Americans love their sweets. In the U.S., the market for confectionaries — candies, cakes, chocolates — is forty-two billion dollars.
But leading brands in this market lack imagination. Furthermore, they often box themselves into one of two categories: products that are exclusively chocolate, or ones that are just for kids.
So where’s the household name synonymous with fun, artisanal sweets? Where’s the candy brand for grown-ups? The answer is Sugarfina.
Sugarfina is a candy brand for the adult palate, combining high-quality luxury candy with a fun, engaging aesthetic. It partners with artisan candy makers from around the world to create products ranging from gummies and cordials, to cocktail-infused candies and chocolate bars.
This company is a global brand that brings in more than thirty million dollars in sales a year. It has two franchise locations, as well as twenty-five retail stores. Its products are also sold in nearly 1,000 gourmet grocery stores, specialty gift stores, high-end department stores, and through e-commerce platforms including Amazon and Rakuten.
Sugarfina holds more than fifty patents and trademarks for its products. And it’s been featured in USA Today, People, US Weekly, Forbes, E!, and Food & Wine. It also has a growing social media presence, with more than 340,000 followers across its platforms, including celebrities and “influencers.”
Sugarfina is more than a candy maker. It’s a boutique luxury sweets brand. This company collaborates with food & beverage, entertainment, and lifestyle businesses to create memorable products and experiences. Notable collaborations include Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Casamigos, Hello Kitty, The Simpsons, and Hampton Water Rose.
With respect to its business model, Sugarfina has five sales channels:
• 45% of sales come from wholesalers in the U.S. and Canada.
• 22% come from e-commerce (its fastest-growing channel).
• 25% come from retail locations in North America.
• 6% come from custom corporate gifting.
• And around 2% come from international sales.
With additional capital, Sugarfina aims to expand its product line and scale distribution. Near-term plans include growing its specialty grocery store accounts, opening select retail stores throughout the U.S., and increasing distribution at a new centralized facility in Las Vegas. It’s also exploring wholesale expansion in Europe and Asia.