Attend RCI Expo for Great Deals from Suppliers

RCI’s Annual Convention & Industry Expo is right around the corner! If you haven’t done so already, there's still time to join RCI in Buffalo, New York June 17-21, 2024! Click here to see who’s exhibiting by viewing the expo floor plan which includes exhibitor company descriptions and contact information. 

Get the 2-Day Expo Ticket for only $5 with the promo code "RCIHigh5" (regularly $10 in advance or $25 onsite--as always, RCI members get into the Industry Expo for free). Visit retailconfectioners.org/annual for more information and to register to attend.

Not only are industry trade shows a great opportunity to see new product innovations and connect with suppliers and fellow confectioners, but you can also save money on items such as packaging, equipment and ingredients. Many exhibitors will provide show specials just for those who take advantage of placing orders while at the show. Click here to download a printable list of show specials.

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

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

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

Candy Hack: A Simple Solution to Spread Brittle More Evenly

  

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

 

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

Want more tips like this? Attend RCI’s 2024 Annual Convention & Industry Expo to meet industry suppliers and candy makers! Register now and join us in Buffalo, New York June 17-21, 2024!

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

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

5 Secret Weapons for Selling Chocolate at Outdoor Events

Looking to reach hundreds or thousands of potential new customers?

Selling your confections at outdoor events could be the answer. Even on the busiest days, it would be difficult for most candy shops to compete with the opportunity to reach hundreds or thousands of people in attendance at even a single outdoor market or festival. These events provide an opportunity to introduce your products and brand to a new audience, potentially converting them into loyal patrons. Moreover, participation in events can foster valuable relationships with fellow vendors, opening doors to collaborations, supply partnerships and wholesale opportunities.

While selling at farmers markets and festivals certainly have their benefits, they can be overlooked for the myriad of challenges that seemingly outweigh the potential rewards. Keep reading to arm yourself with 5 secret weapons for selling chocolate at outdoor events.

Secret Weapon #1: A Cooler

Even in 90-degree weather, it’s possible to sell chocolate at outdoor events with a cooler and frozen gel packs. Additionally, the use of thermal bubble wrap will help extend the life of the ice packs and provide a barrier between chocolate and ice packs to prevent sugar bloom. Additionally, on hot days consider offering to store chocolate purchases in a cooler until customers are ready to leave the event.

Secret Weapon #2: Chocolate Menu

Display a menu of chocolate confections for sale so shoppers know what’s available even if it’s not on display. Consider offering a limited number of products on rotation at events. This not only simplifies the purchasing process for customers, but it can also drive foot traffic to your retail shop.

Secret Weapon #3: Heat-Resistant Treats

With chocolate items safely stored in a cooler, you will need items for display. Consider treats that will withstand warmer weather such as brittle, crispy rice bars, hard candy, pâte de fruits and marshmallows.

Secret Weapon #4: Table Risers

Elevate your table to counter height by adding four 12-inch pieces of PVC pipe to the table legs. Table legs must be angled for this to work, but even if you need to purchase a new table it may be worth the investment. Adding risers will bring your table to a more comfortable height, saving your back from bending over. Elevating your table also brings everything closer to shoppers’ eyes and makes it more difficult for unruly dogs to jump on the table.

Secret Weapon #5: Facebook Live

Leveraging live streaming platforms such as Facebook Live allows for real-time interaction with followers, effectively driving attendance to events.

We hope these tools help you navigate the challenges that come with selling your products at outdoor events with confidence. By embracing opportunities to sell your products at outdoor events, your business can maximize its presence and profitability in this lucrative market segment.

Want more insight like this? Attend RCI’s 2024 Annual Convention & Industry Expo to meet industry suppliers and candy makers! Register now and join us in Buffalo, New York June 17-21, 2024!

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

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