For seasonal business, starting off the season strong is the main goal. You only have a few months to collect most of the year’s revenue so every sale counts. The right assortment can play a major factor in success. 

You need to hit that balance of tried-and-true classics along with the latest innovations. 

What are the items that make this list you might ask? We asked our team and gathered the best categories that have shown success for summer businesses.

Nostalgic Favorites

Vacation is all about trying to relax and unwind. One way to do that – thinking of simpler times and childhood memories. Nothing helps spark those feelings of nostalgia better than old-fashioned candies.

A nostalgic summertime favorite that never gets old is salt water taffy like Taffy Town. When you hear “salt water taffy,” it instantly brings up visions of the Atlantic City New Jersey Boardwalk where it was first introduced. Taffy typically comes individually wrapped and is heat resistant. Perfect for easy upkeep during peak season.

While it might scream nostalgia, salt water taffy stays modern through the release of trending flavors. Some of the flavors new to Taffy Town this year include Dirty Soda, a unique blend of cola, coconut and lime flavors, as well as the unexpected flavor of butter.

Summertime is also a time for carnivals. So, bring those feelings of visiting Carnivals to your business with the iconic treat, Whirly Pop.

Every large pop sports a bold, vibrant color that consumers are instantly drawn to. And they have all the flavors of summer like strawberry, blueberry, and lime.

Giant Anything

Travel can have people looking for adventure and excitement. That’s where giant candies can be a way to stand out from the competition. 

A hot new item for this season that is sure to get attention is the Clever Candy® Comet Crusher — the world’s largest jawbreaker.

The Comet Crusher is a whole new twist on a candy classic, the jawbreaker. Measuring 4 inches in size (it’s about the size of a baseball), you can’t help but notice it. The fun space-themed packaging makes the Comet Crusher double as a treat AND souvenir.

Another way to go big is with Giant Gummies. These can range in size from a Giant 5-pound Bear down to smaller options that one person can tackle.

Giant gummy food and aquatic animals are a great option for seasonal businesses as they encapsulate summer. Like cookout favorites a Gummy Hot Dog, Burger or Watermelon. Giant Gummy Sharks and Gators make great souvenir gifts.

Packaging for giant gummies ranges from a peggable blister pack to countertop candy displays. This offers multiple ways to merchandise.

Specialty Sodas

No matter where they travel, if it’s summer, it’s going to be hot. Specialty Sodas further establish your business as a must-see destination by offering unique refreshments.

Sodas featuring recognizable characters and brands draw customers in with their recognizable imagery. Like Breaking Bad Los Pollos Hermano Horchata Soda featuring imagery from the popular TV series, Breaking Bad.

Jones Soda is already known for unique flavors. But when it teams up with hit video game and TV show Fallout, for its Nuka Cola Quantum it really attracts attention. 

Soda inspired by a candy brand, like Toxic Waste Sodas creates a dramatic display when paired with candy from that brand. 

You can also bring a touch of nostalgia through nostalgic brands too. A nostalgic brand that’s had a lot of success is Brownie Caramel Root Beer Soda. The caramel flavor is a favorite and the retro-style label creates instant old-time charm.

Another great nostalgic brand is Dublin Bottling Works. Their Founder’s Recipe Cola mixes cola and stone fruit flavors. It feels like a better version of the Dr. Soda favorite.

Customers tend to get adventurous with their soda selections as they can be shared. So, sodas are a great way to bring in unique flavors. Like trending pickle and spice profiles with Lester’s Fixins Spicy Pickle Soda. 

A big part of travel today is posting to social media. So Sangria Ramune Soda from Japan will give them a fun interactive experience to share. Each bottle has a marble stopper that makes a signature clink when it’s pushed in. 

Sometimes unique is in the name and packaging like Avery’s Sodas. This line gets attention for its unique soda names. Like Kitty Piddle and Unicorn Yack. And unique flavor combinations like orange pineapple and raspberry orange cream.

Playful Seaside & Summery Shapes

Today’s consumers value experiences over everything. That’s why self-serve bulk candy bins are very popular for seasonal business as they give guests that signature experience they’re seeking. The best way draw attention to your bulk candy bins is with fun and unique shapes.

For seaside or lake-side destinations, aquatic themed candies help guests bring the coastal fun home with them. An item that has been a seasonal bestseller year after year has been the Clever Candy® Killer Sharks. The large size and fun shark shape is unforgettable.

Other aquatic themed Clever Candy gummies that are crowd pleasers are Clever Candy Gummy Gators and Filled Whales.

If you’re in a destination spot where hiking is popular, then consider Clever Candy Sour Gummy Kicks. The playful sneaker shape is a nod to the number of miles clocked on the trails, while sour flavors are always a favorite.

Pressed candy is another great option for seasonal businesses. The candies themselves are heat-resistant and come in a bunch of fun summery shapes like bananas, strawberries and more found in Clever Candy Fruitz.

Novelties

Vacation is also a time to get playful. That’s why novelty candy is a must for any seasonal assortment.

That can mean items that dispense candy in fun and playful ways. Like foam that lands on the tongue with Mouth Foamer Sour Candy Spray. Or the latest edition from social media favorite, Juicy Drop, that has a pen dispenser that dispenses sour candy gel.

Novelties are another way to bring in brands and characters customers recognize. Candies featuring frozen drink brand, ICEE, and ice cream brand Dippin’ Dots bring a cool vibe. 

SpongeBob SquarePants is a license that consistently does well in the summer months. Not only is he instantly recognizable, his Krabby Patties gummies have a following. And packaging that features pineapples and other tropical items keeping the vacation vibes going!

A new addition for the SpongeBob License this year is Krabby Patties Minis Surprise. This features bites-size versions of the popular Krabby Pattie Gummies along with a mystery toy of a popular SpongeBob SquarePants character.

Make sure you’re ready for the summer season. Uncover the top candy for the summer season from leading candy shop and wholesale gift shop supplier, Nassau Candy.