The Retail Confectioners International (RCI) annual convention & industry expo is an event we anticipate each & every year. This year, it was held in the city of Buffalo & it did not disappoint! Along with the opportunity to network & showcase our latest products, the Stover team enjoyed exploring Buffalo’s attractions such as the extraordinary Niagara Falls & Buffalo’s surprising restaurant scene.
This year’s RCI event was condensed into two action-packed days filled with meaningful interactions, new connections & the chance to reconnect with existing customers. Since we mostly interact with our customers online or by phone, we really enjoy getting the chance to meet our customers face-to-face.
We took this opportunity to show off some exciting new products along with our latest packaging innovations! With the current shift in the cocoa market, we choose to focus on compound coatings & melting wafers at this expo. Compound chocolate is made with palm kernel oil instead of cocoa butter, making it a cost-effective alternative to traditional chocolate.
Those who stopped by our booth got the chance to taste test some brand new products launching this fall! New shapes, sizes & unique flavors will be introduced into our Sweet Shoppe line this fall! We hope we made as lasting an impression on our visitors as you did on us. We are already looking forward to next year’s RCI expo in the Cincy region.
Until then, stay sweet & keep innovating!
*** If you’re a supplier looking to stock our products or know of a supply store that needs to carry our products, send them our way! We are always looking for ways to bring our products closer to our customers!
Ah, summertime—the perfect season to enjoy the sunshine, embrace relaxation, & treat yourself to delightful, mouthwatering treats. When it comes to satisfying your sweet tooth during the warmer months, nothing quite beats the combination of chocolate, cookies, ice cream & cake!
Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwiches:
What better way to beat the summer heat than with a classic ice cream sandwich? Elevate this classic summertime treat by adding a generous sprinkle of Sweet Shoppe Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips to the edges of your homemade cookies before sandwiching your favorite ice cream flavor between them. The combination of the chewy cookies, creamy ice cream, & delightful chocolate crunch will leave you craving more. Choose from traditional size chocolate chips or our mini size!
PRO TIP: Check out our favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe here!
Triple Chocolate Covered Popsicles:
When the temperature rises, nothing cools you down quite like a refreshing popsicle. Take your icy indulgence to the next level by creating triple chocolate covered popsicles. Melt & combine our Eleven o’one Sixty Dark Couverture Chocolate, Eleven o’one Thirty Five Milk Couverture Chocolate, & Eleven o’one Thirty Three White Couverture Chocolate then dip your favorite flavored popsicle into each different type of chocolate, creating fun designs! As a final touch, drizzle over the popsicles with extra melted chocolate before freezing or dust with your favorite edible glitter! These rich, velvety treats are a chocolate lover's dream.
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries:
Looking for a sophisticated yet refreshing dessert for a summer soirée? Chocolate-dipped strawberries are an absolute crowd-pleaser. Don’t feel like tempering chocolate? Melt some Eleven o’one Deluxe Milk or Eleven o’one Deluxe Dark European Compound Coating, dip plump strawberries into the melted compound coatings, & allow them to set. For an extra touch of pizzazz, roll the dipped strawberries in colorful Sweet Shoppe Sprinkles or Sweet Shoppe Nonpareils. The combination of luscious chocolate & juicy strawberries creates a harmonious blend of flavors that epitomize summer luxury.
Cake Mix Cobbler:
Need to bring an easy dessert for a summer picnic? It doesn’t get easier than a cake mix cobbler! In a baking dish, combine your choice of cake mix (we love Pillsbury Baker’s Plus!) with canned fruit pie filling of your choice or Henry & Henry Crown Fillings (such as cherry, apple, or peach). Stir until the cake mix is evenly moistened & spread it out evenly in the dish. Bake for the recommended time on the cake mix package, or until the top is golden brown & bubbly. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting fruity dessert.
Whether you prefer a chocolate treat, a refreshing ice cream or bake a seasonal cake, don't resist the temptation—embrace the joy of summer indulgence & let your taste buds dance with delight!
