If you are packaging gifts that are both memorable and delicious, look no further than a box of chocolates. Here, we look to five-time San Francisco Chocolate Salon Award winners, Cadence Chocolates for decadent candy packaging tips and inspiration.
A Little Bit About Cadence Chocolates
Cadence Chocolates is an artisanal chocolate company who creates delicious and incredibly beautiful bonbons. Owner and Chocolatier, Melissa Santos tells her story best –
“I’ve always loved dessert, ever since I was a kid. It started with baking things out of a box for piano recitals and grew from there. I never considered pastry as a profession until after I got a biology degree in Washington state and had traveled to Southeast Asia. After bouncing around for a year and a half, I decided to stay in Singapore and that’s when I was encouraged to pursue baking. A friend did the logo for 2am:dessertbar and got me a 3-month stage (kitchen internship). It was incredibly challenging, given I had no professional kitchen background. After that, I moved on to a year with the pastry team at Iggy’s, headed by Andres Lara. Our 4-person team was amazing and Andres is such a skilled chef and mentor.
Singapore introduced me to making bonbons. Even after returning to the States and working at Coi and Commis in the Bay Area, chocolate continued to be part of my side work in pastry. I loved how methodical it was, how every step mattered and built on the previous one. How you could use the same shape and have something painted and tasting completely different. It’s artistry and science combined.”
We are happy to help provide Cadence Chocolates with beautiful and simple candy packaging that aligns with their brand story. Based on their small batch, “savor promptly” mindset, we were inspired to put together a few candy packaging tips for you and your business. Enjoy!
Tip 1: Share What You Know & Love
“I’ve always loved dessert, ever since I was a kid. It started with baking things out of a box for piano recitals and grew from there.”
When looking to create memories and meaningful connections, consider what drives you and share it with your customers. Whether it’s an extravagant sweets recipe that you’ve perfected or a simple bar of chocolate, the best gift is one that is personal. Remind your customers that with each package, they’re sharing a story.
Tip 2: Personalize According To Your Customers
When asked about the benefits of owning her business, Melissa shares,
“The biggest benefit to me is customer joy and appreciation of this very niche thing. I love delighting vegans and people’s moms that somehow got their hands on my chocolates while visiting their kids in SF. I get wildly sweet phone calls from people.”
If you’re looking to truly make your customers happy, simply listen to their needs. Work with them to create an unforgettable experience. Whether it’s designing a new flavor profile for their special gift or adding a special custom label, the personalization shows that you care.
Tip 3: Wrap With Intention, Care, & Creativity
Package your sweets with as much intention, care, and creativity as you put into making them. For her bonbons, Melissa shares that she utilizes simple packaging which reflects her story and creativity.
“My 9-piece boxes are actually their Paper Mart Kraft jewelry boxes. I line them with parchment paper. I like the simplicity of them, but I also know my customers love the 5-piece box because it’s clear and they can see the painted chocolates right away.”
When bundling sweets into customizable containers like paper boxes, take extra special care to line them with food-safe products. Liners such as candy cups, trays, or foils work great. To showcase your sweets, consider packaging with a clear top or sides and finishing with baker’s twine for a beautiful boutique look.
The incredible professional images are courtesy of photographer, Kate Romano. If you want to learn more about Cadence Chocolates, check out their website and follow them on social media (Instagram, Facebook)! We love seeing their edible works of art on our feed and know you will too. For more features, packaging tips and tricks, and DIYs – subscribe to our email list here. You’ll be the first to know about any new blog posts, seasonal promotions, and sales.