Lovers of the coast enjoy sea breezes, but they also enjoy wine and cheeses. They gravitate toward local hot spots and candy stores to taste the flavors that are unique to an area or synonymous with the coast. Whether that is a sweet treat, a savory bite or a salty snack, tourists can’t seem to get enough coastal flavors, and they also want to bottle those taste-bud-filled delights up and share them with friends and family back home.
More retailers are dedicating store space to specialty foods and beverages, notes Karla Ward, who oversees business and market development at D’Vine Foods. Premium quality, craftsmanship and where their food products come from are their priorities.
Candy connection
For many coastal retailers, candy is a top-performing category. At Lake Erie Candy Co., Owner Greg Fornalczyk says saltwater taffy continues to lead the way thanks to its nostalgic, beach-town appeal. Freeze-dried candies and gummies in tropical flavors like pineapple, mango and orange are also popular for the Erie, Pennsylvania-based retailer with a wholesale division.
Shoppers are looking for items that are eye-catching and memorable, Fornalczyk adds. His company’s Beach Glass Candy — designed to resemble real beach glass — captures that coastal connection with colorful packaging and playful design.
Easy prep and big flavors make Country Home Creations dips popular.
Animal-themed treats are another hit. Genesee Candy Land has found success with its lineup of Sea Turtle Treats, Dolphin Niblets, Shark Snacks, Shark Bait and Gator Grub. Plant Manager Angela Legel and Production Manager Jaxon Armenta say customers now want variety within themes. “We are noticing people enjoy having the option between chocolate and gummy candies of the same animal,” they explain.
At Nassau Candy, gummies take on a larger-than-life presence with its Clever Candy Gummy Killer Sharks. Director of Marketing and Brand Strategy Dana Rodio says the detailed shark shape and vibrant packaging “make a bold and playful statement” that fits right in with seaside settings.
Snacks, dips and spreads
Portable snacks are thriving, especially those that mix convenience with coastal flavor.
At Popsations Popcorn Co., Founder and Owner Robin Garrison says caramel popcorn remains a beach tradition. “Caramel popcorn has been found in beach towns for many years and is synonymous with beach vacations for many families since it is a treat the whole family can enjoy,” she says.
Garrison says retailers appreciate items that are easy for shoppers to share or add to themed gift baskets, noting, “Our packaging is bright and fun which brightens up the store shelves and gift baskets.”
Seasoned pretzels are also popping up on coastal shelves. OMG! Pretzels Co-founder and CEO Stephanie Kriebel says its Chesapeake variety leads the pack. The blend evokes a “seafood boil vibe” and pairs well with dips, crab cakes or crab salad nachos — a natural fit for seaside entertaining.
At Country Home Creations, dips and spreads deliver easy preparation and big flavor — ideal for vacationers. National Sales Manager Justin Gailitis says the company’s Coastal Kitchen line, featuring Beach Dip and Boat Dip, has been a strong hit. “They’re easy to make and taste amazing, which is exactly what vacationers want in a grab-and-go snack,” he says.
The company is also seeing success with bold flavor blends such as Hot Honey & Feta Cheese Spread, Truffle Parmesan Garlic Dip and Olive Dip. On the sweeter side, Gailitis says fruit-flavored no-bake cheesecakes — including Key Lime, Southern Peach and Lemon Raspberry — thrive in coastal markets.
Savory sensations
Coastal flavors and convenience continue to inspire savory buys.
Customers appreciate the craftsmanship of Lighthouse Keepers’ coastal sauces.
At Savannah Sauce Co., CEO Mike Roberson says products tied to Georgia and Savannah are among its biggest sellers, including Georgia Peach Bourbon BBQ Sauce, Savannah Raspberry Chipotle Sauce and Bacon Jam. He says customers want “convenient products that are key components to quick, delicious and easy meals.”
Through its Mason Jar Tea Co., Savannah Sauce offers concentrated teas that make tailgating “less messy, easy, fun and delicious,” Roberson says.
Heat is really selling at D’Vine Foods, according to Ward. Think spicy bloody mary mix, hot sauces, spicy salsas, barbecue sauces, and pepper Jellies. “Other products in demand are: coastal flavored specialty jams, heirloom recipe fruit butters and pickles,” she says.
Retailers are also using D’Vine’s spiced apple cider and muscadine grape cider to make autumnal and winter alcohol-free slushies, wine slushies, mocktails, cocktails, teas, hot toddies and more.
Meanwhile, Lighthouse Keepers blends small-batch craftsmanship with coastal authenticity. Sales Representative Lisa Medlin says top sellers include Captain’s Blend Bloody Mary mix, Cranberry Lime hot sauce made with Cape Cod cranberries and Maple & Herb Bacon Jam.
She notes that gourmet food has become “the number one growing gift category,” as consumers look to recreate restaurant meals at home and retailers seek repeat sales through consumables.
