Higher-end candies have higher prices due to factors like elaborate packaging that creates a sense of luxury and gifting, minor differences in ingredients like using real fruit juice instead of artificial flavors, and artisanal production methods involving small batch and handmade processes. While the candy itself may be nutritionally comparable to cheaper options, premium brands spend more on marketing, ingredients, and production techniques to cultivate an image of sophistication and exclusivity for wealthier consumers.

1. The Real Difference Between Low-Cost and High-Cost Candy
If you go to your local supermarket, gas station, or drugstore, you'll find bags of Haribo gummy bears
or sour Trolli worms for less than $2 per pack in the candy aisle or at the checkout counter. Premium
sweets such as Sugarfina, on the other hand, are available for as little as $8.50 to $20 a pack,
depending on the variety of flavors. But what is the cause of the price increase? In addition, are you
receiving a product that is superior to, or even different from, what you were expecting? professionals
to explain the difference between the simple, inexpensive confectionery of our childhood and the
higher-end choices we encounter in department stores and at upscale gatherings nowadays. Continue
reading for a discussion of their arguments.
Packaging has a significant role in this.
“I believe that the branding and packaging of higher-end candies plays a significant role in their
appeal,” said Elizabeth LaBau, a confectioner and author of “The Sweet Book of Candy Making.” The
act of unwrapping a ribbon and opening a gorgeous box from Sugarfina, she continued, "feels like an
occasion." “Opening a generic package of sweets just doesn't give you the same sense of indulgence,”
says the author. When it comes to packaging, Sugarfina and other upmarket businesses are known for
offering stylish packaging with visual impact, whether through the use of trendy designs,
customisation for personalized presents, or an overall luxurious feel. In many respects, they appear to
be intended for giving.
According to Beth Kimmerle, a confectionery specialist and author of "Candy: The Sweet History," if
you take the candy out of the wrapper, you're talking about gummies, dragées, and other types of
confections that are "pretty comparable" to what you'd find at your local grocery store. “However,
even though the candy may be really comparable to a Jelly Belly, they package it in a way that makes
it highly giftable, and I believe that is exactly what you are paying for.” As Susan Benjamin, a candy
historian and the president of True Treats Candy in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, pointed out, the
candy itself may provide additional visual cues that reflect a high level of sophistication.
Despite the fact that they are painted in pastel colors, she maintains that they are not obnoxious. It
may imply that it is intended for persons with a higher level of education. As a communications
strategist, I learnt about these subconscious reactions to packaging while working in the field. For folks
who have more refined taste, something like Sugarfina can be entertaining while also being
intelligently entertaining.”
There are minor changes in the ingredients.
Do the ingredients in costly candies differ from those in cheaper sweets, aside from their appearance,
you might wonder. Yes and no are the correct answers. Sugar and flavor are the most important
ingredients when it comes to candy making,” Kimmerle added. The finer candies will likely contain the
same type of sugar found in grocery store candies, but they may be flavored with something natural

2. such as actual fruit juice rather than an artificial flavoring agent.“ Still, sugar is the vast majority of
candy, and as a result, some of the ‘higher end ingredients' or flavor systems that we are discussing
constitute a relatively minor proportion of the candy.”
Among Sugarfina's many distinguishing characteristics are its use of premium ingredients and
confections sourced from artisan candy makers around the world, as well as its commitment to staying
on top of the latest trends in luxury food and beverage and incorporating these flavors into the
company's latest offerings. Scott LaPorta, the company's chief executive officer, told HuffPost that the
champagne bears are "made with champagne" and "sparkle in flavors of vintage Brut Champagne."
“Our Magic Mangos and Summer Strawberries, two new additions to our vegan selection of gummies,
are prepared with real fruit purée to give each mouthful a fresh, juicy flavor,” says the company.
High-end brands like as Sugarfina and Squish frequently source ingredients from artisan candy
producers all over the world, notably in Europe, increasing the price of the product. A lot of gummy
and sour candies and licorice are created in Europe, where the regulations for ingredients are
considerably different. They avoid artificial and processed components and instead use natural flavors
and colors, according to Kelly "The Candyman" Jaime, owner of The Sweet Shop NYC. Indeed, some
people may go toward luxury candies because they contain more fair-trade or ingredients that appear
to be of higher quality than regular candy. Sugarpova, the candy line created by Maria Sharapova, is
described as "filled with antioxidants and crafted from natural, non-GMO ingredients."
The marketing and branding of their products, as well as the sourcing of premium, sustainable
ingredients, are important considerations for brands like Sugarfina and Sugarpova. They cater to the
more wealthy consumer, and they know it. What matters is whether they are doing it to relieve their
consciences or to impress their guests at a dinner party or other social gathering,” said Anthony Myers,
editor of confectionerynews.com.
Artisanal production necessitates the expenditure of additional funds.
According to Sugarfina, high-end candy stores frequently source sweets from small-batch artisan
candy producers. Many of these confectioners, such as Papabubble, Candylabs, and Tout de Sweet
Confections, also offer their products directly to consumers through their websites. Artisan sweets, as
opposed to bulk candy brand production, are often manufactured by hand in small amounts, according
to Jaime. In addition, when compared to machine-based production lines for bulk brands, this type of
handcrafted candy often necessitates the acquisition of specific talents as well as a significant
investment of time and effort. As a result, these small, local manufacturers may have to raise their
prices in order to make ends meet. Distribution is especially important for slightly larger businesses,
particularly in terms of reach.
Exporting sweets from foreign countries such as Greece means that the candy may be subject to more
severe production and ingredient rules, which many consumers may prefer over domestically
produced confections. All of this has the potential to increase the cost to the consumer.
Another factor to consider is whether or not the brand sources its ingredients from areas that are free
of conflicts.

