Page 12 - Small Business

We’re tired of this winter vortex. Let’s turn our thoughts to warmer weather, pastels, flowers, and the holiday that’s the Spring-board for the Spring season — Easter! Time to get egg-cited for baskets overflowing with sweet snacks. According the National Confectioner’s Association, 90% of Americans plan to include chocolate or candy in their Easter Baskets. We all know the Easter candy classics every-bunny loves, but do you know how they became a part of Easter tradition?

We decided to do some hunting for the traditions behind these nostalgic Easter basket staples and here’s what we found. Let’s hop to it!

The suspect list for the popular song ‘who stole the cookies from the cookie jar’ is growing. The craving for comfort drove demand for cookies. A recent survey by Top Data revealed that 95% of Americans admit to having at least 1 cookie per month.

We took a closer look at the recipe to discover what’s in the mix and here’s how it all baked up.

Cookie sales statistics, cookie eating statistics, Cookie infographic, cookie facts, cookie cravings, customer cookie cravings, cookies,

Nowadays tourists and locals visit Farm Stands and Farmers Markets not only to satisfy their lust for local produce, dairy, eggs, and homemade goodies, they are eager for an experience. Candy displays bring on the smiles and offer customers a memorable adventure with bushels of old-fashioned fun. Plus candy and nostalgic brands can help grow your business, all while helping you stand out in your field.

Creating a cream of the crop candy display doesn’t require a big investment, or a degree in design. Just a little imagination and some tasty treats and you’ll be creating a-maize-ing displays in no time.

All puns aside, (kidding we love puns) plow on to read 4 tips to spark your imagination and turnip the volume on creativity.

As we put 2020 behind us and enter 2021, one of the top food trends isn’t a particular flavor or regional cuisine according to BakeryandSnacks.com but rather, the story behind the flavors and regional cuisines. Customers are interested in food products for more than the tastes and textures — they want to buy into a brand and the story. Stay-home orders and changes to the retail climate strengthened consumer’s desire to do business with companies that are investing in positive initiatives to help communities and employees, according to the US Chamber of Commerce.

Feeling lost in predictions of the on-trend foods and hottest new flavors for 2021? We’ve done the work for you, combing data from industry leaders like Whole Foods, and the Specialty Food Association, and McCormick, for foods and flavors your customers will want to savor.

Here are the top picks:

The holiday season is in full swing and, this year, celebrations look a little different. According to data intelligence and custom market research firm, Morning Consult, 74% of Americans say that their holiday get togethers will be downsized this year. A smaller gathering doesn’t necessarily mean less fun. Help your customers create the holiday excitement they are pining for by suggesting holiday candy traditions from around the world. It’s a great way to sweeten this year’s celebrations, and maybe create some new traditions.

Candy is an affordable way to make a big bang. Since 60% of Americans say they will not be traveling this holiday season, according to Travelocity, adding some international flare can help satisfy customers’ jet-setting spirit. Sit back, relax, and get ready for virtual take off as we travel around the world to experience some of the sweetest holiday traditions.

Sweden – It’s a Marshmallow World in the Winter