Orbis celebrates charity in the wurst way

Giving back to the communities they call home is a frequent pastime of snack and bakery producers, as well as their supplier partners. Reusable packaging solutions firm Orbis recently held its Community Giving Reception at its headquarters in Oconomowoc, WI, bringing together a group of nonprofits to receive donations, supporters, and the famous racing sausages from the Milwaukee Brewers stadium, all courtesy of Orbis’s Menasha Corporation Foundation charitable arm. “The Giving Reception shines a light on the positive impact nonprofit organizations make in the communities where our employees live and work,” says Jo Anne Behling, team lead for the Orbis Community Action Team. “At Orbis, we are dedicated to giving back to organizations that are working to make the world a better place for those in need. In addition to financial donations, we also collaborate with our nonprofit partners to provide volunteers from our Orbis teams to help support their efforts.”

Try not to eat this candle

Courtesy of SnifHigh-end chain Levain Bakery is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a scintillating scented candle, courtesy of Snif. The Mornings at Levain candle combines all the appetizing smells customers might encounter when visiting one of the bakery’s locations in the early morning hours—baking bread, cookies in the oven, and just-brewed coffee. The manufacturer used its proprietary Jungle Essence technology to draw upon the Chocolate Chip Walnut cookie’s sea salt, walnuts, and cocoa elements to get the scent to mirror the store’s atmosphere. According to Snif, the process ended up being its longest scent development project to date, taking more than two years to get the smell just right. Another fun fact: the founders of the two companies reportedly are longtime best buddies.

Kids’ bar brand gets playful

Courtesy of Zbar

Just in time for National Play Outside Day on October 4, Mondelēz-owned brand Zbar is telling the world about its support of Kaboom!, a national nonprofit aimed at giving kids everywhere places to play, with a fun video about its two-year, $1 million partnership. The collab will involve developing at least eight new green, inspiring play spaces estimated to impact more than 15,000 children. The goal is to create sustainable, nature-friendly playgrounds in communities where they’re needed most, giving kids the chance to spend more time outside playing and goofing around. Learn more about the Zbar x Kaboom! partnership here.

Bubs pops up to sweeten the Big Apple

Courtesy of BubsThe viral Swedish candy brand has opened a pop-up shop to bring its increasingly popular treats to New Yorkers. The “Sweeteasy,” open now until October 22 in SoHo, aims to give Americans a chance to dive into the Swedish tradition of “lördagsgodis,” or enjoying candy every Saturday. The shop features a pick-and-mix station where visitors can create their own blend of sweets from the offerings on hand, including both the company’s U.S. lineup and Sweden-only flavors. The Snap Spot offers a chance to capture Instagrammable moments, and the store will offer exclusive Bubs-branded items only available at the pop-up. Sweet-toothed candy fans can stop by the event at 69 Mercer St., New York, NY, from now until October 22; hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays.

Old El Paso saddles up for taco-bration

Courtesy of General Mills

The General Mills brand is gearing up for the October 7 food holiday by declaring  it to be “National Taco Day-Off” with a number of promotions designed to make consumers cheer “Yee-haw!” First, consumers are invited to submit a day-off request form at NationalTacoDay.OldElPaso.com, after which Elroy, Old El Paso’s singing spokes-cowboy, will review and perhaps let them swap their desk chairs for a saddle. Then, 10 lucky winners and their guests will win a two-night getaway at a True Ranch Collection dude ranch (along with trail rides, stargazing, and merch like leather boots and gold-plated belt buckles); submissions are open until October 9. Then, taco lovers who purchase hard or soft shells on October 7 and submit their receipts via Fetch can get their money back in the form of points that can be redeemed for gift cards.

Krispy Kreme and a Jonas partner on a bonus

Courtesy of Krispy KremeWhile we’re talking about food and beverage holidays, this coming Monday happens to be National Coffee Day, and the doughnut slinger is partnering with Joe Jonas to celebrate the occasion. Anyone who visits a shop on the day can pick up a free medium coffee (hot or iced, their choice) and any doughnut they want for free—no purchase necessary. Also, starting Saturday, anyone stopping in to get a dozen doughnuts can add another dozen (Original Glazed) for just a buck. “I went and found the Krispy Kreme team and sat down with them, and I said, 'I want to make National Coffee Day history,' and that's what this is," remarks Jonas, a singer, songwriter, and actor.

If you've got snack, bakery, or candy news that's off the beaten path, I'd love to hear it. Please drop me a line at spinnerj@bnpmedia.com. Happy Friday!