Mining the Best Candy Store Finds for Customers

By Karen Appold

The summer season triggers sales of certain classic candies plus some new additions. At Old Port

Candy in Portland, Maine, Owner Anna Largay said taffy, chocolate-covered blueberries, and gummy lobsters are all the rage in the warmer months. “Taffy is traditional seaside fare in Maine,” she said. “The chocolate-covered blueberries are a treat, as they are made locally with Maine blueberries. And the gummy lobsters are just fun. Everyone wants lobster when they come to Maine.”

For Dawn Gildersleeve , the general manager of Cherry Republic’s shop in Traverse City, Mich., chocolate-covered cherries are the top-selling candy throughout the year. In summertime, they are especially popular, particularly ruby red sour cherry patches, sour twin cherry gummies, cherry licorice bites, imperial malted milk balls, and iced imperial pretzels. “These candies are a hit with all age groups, but kids on summer vacation really love them,” she said. “They are offered at a lower price point than our chocolates and hold up better during the hot summer months for those who are traveling.”

In May and June, Brenda Casabona , co-owner, DeFluri’s Fine Chocolates, Martinsburg, W.V., said the best sellers are gift boxes of truffles and assorted chocolates that are themed for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, graduation, and as a “thank you” to teachers. “They are popular because the packaging is specifically themed for the occasion,” she said. For example, boxes say “Happy Mother’s Day” or “thank you” along with apple motifs inscribed on boxes.

Casabona said her summer sales tend to be non-chocolate items such as gummy candies or small chocolate boxes for an occasional birthday or thank-you gift.

Quality chocolate sales fall off in the summer because it’s hot and chocolate melts, Casabona said. Before the advent of air conditioning, many chocolatiers in