Freeze-dried candy is currently one of the fastest-growing trends and provides a unique opportunity for you to grow a business. High freeze-dried candy market growth is because of their long shelf life and unique taste or flavor, thus giving you the chance to give your customers something different without expiry date problems.
Moreover, in this guide, we’ll discuss in detail the reasons for high freeze-dried candy sales, step-by-step guidelines enabling you to start freeze-dried business, and also the marketing strategies. So, keep reading this blog!
1. Why Start a Freeze-Dried Candy Business?
Do you want to start a business that can be both enjoyable and profitable? If so, then freeze-dried candy is the best option! Let’s dive into the details of why you have to opt for this!
i) Social Media Trend
You must have noticed freeze-dried candies on TikTok and even Instagram. There are thousands of viral posts with hashtag #freezedriedcandy and the tricks of making Skittles puff up to marshmallows.
These social media platforms are popularizing these treats more than ever. When something goes viral, lots of people are bound to purchase it. That just means you can utilize this trend to your advantage and make a profitable business.
ii) Unique texture and taste
Moreover, freeze-dried candies rather than being sticky or chewy transform into something crispy, airy, and even more delicious. The reason is that unlike dehydration, freeze-drying process doesn’t involve heating, which not only helps in making freeze-dried candy crispy but also intensifies the taste and flavor.
People love trying something new so you can offer them the chance to enjoy delicious treats which are different from everything else they’ve had before.
iii) Long Shelf Life
Among the many advantages of freeze-dried candy, its longevity is a standout. Traditional candy becomes stale, may melt, or eventually goes bad. In contrast, freeze-dried candies because of 98-99% moisture removal can remain for a certain period of months, and in some cases, years.
So, there is no concern about throwing away expired products. Be it a store or online seller, there is ample room for stocking up without monetary loss.
iv) Increasing Market Demand
The demand for freeze-dried snacks is growing at an unprecedented rate, with projections expecting this market to double in the coming few years. In 2022, the value of the freeze-dried candy industry was 1.2 billion, and estimates say it will reach 2.5 billion by 2030.
Moreover, the number of people searching Google for “freeze-dried candy” has surged in the past two years which shows a growing interest in it. This indicates that there is potential to get profits in a fresh market that is just starting out and developing.
v) It’s an Easy Business to Start
Apart from all, you don’t need a huge sum to invest in selling freeze-dried candy as compared to other businesses. These goods can be sold online or offline, including local shops, farmer’s markets, or even bigger stores.
2. Can You Sell Freeze-Dried Candy?
Yes, you can sell freeze-dried candy, and there are certain rules that must be followed as it is a food product. So, let us look through the vital steps to ensure selling freeze-dried candies with ease.
i) Get the Right Licenses
You can’t open a food business on a whim, there are permits and licenses needed before opening. Usually, you need a food business license that would enable you to sell candy. Moreover, selling from home requires special permission called a cottage food law which is meant for allowing certain food products made in home kitchens.
Not every region allows home-based food businesses so you should make it a point to check your local policies before moving forward.
- Tip: Make sure to check with the Food safety department within your area. There you would find out what permits you would need.
ii) Follow Health and Safety Rules
When it comes to selling food items, there is a set of hygiene rules that should be followed to ensure safety and prevent compliance. Here is a list of hygiene rules that we recommend you follow:
- Always make sure the workspace and equipment are sanitary.
- Always wash yourself and wear gloves when working with candy.
- Always be sure to store ingredients where they cannot get contaminated.
- Always make sure to package the candy so that it is protected from air and moisture.
Tip: So, I would recommend you enroll in a food safety course to enhance your practices and boost your customer’s trust.
iii) Ensure Proper Labeling of Your Candy
Additionally, your candy packing has to outline crucial information, so your clients understand the product they are consuming. For instance, a label must include the following things;
- Ingredients: Write down all the components of the candy.
- Allergens: Advise customers if the candy has nuts, dairy, or any other allergy-provoking items.
- Expiration Date: Assists buyers in knowing how long they can keep the product without it going bad.
- Nutrition Facts: If it is mandated in your region then details like sugar level and calories may have to be disclosed.
- Business name and contact information: Needed in almost every location for buyers to know where the goods came from.
