Candy canes are synonymous with the holiday season which occurs every December. But the tasty treat has come a long way from its peppermint foundation. Candy canes are now manufactured in hundreds of flavors and a myriad of shapes and sizes, thus expanding their marketplace and spreading it throughout the year.

But before you decide to make bulk candy canes your business, there are several things you should know about how they are made in large quantities and prepared to be sold wholesale. Here are some tips to further your candy canes education and training so that you'll be certain what's required for your business.

1. Watch videos which encompass how to make candy canes on a large scale so that you can sell candy canes wholesale.

2. Attend a candy expo where candy cane exhibitors will be found.

3. Tour a candy cane plant so that you can grasp the steps involved in selling candy canes wholesale.

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

Look at videos that inform you how to make candy canes

As part of your preparation before diving into the candy cane-making business, you want to grasp a general understanding of how candy canes are made. This includes how the ingredients of sugar, corn syrup, water flavorings and colorings are mixed, how they are stretched and cooled and ultimately how they are cut, packaged and separated.

I recommend: Check out the website for MetaCafe, where they offer an instructional video on the basics of making candy canes in large quantities utilizing industrial machines. The Candy Critic also offers an in-depth video on the large-scale production of candy canes.

Go to a candy show where you can learn about candy canes

Before you delve head over heels into the business of candy canes, it's helpful to go to an industry trade show where you will meet other manufacturers, suppliers and distributors of the sweet treat. By interfacing with them, you can gauge how they are producing and marketing their own products. You can then take that information and implement it into your business model.

I recommend: Check out the National Confectioners Association's yearly candy show. There are several booths dedicated to Christmas candy as well as a few suppliers of candy canes. The National Confectioners Association also brings together about 50 vendors to exhibit at the International Sweets and Biscuit Fair which was mostly recently held in Germany. By clicking on the pdf file you can see the multitude of candy manufacturers, many of whom produce candy canes, that attended.

Tour a candy cane manufacturer as part of your education

By touring candy cane manufacturers and learning how candy canes are produced and packaged, you'll have a greater understanding of the product you are selling. You will see up close a more in-depth instruction of what you learned by watching the videos and attending the trade shows. Also, feel free to ask questions of the managers in charge so you can get a clear understanding of their thought process on the production of candy canes. You can then apply that knowledge to your business.

I recommend: Check out the website for Hammond's Candies. A long-time maker of candy canes, they offer behind-the-scenes tours and will allow you to watch how the sweet confections are made. Spangler Candy, a candy company since 1906, offers a virtual tour of how they make their candy canes right on their website.

Learn about the industrial machines required in order to make candy canes

Whether you are sell candy canes in bulk, or manufacturer sugar free candy canes, it all comes down to having the proper machinery to carry out the task at hand. Finding a company that can provide machine solutions that allow you to sell wholesale candy canes and become a successful candy cane wholesaler is what's going to be the heart of your business.

I recommend: Check out the Baker Perkins Group, as they are suppliers of confectionery machinery. And even more specifically, they produce machines that make candy canes. Simply work with their "Confectionery Solutions" department to tailor the machines to your candy cane business.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When retail stores buy candy canes from you, make sure that you give them excellent service with each order. The candy cane business, like the candy business in general is under pressure from manufacturers abroad that can provide cheaper products because of the cost of labor. Providing that extra special service will keep your buyers happy and your business in the black.

Candy canes are a staple during the holidays. Available in a variety of sizes and flavors, you can buy candy canes in a wide selection of styles to suit the diverse tastes your customers. Stock sugar-free candy canes, too, and candy canes in a range of flavors to offer the best selection.

Candy cane distributors work with you to ensure you buy candy canes for your business that meet your needs and your budget. Buy candy canes online from a reputable candy cane wholesaler to streamline the ordering process. Consider the following when you purchase candy canes for your business:

1. Partner with a candy cane manufacturer who can work with you to meet your candy cane specifications.

2. Buy bulk candy canes from a reputable candy cane wholesaler to receive the best price.

3. Stock your business with a variety of candy canes in flavors and sizes to suit the needs of your customers.

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

Partner with a reputable distributor of bulk candy canes

An experienced vendor of wholesale candy canes can work with you to ensure your candy cane needs are met within your budget.

I recommend: Order candy canes from the Candy Warehouse for the selection you need and the customer service you deserve. They offer discounts based on order size and can create custom orders to meet your unique needs. Purchase traditional and unique candy canes from Groovy Candies who sells the famous "Bobs" brand candy canes in the varieties you need.

Buy candy canes wholesale

Candy canes in bulk allow you to stock your store with the candy canes you need to meet demand. Distributors of wholesale candy canes in bulk often offer volume price discounts for large orders of candy canes.

I recommend: Oriental Trading Company offers a variety of candy cane wholesale products that can fit any budget. Metro Candy and Nut can supply your business with the candy canes you need at bulk prices. They carry well-known brands and offer 10 percent off your first order.

Purchase a variety of candy canes

From sugar-free candy canes to wholesale mini candy canes, stock your store with the varieties of candy canes that meet the needs of your customers and attract new customers to your business.

