The Best of 2021: 5 Most Popular Posts from the RCI Blog

As we bid farewell to another year, we welcome you to join us in remembering the good memories of 2021. As an association, we are so grateful for the opportunities we’ve had to grow closer together, even when apart. And, we’re still celebrating the fact that many of our members and friends were able to physically gather for the 2021 Annual Convention & Industry Expo in Columbus, Ohio this summer! It was so nice to connect with old friends and welcome many new members! We’re already looking forward to another great convention week in Pittsburgh July 25-29, 2022!

In light of focusing on the positives that came from 2021, we’re bringing back RCI’s most-read blog posts from 2021, in case you missed them the first time or could use a refresher.

5. Tips for Building a Signature Trail Mix

With the snacking category experiencing substantial growth in the last two years, offering ready-to-enjoy trail mix is a great opportunity to create everyday snacking options, in addition to your special occasion gift options.

4. Build Your Own Chocolate Charcuterie Boards

One of the biggest breakout trends of 2021 was quite possibly the charcuterie board. Traditionally consisting of cured meats, cheeses and other savory snacks, it’s only natural for those of us with more of a sweet tooth to long for a spread of the chocolate variety.

3. 7 Buying & Inventory Tips for Retail Confectioners

With so many unknowns in our industry involving long lead times, shortages or challenges predicting demand, this post covers seven ways businesses can avoid or at least help mitigate the effects of supply shortages.

2. Dusting Colors: Edible or Not?

Ever wonder if those shimmery and glittering powders are really edible? In this post, we pull back the curtain on what's really safe for consumption and what to look out for when sourcing dusting colors.

1. 3 Expert Packaging Tips to Rule Retail Sales

Want packaging that will help you rule the retail scene? This post shares 3 expert tips to help your brand capture consumer attention and gain more sales.

Even though the challenges experienced in 2021 won’t disappear when the clock strikes midnight, we will celebrate a fresh start with a grateful heart, while leaning on new skills, stronger relationships and hope for a better tomorrow. Wishing you a safe and happy New Year!

Crave more? Click here to subscribe and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices. Follow us on Facebook for even more sweet inspiration.

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

Create One-of-A-Kind Confections with Color

For a fun pop of color and whimsy to liven up your favorite coated confections, try a technique adopted from marbleizing paper. Use either tempered white chocolate or compound coating as your base and add a few drops of oil-soluble color to the top of the white base. The use of 2-3 different colors is recommended to achieve the marbled affect. Gently swirl the colors into the base, but do not overmix as you want to see the various colors. Dip precut pieces of parchment, cookies, truffles, pretzels, etc. into the coating and cool. If you use parchment, once it cools, gently peel away the paper and you are left with a colorful piece of edible art.

Photo credit: Blommer Chocolate Company

This fun and colorful technique can be used to enhance your dipped confections or barks for any holiday or occasion using different color combinations. We recommend recording a video or taking a series of photos to share the process with your social media followers.

Crave more? Click here to subscribe and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices. Follow us on Facebook for even more sweet inspiration.

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

Add Glam to Your Confections with Texture

Do you want to add an impressive finishing touch to your chocolate confections? Add dimension to your confections with the use of texture sheets.

Photo credit: Pastry Chef, Inc.

Texture sheets are made from embossed plastics and can be used over and over again. Designs range from checkerboard patterns, to snake skin, to swirls and everything in between. Full sheets can be cut to any size to suit your needs. They can be used in place of traditional cocoa butter transfer sheets, when used in conjunction with magnetic mould frames. Both sides of the texture sheet can be used to create concave or convex impressions.

Although thicker texture sheets can present a challenge with magnetic mould use, they can be used in other ways too. For example, experiment by painting a full texture sheet with tempered chocolate before adding inclusions, like dried fruit and nuts, to create a unique bark. The textured pattern can be showcased on one side, while the other side reveals the inclusions.

Photo credit: Martellato Chocolate

Another method for utilizing texture sheets involves cutting the sheet into small squares to be placed onto pieces as they exit an enrober. This works similarly to cocoa butter transfer sheets, where the texture sheet side coming into contact with the chocolate will transfer the design as it sets up.

Finally utilize your texture sheets by applying a thin layer of chocolate to texture sheet. Once chocolate has set, use a knife or cookie cutters to create shapes to adorn your confections.

See for yourself by experimenting with texture sheets to add interest and dimension to your confections.

Crave more? Click here to subscribe and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices. Follow us on Facebook for even more sweet inspiration.

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

Generate Sales by Bundling Products

Looking to increase sales and customer satisfaction? Bundling products has proven to be an effective strategy for generating sales. Here’s 3 expert tips for successfully bundling the right products to entice consumers to buy.

Photo credit: Bon Bon’s Candy House

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

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

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

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

Crave more? Click here to subscribe and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices. Follow us on Facebook for even more sweet inspiration.

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