3. According to Benjamin, exploitative practices are present everywhere, and people should be mindful
of this when traveling. He cited violent battles in cocoa and sugar production areas, as well as worries
about child labor in some locations. ”Some individuals want to make sure that whatever they consume
comes from a reputable source and that what they consume contributes to another vision in their
lives, which is to do good things in the world.” In addition, sustainability can be a consideration, with
some consumers preferring to support businesses that have a lesser carbon footprint in their
manufacturing operations, according to Myers. He continued, "I believe that in situations where the
candy is produced by a local or artisan maker or is completely transparent about how it is made and
what type of ingredients have been used, it is worthwhile to spend a little more money on it, whether
you are purchasing candy from a fancy boutique in an exclusive shopping mall or from a local discount
store."
Brand collaborations and marketing campaigns may also result in a price hike.
The Casamigos cooperation, for example, or other particular partnerships with a distinctive ingredient
or celebrity are examples of how companies like Sugarfina use their marketing efforts, according to
the CEO. “Those are significant marketing expenditures that they hope to see a return on.” Indeed,
Sugarfina has lately teamed with brands such as Truly Hard Seltzer, "The Simpsons," and Lilly Pulitzer
to create limited-edition collections that feature lavish packaging and elaborate designs. Sugarpova,
which is Sharapova's brand, comes with a built-in celebrity endorsement. According to Kimmerle,
there are many marketing strategies in place to entice people to come and photograph your
confectionery. The limited-edition Lady Gaga Oreos and all of their other new flavors, as well as all of
the other Kit Kat variants, are examples of what many larger firms are doing now. I believe it gives
their customers the impression that they are receiving a smaller brand or something more special than
they would get from a standard grocery store purchase.”
Candy shops can also incorporate the experiential aspect of branding, whether you're putting together
your own bento box at a Sugarfina store or listening to all of the sugar-themed music at a Dylan's
Candy Bar location.
CandyFavorites.com vice president Jon H. Prince described Dylan's Candy Bar as "a wonderful
experience." Dylan's Candy Bar is a wholesale and bulk candy shop that sells candy in bulk. “It's
entertaining, imaginative, and one-of-a-kind. After all is said and done, the majority of the candy they
sell is no more unique than the sweets you can buy at any other candy store. The distinction is a matter
of perception.”
Dietary requirements can account for a portion of the cost increase, but there are no significant
nutritional changes.
LaBau explained that gummy candies are virtually exclusively composed of sugar, or a combination of
sugar, glucose syrup, corn syrup, and other ingredients, and that the caloric and nutritional makeup
of any similar candy type would be quite consistent across the board.

4. Despite the fact that some candy companies promise to offer "healthier" sweet treats, confectionery
and nutrition are not truly compatible.
“Sugar is sugar, period. Even sugar-free candy is not "diet-friendly" or "health-promoting," according
to Skye and Mitchell Cohen, proprietors of Economy Candy in New York City, who spoke to HuffPost.
“However, depending on the item, tailoring candy or chocolate to satisfy certain dietary restrictions
might undoubtedly result in a higher price point, as speciality ingredients, specialty know-how, and
specialty labor are more expensive.”
Many individuals are willing to spend a higher price for vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, or organic
alternatives. Consumers, particularly parents, are increasingly requesting more “natural” candy, which
is sweetened with ingredients such as agave, honey, or actual fruit juice, even though the nutritional
content is not significantly different from conventional candy. According to Kimmerle, “consumers will
indulge in sweets as an occasional indulgence, but if the candy contains components that are less
harmful, they will indulge more readily or more frequently.” Consequently, firms are aware that, if
they are able to employ components that customers view as healthy or healthier, they will have a
greater portion of the market. Parents prefer products for their children that are created with real
fruit juice or ‘real' components rather than a bunch of artificial substances at the end of the day.”