Wolfgang Candy Rapidly Increases Private Label & Contract Manufacturing Business

Dec. 2, 2009 - PRLog -- Wolfgang Candy, Inc., is announces increased private label and contract manufacturing business through a relationship with Giant Eagle, Inc. A leading grocery chain, Giant Eagle is selling products created by Wolfgang in over 200 or their stores.

Tim Tackett, Category Manager for Giant Eagle Inc., for the past 10 years, has selected his share of confectionery products. So when he was seeking a Pennsylvania-based supplier to provide specialty chocolates, York, PA’s Wolfgang Candy seemed to offer the personalized service and flexible production that Giant Eagle expects. A rapidly growing confectionery manufacturer, Wolfgang recently increased their automated manufacturing capacity which positioned the 88-year-old family-owned company to seamlessly add additional private label and contract manufacturing production. Wolfgang’s location, reputation for quality and outstanding service coalesced in a sweet recipe for successful confectionary production and delivery in record time to Giant Eagle’s shelves.

In early summer, Tim talked with Wolfgang managing partners, Benjamin McGlaughlin, president, and Michael Schmid, managing partner - marketing, to discuss Wolfgang’s capability to create unique and delicious confectionary products for Giant Eagle and their Market District® specialty brands to be stocked on shelves by fall. Tim Tackett said, “I felt confident that Wolfgang would be able to produce a range of products and specialty packaging in this tight timeline, and I wasn’t disappointed.” He continued, “Wolfgang worked with us to create a range of confectionary products for Giant Eagle and Market District®, including individually wrapped chocolates for our bulk candy section offering mix-n-match chocolates sold by the pound –nostalgic of bygone days of old-fashioned candy stores. Wolfgang also created a rustic autumn basket of chocolate Halloween pops which sold through before Halloween.”

With the third 150,000 square-foot Market District® supermarket having opened on November 6, Tim was challenged with discovering and developing amazing new Market District® products that appeal to food enthusiasts who enjoy taking part in and learning about the sights, smells and tastes of new, fresh and exciting foods. “The Disneyland of grocery stores” according to the Food Network’s Guy Fieri in Whirl Magazine, Market District® customers are discerning shoppers seeking innovative, high quality foods. To meet these expectations, Wolfgang created an eco-friendly-styled craft bag of chocolate covered pretzels and single serving, individually wrapped chocolate-covered pretzels for promotion under the Market District® label. “The chocolate pretzels have rapidly become the best selling item in the craft bag program,” shared Tim.

Mike Schmid explained, “Our automated pick and pack robotic line and highly experienced chocolatiers have enabled us to develop and expedite new private label and branded products for the Giant Eagle portfolio in mere months from conception to delivery. Ben and I enjoyed working with Tim and his team to develop delicious high quality products and must-have-it packaging that really meet the niche markets his brands serve. It was an aggressive schedule that we were eager to meet.”

Giant Eagle stores are featuring two eight ounce gift boxes filled with milk and dark chocolate assortments, Wolfgang’s new Skipjacks® and Jungle Jacks®. “Just in time for the holidays, we produced fabulous Market District® Assorted Chocolate Covered Pretzels painted with dark, white and milk chocolate that look scrumptious through the box’s see-through window. Giant Eagle is also selling a cheery Wolfgang Holiday Express–yummy milk chocolate with crisp rice holiday train, complete with a waving Santa and a see-through window. Everyone will love to bring these delicious gifts to holiday parties or stuff inside a child’s stocking,” said Mike.

“The professionals at Wolfgang have been flexible and reliable in their production and delivery of our private label products and their unique Wolfgang branded products. I know that when I call or email, I will get a fast response with great ideas and creative solutions aimed at meeting Giant Eagle’s timing and goals for quality,” said Tim. He continued, “I expect more great products from Wolfgang in the near future.”

Known for superior chocolates, Wolfgang can produce a diverse selection of solid and hollow moulded chocolates, exquisite truffle cookies, filled and enrobed items, nut, crispy, and fruit clusters, as well as fine boxed chocolates. Wolfgang also produces non-pareils, chocolate wafers, and candy bars, both filled and solid. Capabilities include an extensive array of products, including an assortment of nut brittles, taffies and nougats.

Founded in 1931, just ten years after Wolfgang Candy began, Giant Eagle, Inc., has grown to be the number one supermarket retailer throughout western Pennsylvania, Ohio, north central West Virginia and Maryland with 163 corporate and 58 independently owned and operated supermarkets in addition to 153 fuel and convenience stores. They currently operate four formats, including Giant Eagle, Market District, GetGo, Giant Eagle Express and Valu King with a focus on demonstrating a true passion for food by offering high-quality products and convenience-oriented departments that allow customers to complete multiple daily errands under one roof, all at a great everyday value.

Giant Eagle, Inc., has been ranked 40 on Forbes magazine’s largest private corporations list and recipient of Grocery Headquarters’ 2007 Retailer of the Year Award and the EPA’s ENERGY STAR Retail Partner of the Year Award. Giant Eagle, Inc. is one of the nation’s largest food retailers and food distributors with approximately $8.2 billion in annual sales.

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Founded in 1921, Wolfgang is one of the oldest family-owned and managed confectionery manufacturers in the United States. From peanut brittle to hollow chocolates, Wolfgang offers one of the most extensive arrays of high-quality chocolates and non-chocolate confections available in the marketplace. In addition to the all-natural dark chocolate dipped Raspberries, Blueberries and Cranberries, some of the company’s most popular products include chocolate topped truffle cookies, a wide assortment of solid and hollow molded chocolates.

Wolfgang markets & distributes its products through retail, wholesale (private labeling &contract manufacturing), and fundraising sectors. The company is a market leader in the fundraising industry and a trusted name enabling organizations of any size to achieve their financial goals. With a sole focus on &commitment to its customers, Wolfgang demands unparalleled quality in its products, providing customers with a truly enchanting experience in taste.