Tip: You know a nutrition label template can easily be found on the internet and used to make your label.
iv) Check Selling Rules for Your Market
Your selling location also determines the restrictions that you must comply with. Selling in farmers’ markets and local fairs might require the vendor’s permit. Selling in shops or online may need additional permits particularly if you are transporting food items across state borders or even internationally.
However, if you want to sell your product through large merchant companies, it’s likely that their requirement for testing your candy includes a food lab for safety concerns.
- Tip: Before expanding into online sales or retail stores, consider beginning with local sales first.
3. How to Start a Freeze-Dried Candy Business: Step-by-Step Guide
Now, we’ll share with you a detailed guideline enabling you to sell your own freeze-dried candies. So, be with us!
Step 1: Conduct Market Research
Prior to everything, analyze the tastes of the people. So, go through the existing businesses dealing in freeze-dried candy. List the popular flavors and check their selling prices. Now, you should think about who your candy customers are going to be.
Will they be children, gift buyers, snack aficionados, or all of the above? Now that you understand your audience, you can tailor your candy to suit their needs.
- Tip: Try searching social media to identify if there are any trending candies. You can also become part of candy social media pages to gather information on popular flavors.
Step 2: Source or Produce Freeze Dried Candy
Next, you have to think about where you can get the stock. Don’t worry; you have the following options:
- Make it: Buy a freeze-drying machine, and then you can have full control as you choose the flavors you want your candy to have. You’ll also have more creative options.
- Work with a supplier: Look for an existing manufacturer of freeze-dried candy and purchase it from them. This is the best option if you do not want to invest in supply equipment.
If you want to get started quickly without incurring a lot of expenses, then working with a well-established supplier will be ideal. So, look no further than MPS, we provide customized candy manufacturing solutions at affordable prices.
Step 3: Create a Business Plan
It is an outline of the steps you need to take in starting a specific business and increasing the chances of achieving your goals. You should ask the following questions to yourself:
- What will be your bag of candy selling price in the market?
- Which consumer group is willing to purchase the candy?
- Would you prefer online selling, trading at shops, or participating in local events?
Tip: Check with your competitors on the prices to set charges. You want to neither overcharge nor undercharge.
Step 4: Set Up Your Production or Inventory System
If you will be undertaking the production of the candy, it is important that you have freeze-drying equipment for candy and a conducive environment that is clean for the whole process.
A home-based kitchen (saves expensive equipment purchasing expenses) can serve that purpose provided you check the prevailing local food regulations. However, if you want to sell in big stores, you may need a commercial kitchen. Otherwise, you can work with a contract manufacturer.
Step 5: Build Your Brand
This is the most crucial aspect. A memorable brand will define your candy’s position in the market. To do this, consider selecting a branded logo that is appealing and simple because the first impression is the last impression. Moreover, try to use innovative and colorful designs on the containers of the product.
Last but not least, a brand narrative is also equally important. For instance, you have to think: What drove you towards this venture? Or What are the unique features of your candy? A solid brand allows your clients to readily recall the name of your candy and keep coming back for more.
- Tip: Conduct a poll among friends and family members for the logo that excites them the most. You need a logo that causes a buzz around purchasing the candy.
Step 6: Start Selling
If you have done with all the above-mentioned steps, then it’s time to start marketing and selling your candies. Well! There are various ways to do so:
- Internet: Open an online store or use social media and online shopping centers such as Etsy. You can connect with buyers on the other side of the country.
- Wholesale: Sell directly to retailers in your area who will then offer your candies for resale.
- Community: Sell directly to clients at Farmers’ markets, fairs, or local pop-up shops. It’s a great way to sell and create a local following. I would recommend you to experiment with different sales channels to find the most suitable one for your needs.
Tip: Make sure to take excellent pictures of your candy so it appears mouthwatering online! You want your clients to want to devour your sweets at first glance.
4. Marketing Freeze-Dried Candy: Tips for Success
Create a Marketing Plan that Works! To gain more clients towards your freeze-dried candy, having the correct marketing plan is essential. These steps will make it easier for you to gain more customers and expand your business.
Social Media Marketing
Social media will always be the best form of advertising! There are many people who enjoy watching food videos on TikTok and Instagram. You could create short videos showcasing just how light and crunchy your candy is.
