As high school graduation season approaches, candy makers
have an opportunity to tap into a growing trend: family and friends gifting
college-themed treats to celebrate graduates' next big step. Elevate your
graduation offerings with festive, school-color-inspired confections that make
a statement. Here’s how you can incorporate these ideas into your product
lineup.
Candy
Cups
Create a memorable keepsake by packaging your signature
sweets in a licensed travel cup or mug. RCI member, Marie’s Candies, fills university-branded
mugs with assorted chocolates. Chocolate-covered espresso beans are another
idea for an energizing treat for incoming freshmen.
Gummy
Candy Jars
Fill glass mason jars or reusable containers with layers of
gummies, jelly beans or other colored candies in school colors. These vibrant treats
can be customized with color combinations to match the college spirit. Consider
mix-and-match options where parents can choose a variety of candies in their
child's college hues.
Chocolate-Covered
Cookies
Decorate chocolate-covered sandwich cookies with colored
sprinkles to match school themes. These eye-catching treats can be arranged on
candy boards or boxed for gifting.
Colored
Popcorn
White chocolate popcorn drizzled with school colors adds a
sweet and salty crunch to graduation celebrations. Offer variety by using
flavored white chocolate—such as blueberry and lemon—to naturally achieve
school color themes. School-themed popcorn can double as a fun snack for dorm
rooms and tailgate parties.
Sprinkle
Letters and Candy Boards
Spell out celebratory messages like “Congrats” or the
graduate’s initials using chocolate letters adorned with sprinkle mixes that
match college colors. These can be packaged as stand-alone gifts or used as
toppers for cakes and candy boards.
Licensing
Considerations
If you plan to use official college logos or mascots, be
aware of trademark regulations. RCI member Anthony-Thomas Candy Company, for example, is
officially licensed by Ohio State University, allowing them to create branded
confections. Depending on your market, obtaining a license with a local
university could be a great way to boost sales from students, alumni and fans who
want to show off their school spirit.
Many colleges offer licensing programs that allow businesses
to feature official branding on their products, which can greatly enhance
credibility and appeal. Unauthorized use of logos can lead to legal issues, so
contact the college's licensing department to obtain the necessary permissions.
By offering college-themed treats, you can create customized
treats while also increasing your sales during graduation season. With a little
creativity, your business can be the go-to destination for graduation sweets
this spring!
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