It’s an exciting time to be in and around Chicago.
Not that it isn’t always exciting, especially in the candy arena. As someone born and raised in the Chicago suburbs, it’s an honor to follow an interesting industry in a region filled with so many confectionery heavy-hitters, both in manufacturing and retailing.
Fannie May is undeniably among the city’s confectionery elite, not only for its signature sweets, but also for its ability to underscore the company’s Chicago connection and to reach residents and tourists alike. And those are things the company never forgets to celebrate, says Fannie May President Steve Druckman.
“When you think of Chicago, you think of deep-dish pizza, you think of the Cubs, you think of Portillo’s, and of course, you think of Fannie May,” he says. “Whenever we get an opportunity to link ourselves with a good event, we try to do that.”
The 180th anniversary of Chicago’s incorporation presented such an opportunity. The city became official on Saturday, March 4, 1837. Coincidentally, March 4 also fell on a Saturday this year, and to commemorate it, Fannie May created a special offer for customers.
Gift-wrapped, 1-.lb boxes of Fannie May’s classic confections — valued at $24.99 — were available for $18.37, a special price reflecting Chicago’s 180th birthday. Druckman said Fannie May promoted the discount through email and in-person at Fannie May’s retail stores.
It seems to have worked. Druckman described March 4 as a “good retail day,” with stores experiencing higher traffic and above-average sales.
The celebration isn’t over yet, however. Through March 12, Fannie May is offering a 10 percent discount on all Chicago Collection purchases at retail stores. Featuring tins and boxes with stylized depictions of Chicago landmarks, the line has proved popular among shoppers, Druckman says.
“Our customers have really taken to it,” he says.
While turning 180 is a big deal, Chicago has another reason to be excited. After a dynamite 2016 season that earned the Cubs the World Series title for the first time in 108 years, fans are hoping for another spectacular showing this year.
To build on that buzz, Fannie May is introducing new Cubs-branded items just in time for what will likely be a much-anticipated Opening Day. (The Cubs’ season opens April 3 against the St. Louis Cardinals.)
Among them are:
- Gimme S’more Snack Mix: Smooth milk chocolate is combined with mini marshmallows and graham cracker pieces coated in honey and brown sugar. S.R.P.: $6.99
- Wrigley Field Gift Tin: Featuring a stylized image of Wrigley Field displaying “Cubs Win!” on its front sign, this tin holds 10.75 oz. of Mint Meltaways. S.R.P.: $24.99
- Milk Chocolate Baseballs: Round, chocolate baseballs are individually wrapped in foil and packaged in a gable box. S.R.P.: $5.99
Druckman noted Fannie May will have additional items to introduce after Opening Day, either in late April or early May.
No matter how well the Cubs do, Chicagoans can also take pride in the city’s (and the area’s) long-held confectionery traditions. Fannie May certainly does and will.