I recommend: Order candy canes from Spangler, a maker of quality candy since 1906. They offer traditional candy canes and candy canes in a variety of flavors and sizes. Use HometownCandy.com to supply your candy cane needs. They offer a wide array of unique candy canes to stock your business.

Use candy canes as promotional items for your business

Personalized candy canes are a cost-effective way to advertise your business to countless customers and potential clients. Buy candy canes wholesale to use in your next promotional event.

I recommend: Order promotional candy canes from Branders.com for personalized wholesale candy canes at affordable prices.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Request samples of the candy canes that interest you to ensure they are palatable and presentable before you commit to buy candy canes in bulk.

Candy canes provide a sweet treat that many people enjoy during the holidays. They are a mix of sugar, corn syrup, water and flavorings, and these treats are packaged in a multitude of shapes and sizes. If you're thinking about selling candy canes at your business, or potentially even making them on your own, then you should familiarize yourself with a few key terms in the manufacturing of candy canes.

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

Corn syrup

Corn syrup is a common sweetener found in many foods. Derived from corn starch, and originally corn, corn syrup is produced by mixing corn kernels with a small amount of sulfur dioxide. Eventually, after many hours of soaking and after going through a process of centrifugation, corn syrup is produced.

I recommend: Spangler Candy is a large manufacturer of candy canes and offers a comprehensive guide to the manufacturing process.

Kneader

A kneader is a commonly used tool in making candy. It folds candy while it is still in a very warm state over and over again, mixing the corn syrup, sugar, flavorings and color together. This process is also used with bread dough.

I recommend: Vijesh & Company is a commercial manufacturer of candy kneaders.

Puller

The puller refers to the large machine that pulls and shapes the candy cane after it is been mixed into long tubular shapes. The candy begins to cool and harden during this process.

I recommend: Hammond's Candies offers an online tour that describes the use of pullers.

Keller machine

The Keller Machine was an invention by Harding Keller. A Catholic priest, he developed a machine that twists the end of the candy cane into a 'J' shape. The machine was a solution for his brother-in-law, Bob McCormick, a candy cane maker who previously had to pull the 'J' shape by hand. The automated machine is still in use today in many candy cane factories.

I recommend: Georgia Encyclopedia has information about Harding Keller and a picture of him. Also, Farley's & Sathers Candy Company has more information about the Keller Machine.

Moisture barrier plastic wrappers

Moisture barrier plastic wrappers are the wrappers that are used to encase candy canes so they don't become wet or suffer the effects of moisture. These wrappers are then vacuumed sealed for shipping.

I recommend: Nashville Wraps sells moisture barrier wraps and bags in a variety of styles.

Cane sugar

Cane sugar refers to the sucrose that has been extracted from the actual sugar cane plant. Cane sugar differs from sugar you buy at the store because it has been minimally processed. It will be grainier and brown in color.

I recommend: WiseGeek has interesting information about how cane sugar is grown.

Candy canes are, of course, a holiday season staple. These candies are fairly inexpensive, especially if you buy candy canes wholesale. That makes them an excellent option for holiday parties and promotions. You can even use them at other times of the year. Christmas in July, anyone?

Once you decide you want to buy candy canes, you'll be faced with choosing between several candy canes types and styles. You are likely to see the following, plus more:

1. Flavored candy canes that go beyond the traditional peppermint;

2. Mini candy canes with customizable bags or wrappers;

3. Candy canes in alternative shapes, such as hearts and trees.

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

Consider candy cane distributors that sell flavored canes

Years ago candy canes were only available in one flavor: peppermint. Today that is very much not the case. Flavors range from bubblegum to watermelon, so you can really customize your canes to your audience, your special event or even your area of business. For example, spicy cinnamon canes are great for promoting a Mexican restaurant.

I recommend: Look at Spangler Candy's inventory of candy canes. It sells canes that taste like several types of Jelly Belly jelly beans plus sour canes and Smarties candy canes. Flavors include blueberry, tutti frutti and juicy pear. Also check out the Dum Dum flavored canes CandyCrate sells. They are based on the popular lollipops and feature Disney characters on the wrappers. These canes come in an assortment of watermelon, butterscotch and strawberry.

Look at wholesale candy canes in a miniature size

Mini candy canes are great for handing out since they're cheaper than the large canes and are not as likely to break. Plus, they are easier to customize with your logo or promotional phrase, since they can come with different types of wrappers. They are a common commodity from almost any candy cane manufacturer.

I recommend: Branders offers mini canes that have space for a 2.5" by 0.4" imprint on their plastic overwraps. The canes only weigh .05 lbs each and you can order them in boxes of 500 or more. If you'd rather have candy canes in bags instead of wrapped, Extra Mile Promotional Products may have the wholesale mini candy canes for you. You can add a one-color imprint to each cellophane bag.

Check out candy canes in different shapes

If you want your candy canes to really stand out, get candy canes that aren't canes. Since the candy used for making them is pliable when melted down, it can be configured into any number of things.

I recommend: CandyWarehouse, a shop for bulk candy canes, sells custom-made candy cane trees and lollipops. The trees are the perfect centerpiece for your holiday party tables. Another option is to make your own candy cane hearts. Just buy your wholesale candy canes in bulk and follow the instructions Skip to my Lou offers.