRw8aqrzYyFA5SC-wZTm2BvEKZFsXCP1971BwvaTSY7AS2jCfnQpscgkHi-ZmkNAaMdJFsknMrDN-Lrlg/w546-h304/QR%20Codes.png" width="546" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">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.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">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.</span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Setting up QR Codes are Easy<br />
</span></b></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">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. </span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Trusted QR Code Generators</span></b></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-color-alt: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Canva
| </span></b></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="https://www.canva.com/">Canva</a> offers a
static QR code generator for free and paid users. Customization features are
limited to changing the background and foreground colors.</span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-color-alt: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">QR
Tiger |</span></b></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"> </span></b></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Dietsch
Brothers uses <a href="https://www.qrcode-tiger.com/">QR Tiger</a> 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.</span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">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.</span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Crave more?</span></i></b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/nL5TwXc" target="_blank"><b><i><span style="color: #089694; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Click here</span></i></b></a></span><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> 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. </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RetailConfectioners/" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #089694; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Follow us on Facebook</span></i></a></span><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> for
even more sweet inspiration.</span></i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Not a member? </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://retailconfectioners.site-ym.com/general/register_member_type.asp"><i><span style="color: #4d469c; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Click here to learn how RCI can help
you build your sweet business</span></i></a></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i><span style="color: #4d469c; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p>Retail Confectioners Internationalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02380688493755064822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4476055465417423298.post-30317402779058732162023-09-06T09:40:00.001-05:002023-09-06T09:40:38.886-05:00Apple Cider Infused Treats: Perfect for Fall<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtYpWU2ZK-_QqlqdgFfAKHqI2BIyl-5quqyxSJfyl14RUcr_MQZALsjttAx0FQNzxhfIqVYv8lRiwPR_MxVdYl1Va_K8JAQeGIMAh5jKY5Os_bOgbPZVFTDL4Dpg9iFzBju2kobk4rb5ZO-sJDHdol4jfdzeXrHYTW7Gyy8GtXtZS9Rj5Ed1Xne6w/s810/Apple%20Cider.png" imageanchor="1" style="color: #bb4197; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="810" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtYpWU2ZK-_QqlqdgFfAKHqI2BIyl-5quqyxSJfyl14RUcr_MQZALsjttAx0FQNzxhfIqVYv8lRiwPR_MxVdYl1Va_K8JAQeGIMAh5jKY5Os_bOgbPZVFTDL4Dpg9iFzBju2kobk4rb5ZO-sJDHdol4jfdzeXrHYTW7Gyy8GtXtZS9Rj5Ed1Xne6w/w552-h307/Apple%20Cider.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-radius: 0px; border: 1px solid transparent; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="552" /></a></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">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.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Before apple month draws to a close, we pay homage to the regal apple with apple cider infused confections.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3gy5IVqqTTLZiTTWktfpEoO6Q8Aq0Ly5xeOd0Q0SpHR-nD9UoBPapznmpKb5wcrHBWj7JF3w2eSlu2VShtiLjPi-Rbj-ssyObKJsSsK5jE64zGZD3l8VQiVfmBXhJyC6iNZKFCmehMLSZEchK7jYfztmdllupw4Raxa3Ip9LV4py9QvWkXnmc6vQ/s1200/Candy%20Apples%20-%20This%20Mess%20Is%20Ours.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #089694; font-weight: bold; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3gy5IVqqTTLZiTTWktfpEoO6Q8Aq0Ly5xeOd0Q0SpHR-nD9UoBPapznmpKb5wcrHBWj7JF3w2eSlu2VShtiLjPi-Rbj-ssyObKJsSsK5jE64zGZD3l8VQiVfmBXhJyC6iNZKFCmehMLSZEchK7jYfztmdllupw4Raxa3Ip9LV4py9QvWkXnmc6vQ/s320/Candy%20Apples%20-%20This%20Mess%20Is%20Ours.jpg" style="background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); border-radius: 0px; border: 1px solid transparent; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="213" /></a><br /><i style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Photo: <a href="https://thismessisours.com/cider-spiced-candy-apples/" style="color: #089694; text-decoration-line: none;">This Mess is Ours</a></span></i></div><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">Cider Spiced Candy Apples<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Put a fall spin on your candy apple recipe by adding apple cider to your recipe—or try <a href="https://www.stemilt.com/stem-blog/cider-spiced-candy-apples/" style="color: #089694; text-decoration-line: none;">this recipe</a> on for size. This could also be applied to caramel apples by making an apple cider caramel. Check out this recipe for <a href="https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/recipes/apple-cider-caramels-recipe" style="color: #089694; text-decoration-line: none;">apple cider caramels</a>.