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Want to instantly create a chic, modern vibe? Think monochromatic. Retailers and event planners are taking a cue from the latest fashion trends, using a single hue to set the modern mood and make products pop (PartySlate.com)! Not only does monochromatic present the opportunity to showcase a large amount of product, it creates a dramatic social media photo op too (Commercial Cutting)!

But not any hue will do. Read on for some of the most popular monochromatic themes and how to incorporate them into your retail space or next event.

As the sunny days of the warmer months stretch on well into fall, the high temperatures might make customers second guess that chocolate bar purchase.

The best warm weather bet for sweet treats? Gummies!

Gummies really stand up to the heat (see below for the science behind it).

Few people can resist the allure of delicious, brightly colored, uniquely shaped gummy candy. It’s a versatile year-round treat that can be shaped and colored into virtually anything you can dream up. Whether your customers prefer a soft chew, a longer-lasting chew or even an ‘elastic’ experience (as in Haribo Gold-Bears), the science behind the satisfying treat is basically the same – low-boiled sweets with a gelling agent (hydrocolloid).

Read on to discover more sweet science about each type of gummy and reasons to carry these top sellers. We’ve even rated them on their “meltability” factor (yes, we made up that phrase, but the science is real). A “Five Gummy Bear” rating = melts easily. A “Zero Gummy Bear” rating = really stands up to heat.

While the official “holidays” might not take place until December 25 – let’s face it. Once December 1 hits we want to get our party on!

And we’re always looking for ways to top last year’s fun. That’s why this year we’re making things extra special by adding December’s Food Holidays to our festivities.

Whether it’s a weekday party with coworkers or a weekend party with family and friends, there are fun foods to be celebrating all month long.

Watch out chocolate! Gummies are closer to catching up to the top dog in the candy scene more than ever. Non-chocolate sales (which gummies are a part of) totaled $15.4 Billion last year – up 13.4% (National Confectioners Association). Manufacturers are hearing our call and increasing their gummy offerings!

Among this newness, we’re seeing some trends emerge. Below are the ones you just have to try.

Home baking continues to heat up, with 2020 baking ingredient sales totaling $26.5 billion, and shows like “The Great British Baking Show” are topping everyone’s watch list (Prepared Foods). Inspired by baking shows, or simply more time at home, consumers want to up their baking game. So much so, they’re purchasing baking kits from some major players like cupcake bakery, Sprinkles, and celebrity baker Duff Goldman (Bake Magazine). But kitting shouldn’t be reserved for major chains. Baking kits are a terrific (and easy) way to get creative with your bulk candy assortment and increase sales post holidays, or any time of year.

No expert baker on staff? No problem! It doesn’t take much to transform cupcakes from plain Jane to social media sensation. See our fun suggestions to get those creative juices ‘doughing’.