Fruitcakes remain a holiday favorite in many parts of the world, but particularly in the United States. They are unlike other traditional holiday treats in that most people purchase them already made rather than prepare them from scratch. Some bakeries have built their entire reputation on making these highly flavorful, spirits-soaked cakes studded with dried fruits and nuts.

Along with the time-honored versions of this classic treat, more fruitcakes manufacturers today are re-inventing the original recipe to appeal to modern tastes and special diets. As a supermarket or gourmet food store owner, you can stimulate consumers' interest in fruitcakes by offering non-traditional varieties. However you decide to sell fruitcakes, you'll find the choices are many:

1. Find fruitcakes made by nationally recognized companies.

2. Consider selling non-traditional types of fruitcakes.

3. Contact a fruitcakes provider for large supplies during the peak season.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy the most well known brands of fruitcakes to guarantee sales

Some companies have specialized in the manufacture of fruit cakes for decades. You can count on their products to sell quickly.

I recommend: The Georgia Fruit Cake Company was started in 1910 by an Italian immigrant who baked his special fruitcakes only during the Christmas season. The family-owned company continued producing the cakes for decades thereafter and today produces thousands of pounds of fruitcakes each year, marketing them nationwide. Its website provides fruitcakes information, such as ingredients and shelf life. Operating out of Florida, The Edible Fruitcake Company makes dark and light fruitcakes made with traditional spices. You can even buy “aged” fruitcakes infused with brandy. Contact The Incredible Fruitcake Company for high quality traditional fruitcakes baked in either a box or a tin.

Sell non-traditional fruitcakes to attract customers with special tastes

Offer greater variety with fruitcakes that look and taste different because they're made from non-traditional recipes and decorated for special occasions.

I recommend: Florida-based BAGE Company sells Jamaican-style fruitcakes and even fruitcakes decorated as wedding and birthday cakes. Find gluten-free fruitcakes made with Gram flour by Cornish Fruitcake Company. Krema Products makes a line of sugar-free Grandma’s Fruitcakes.

Deal with fruitcakes suppliers for sizable orders during the holiday season

Many fruit cakes distributors carry cakes made by several well known bakeries. Some will even special order fruit cakes from other manufacturers.

I recommend: Guilford College Community Civitan Club distributes fruit cakes made by the Claxton Bakery in Georgia. Contact the Club so they can set up a display in your store. Wholesale Bulk Cookies supplies individual-sized fruit cakes. DecorCentral.com offers specialty fruit cakes, such as chocolate and mini fruit cakes.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you're planning to stock up fruit cakes for the holiday season, fruit cakes have a longer shelf life than almost any other packaged cake.
• •  Ask a seasoned distributor for a current fruitcakes list that shows which products are available in your area.
• •  If you intend to sell fruitcakes every holiday season, starting keeping your own fruitcakes directory of contacts to facilitate purchase orders in the future.