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcEFlvPq-Fm0z6QTErRiNEtsNPMoEgaxZhg8I_czM0Puf2bl0Kovpd7DUXAHXcz5LP8WJmSQODARRT_f54GkAxr2zq6IDBb9f1bRy2BO9QRCOYPAYNAz53enp798lfeASX10VSL5ZXZG5Bu_kzfXyE4w4rHTQcYqS7FTaT7zOgFOizSI_koTnd4kY/s1969/Apple-cider-caramel-popcorn-15_Culinary%20Ginger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #089694; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1969" data-original-width="1315" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcEFlvPq-Fm0z6QTErRiNEtsNPMoEgaxZhg8I_czM0Puf2bl0Kovpd7DUXAHXcz5LP8WJmSQODARRT_f54GkAxr2zq6IDBb9f1bRy2BO9QRCOYPAYNAz53enp798lfeASX10VSL5ZXZG5Bu_kzfXyE4w4rHTQcYqS7FTaT7zOgFOizSI_koTnd4kY/s320/Apple-cider-caramel-popcorn-15_Culinary%20Ginger.jpg" style="background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); border-radius: 0px; border: 1px solid transparent; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="214" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: 10pt; text-align: left;">Photo: <a href="https://culinaryginger.com/apple-cider-caramel-popcorn/" style="color: #089694; text-decoration-line: none;">Culinary Ginger</a></i></div><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">Apple Cider Caramel Popcorn</span></b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br />The addition of spiced apple cider brings a welcome depth of flavor to any caramel recipe—including caramel popcorn.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;"><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_8" o:spid="_x0000_i1025" style="height: 128.25pt; visibility: visible; width: 85.5pt;" type="#_x0000_t75"><v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:/Users/lacey/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image003.jpg"></v:imagedata></v:shape></span></b><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzg8z1W-xe0cW17UjQzBTx684LucOrRt0aD6tjBzPy0AGGrNNzRNdn_Ko2NgSGBkT9qKtwJnjmvph0Mop_tOpo4u_W10u-eEK5mk6TT6UiiYd0oQA2K4VKrEvEU7DqeKz0RoDMHTZ0PxJWdW2CwmjaqEXMwRQd1sOUxOYx-W-M8Gu57E2uqdvtk38/s827/Spiced%20Cider%20Fudge%20-%20Dessert%20Now%20Dinner%20Later.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #089694; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="827" data-original-width="550" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzg8z1W-xe0cW17UjQzBTx684LucOrRt0aD6tjBzPy0AGGrNNzRNdn_Ko2NgSGBkT9qKtwJnjmvph0Mop_tOpo4u_W10u-eEK5mk6TT6UiiYd0oQA2K4VKrEvEU7DqeKz0RoDMHTZ0PxJWdW2CwmjaqEXMwRQd1sOUxOYx-W-M8Gu57E2uqdvtk38/s320/Spiced%20Cider%20Fudge%20-%20Dessert%20Now%20Dinner%20Later.jpg" style="background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); border-radius: 0px; border: 1px solid transparent; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="213" /></a></b></div><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Photo: <a href="https://www.dessertnowdinnerlater.com/spiced-cider-fudge/" style="color: #089694; text-decoration-line: none;">Dessert Now Dinner Later</a></span></i></div></span></i><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">Spiced Cider Fudge<br /></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">This easy white chocolate fudge is flavored with apple cider and pieces of toffee for texture.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">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 <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RetailConfectioners" style="color: #089694; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">@retailconfectioners</a>.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Crave more?</span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></i><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://retailconfectionersinternational.blogspot.com/If%20you%20like%20what%20you%20read%20here,%20click%20here%20to%20subscribe%20and%20start%20receiving%20weekly%20tips,%20like%20this,%20delivered%20straight%20to%20your%20email%20inbox." style="color: #089694; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">C</span></i></b></a><a href="https://retailconfectionersinternational.blogspot.com/If%20you%20like%20what%20you%20read%20here,%20click%20here%20to%20subscribe%20and%20start%20receiving%20weekly%20tips,%20like%20this,%20delivered%20straight%20to%20your%20email%20inbox." style="color: #089694; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">lick here</span></i></b></a></span><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> 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. </span></i><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RetailConfectioners/" style="color: #089694; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Follow us on Facebook</span></i></a></span><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> for even more sweet inspiration.</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Not a member? </span></i><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://retailconfectioners.site-ym.com/general/register_member_type.asp" style="color: #089694; text-decoration-line: none;"><i><span style="color: #4d469c; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Click here to learn how RCI can help you build your sweet business</span></i></a></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i><span style="color: #4d469c; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">.</span></i></span></p>Retail Confectioners Internationalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02380688493755064822noreply@blogger.com