The PPAI Expo might be considered a three-course meal, and Tuesday’s opening is merely the appetizer for more to come on Wednesday and Thursday.
But, in the words of acclaimed pastry chef Jacques Torres, “Life is short. Eat dessert first.”
Not only are attendees getting their first taste of what The PPAI Expo has to offer on Tuesday, but they also have the chance to sample the many sweet and chocolatey treats available from food suppliers on the show floor.
Batch & Bodega—a brand owned by Braintree, Massachusetts, supplier HPG—is debuting its newest and perhaps its sweetest line yet, SugarSpot. Launching officially on February 1, SugarSpot will feature more than 20 kinds of premium, packaged candy, from Apple Pie Almond Bites to Campfire S’more Bites, in three sizes. Also sweet about SugarSpot are its highly customizable label and giftbox options, low minimum order quantities and no setup fees.
“We’ve been working behind the scenes with some of the best candymakers in the country to bring SugarSpot to life,” says Jason Lucash, chief development officer of HPG. “In developing the brand, it was important to us to find unique flavors made with the highest-quality ingredients. This isn’t just dime-store candy, and we chose our assortment very carefully. There’s something for everyone in the SugarSpot lineup and we can’t wait to see how everyone reacts to what we’ve come up with.”
Throughout the show, attendees at The PPAI Expo are encouraged to visit the HPG booth 2219 to sample a taste of the SugarSpot brand prior to its official launch date.
HPG / PPAI 110772, S11 / www.hubpen.com
Also stirring up recipients’ sweet tooth is the delectable selection from Salt Lake City, Utah, supplier Sir Walt Candy. The family-owned candy company offers boxes of freshly made chocolates, nuts and brittles, and gourmet popcorn. The Pecan Turtles, shown below, are made from fresh pecans, which are covered in creamy caramel and covered with smooth, silky chocolate. See how scrumptious they really are by checking out booth 5414.
Sir Walt Candy / PPAI 563401, S1 / www.sirwaltcandy.com
Looking for something salty and sweet? Chocolate sea salt caramels are waiting to be devoured in the Maple Ridge Farms booth 3942. These caramel delights blend together rich flavors with a sprinkling of sea salt to top it off. Delicious and memorable, try one before they’re all gone.
Maple Ridge Farms / PPAI 114165, S8 / www.mapleridge.com
The Fireside Favorites Mailer Kit shows appreciation by bringing the fun to recipients’ doorsteps. A collection of bestselling items from Hicksville, New York-based NC Custom, it features a Make Your Own S’mores Kit and two Hot Chocolate Bombs. It comes packaged in a custom mailer box, which features an outside sticker that says, “You’re Appreciated S’more Than You Know!” and a customizable inside label. See all the details up close at booth 2926.
NC Custom / PPAI 111622, S7 / www.nccustom.com
