American Chocolate Week (March 16-22) is the perfect time
for candy makers and chocolatiers to showcase delicious creations, attract new
customers, and boost sales. Here are five creative ways to make the most of
this sweet celebration.
Photo credit: Bon
Appétit
Offer Limited-Edition
Flavors
People love trying something new, especially when it’s only
available for a short time. Create a special chocolate collection just for
American Chocolate Week. Try unique flavors like breakfast
cereal themed sweets, unusual
chocolate-covered treats (think chocolate-covered Cheetos®, hey-oh!)
or ask your social media followers to submit ideas they’d like you to try.
Limited-time offers create excitement and urgency, encouraging customers to buy
before they’re gone! Why does this work? Check
out this blog post.
|
|
|
Photo credit: Wilmar
Chocolates |
Create Interactive
Experiences
Create an interactive experience for customers in the form of a unique tour
of your candy kitchen, a class on the origin of chocolate or a hands-on
chocolate making class. Any of these options are sure to give your customers a
greater understanding and respect for your products. Wilmar Chocolates invites
chocolate lovers to work with expert “baristas” to create their own custom
chocolate bars.
Chocolate
to Keep. Chocolate to Share.
If you find that your customers are more often buying
chocolate for someone else, remind them to enjoy American Chocolate Week
themselves too. Offer shoppers a “Buy One, Get One” deal, bundle discounts, or
a free chocolate sample with every purchase as a way to encourage them to buy
chocolate to keep as well as to share.
Partner
with Local Businesses
Team up with coffee shops, bakeries, or wine stores to
create delicious pairings. For example, a local café could sell your chocolates
alongside their specialty lattes, or a winery could host a chocolate
and wine pairing night. Cross-promotions introduce your chocolates to new
customers and strengthen community ties. Click
here for more inspiration.
Go Big on
Social Media
Use Instagram, Facebook and TikTok to showcase your
chocolates and engage with customers. Post behind-the-scenes videos, share fun
chocolate facts and run a contest where customers tag your business in their
chocolate-themed posts. Encourage followers to vote on new flavors or guess
mystery ingredients for a chance to win a sweet prize.
American Chocolate Week is a golden opportunity for candy
makers and chocolatiers to boost sales and attract new customers. By offering
exclusive flavors, hosting tastings, running promotions, partnering with
businesses and leveraging social media, you can make the week a sweet success!
Get notified
when registration opens for the industry’s sweetest candy convention! Make plans to attend RCI’s Annual
Convention & Industry Expo, scheduled for June 16-19, 2025, at the
Northern Kentucky Convention Center in Covington, Kentucky—across the river
from downtown Cincinnati. Connect with fellow industry professionals and
grow your business through impactful education, tours and collaboration.
Explore what's new in the confectionery industry and take away effective
business and production strategies. Sign
up to get notified when registration opens for this event to
secure the best rates!
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.