CATEGORY LEADERSHIP AWARDS FUDGE

Leading fudge producers know the consumer appeal of a small-scale, homemade recipe and ensure their foundational branding spotlights their modest and nostalgia-sparking origin stories. But companies like Northern Confections and Country Fresh Food & Confections also aren’t stuck in the past, keeping up with flavor and diet trends as well as manufacturing technologies to ensure they have choices for today’s modern consumer who adhere to a variety of diets. Their roots are important, however, and these fudge makers keep their communities and retailer partners close to the heart when developing product expansions and/or outreach opportunities such as fundraising.

Ed Stockton, Owner of Country Fresh Foods & Confections, shared on the company website: “My wife Pamela and I started Country Fresh Fudge in 1989, next to the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, in the small Tennessee town of Oliver Springs. At that time, we owned two convenience stores and delis where we made and sold fudge to our customers. We were constantly told that our fudge was much better than the other fudges people had tried in Gatlinburg, TN.”

Since then, Country Fresh Food & Confections has grown and evolved its product offerings to include sugar-free, keto-friendly flavors as well as retail options that cater to a variety of needs including fudge mixes, variety packs and even private label. Stockton continued, “We have strived to create the perfect fudge, changing our recipes numerous times until they were perfect, and to this day as technology changes so do we. We are a company built on values and a reputation that honesty before profit is always the way to go. These are values I learned as a child working in my mother's bakery. I learned that the customer is what you're here for. If it's not right to them, then it just isn't right.”

Up in Michigan, Devon’s Mackinac Island Fudge, which is part of Northern Confections, got its start a few years later. “Devon’s Mackinac Island Fudge has been manufacturing the area’s finest fudge and confections for more than 25 years. Opening our first retail location in Mackinaw City in 1997, we have been fortunate to launch the distribution of products nationwide in 2011, making it possible for everyone to enjoy our delicious fudge and confections in every state. Our goal is to bring delicious Mackinac Island Fudge and Confections to everyone,” according to the company.

Devon’s makes frequent appearances on gift ideas lists celebrating uniquely Michigan products; the company also manufactures assorted candies and saltwater taffy, and according to local ABC news affiliate WZZM-13, it produces more than 250,000 pounds of fudge yearly. Devon’s only began national distribution of its production in 2011 but keeps its manufacturing local. According to WZZM-13, the company has opted for only using ingredients from suppliers within the state of Michigan due to the company understanding the value of supporting local small businesses.

It’s also supporting local communities by offering various fundraising options making use of its confections. The company website explained: “Devon’s Mackinac Island Fudge is a family-owned and operated business that fosters an environment of community. At work we all strive to produce, package and ship the best products and outside of work to be involved members in our communities. Being a part of our local communities is important to us and we try to be involved with as many local events as possible.”

Devon’s further enhanced its local infrastructure in 2020 when it purchased a production facility in Saint Ignace, MI, to support increased production and distribution. “With a staff of more than 40 employees, we are now more equipped than ever before to meet the needs of our customers. We will continue to put our customers first in everything we do,” according to its website.

Community was also instrumental in Country Fresh Food & Confections’ longevity. Stockton explained on the company website that a fire in November 2003 destroyed everything except for a file server and one forklift. “However, we knew that this time of year was the busiest time for not only us but for our customers. So, we felt obligated to hurry back into production. On Dec. 1, 2003 the first batches of fudge were put into production. Without our loyal customers, dedicated employees, understanding vendors and our community, we surely would have faltered,” he wrote.

Leadership Awards