Whether it’s smashing a piece, letting it dissolve in your mouth, or taste testing, they will enjoy it!
- Tip: Use hashtags such as #FreezediredCandy and #CandyLover to reach more users out there.
Packaging and Presentation
The design of the candy should be as appealing as the taste! Bright and creative packaging helps in grabbing attention and increases purchases. If you know that you are selling during holidays, try alterations for Christmas, Halloween, or Valentine’s Day. It is perfect for people to give as gifts.
- Tip: Make the wrapper clear so the customers can see the candy.
Collaborations
Other people can help you achieve your goals quickly. You could organize promotional campaigns with local stores to stock your candy or even request influencers to market it. Even micro-influencers generate a sizable amount of clientele!
- Tip: Provide some of your products to them for free and request them to document their experience.
Online Sales Strategies
You must attract visitors to your store when selling online. Having excellent content on your business website increases your Google ranking, which means more people will buy from you. Additionally, sponsored advertisements (PPC) will attract customers almost instantly.
- Tip: Use mouthwatering pictures in your ads to make people click!
5. Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Building a freeze-dried candy business is delightful, but it does come with some challenges. Fret not! Below are some challenges and solutions that can help you grow.
i) Investments in the Initial Phase
Developing your business will require an investment. An initial freeze-drying machine, ingredients, marketing, and other materials will incur a small cost. But don’t let this scare you!
How to cut costs:
- Instead of making the candy yourself, let a supplier do it. You can always start small.
- Identify places where people are letting their freeze-drying machines go.
- Look for bulk pricing for large quantities of ingredients.
By 2030, the global freeze-dried food market is expected to grow over $55.9 billion. This rapid growth will mean higher chances of success for you!
ii) Compliance with Regulations
Selling food automatically means you need to adhere to safety regulations. I have not met a single soul that would want bad candy! Safety certifications, and properly labeled food, are a must.
[What to do]:
- Get a food license, if applicable.
- Engage with local health departments to confirm what the selling rules are.
- Make sure you label everything. Allergen facts, nutrition facts, ingredient lists, everything must be in the proper format.
iii) Creating Awareness
People need to know about your products, even if that means you have the tastiest candy there is. You should never miss out on the opportunity to stand out in an ever-growing fast market.
[What to do]:
- Share entertaining clips on TikTok and Instagram.
- Collaborate with popular influencers who can promote your candy.
- Attend local trade shows where customers can sample your products before purchasing them.
6. How MPS Company Can Support Freeze-Dried Candy Businesses (Subtle B2B Focus)
MPS Company is here to support freeze-dried candy businesses at any stage of their growth journey – from startups to established brands.
Bulk and Wholesale Opportunities: Don’t have time to produce freeze-dried candy? No problem! MPS Company provides quality ready-to-sell candy with no production requirements attached.
Spend your time and energy on selling and marketing while we do the hard work. You’ll love the factory pricing profits, and if you need to ship your order overseas, our export specialists will help you do it easily.
Custom and Private-Label Services: Be recognizable in the market with your own custom flavors, exclusive shapes, and logoed packaging. From bright, fun designs for kids to elegant gift set packaging, we help you create products that best suit your brand.
Equipment Recommendations: Want to try your hand at creating freeze-dried candy? We help our clients select the most suitable freeze-drying machines for their budget and production requirements. Additionally, we offer setup and maintenance tips and tricks so that you are able to achieve the best results while maximizing the lifespan of your equipment.
7. Conclusion
In short, starting a freeze-dried candy enterprise is an ideal venture for anyone looking to have some fun alongside earning. Thus, with the right methods, the business can surely become a success.
You will need excellent products, clever marketing, and basic knowledge of the food-selling guidelines. If you are willing to begin, allow us to help you with our trusted partnership no matter if you require bulk candies, private labeling, or even expert consultation.
MPS Candy as a Chinese candy factory with more than 20 years of candy manufacturing experience, we specialize in supplying all kinds of candy to candy distributors, dealers and candy stores, support OEM/ODM. Together, we can create your ideal business.
Get in touch today if there’s something you require from a reliable candy supplier, or if you wish to discuss custom options as the journey to success begins here.
