Eat Your Heart Out

FOOD SEEMS TO be a favorite topic in circles of every kind. It is discussed in boardrooms across the country and in bedrooms late at night. After reporting to work following a fun-filled weekend, one of the fondest memories is usually the dining experiences one had, or wished to have. It is precisely for these reasons edibles are stand-out promotional products. What better way to get people talking about one’s brand, products or services than by serving up irresistible food items? Distributors who take heed will have more than their fair share of the profits available with edible promotions.

“Everyone loves food and candy,” observed Mike Shulkin, president of Chicago-based A La Carte. “Rarely is someone unhappy with a food product, unless the product doesn’t taste good.”

Like Shulkin, a representative from Maumee, Ohio-based Hickory Farms said clients can’t go wrong with edibles.

“Everyone likes to eat—you don’t have to worry about size, color or style,” she said. “Food gifts are perfect, as they can be shared at an office or with family.”

It would be hard to find anything at A La Carte that doesn’t taste good. The company stocks a variety of food and candy items, including custom-molded chocolate, imprinted candies, containers with candy and nuts as well as microwave popcorn. Its best sellers are fortune cookies, cellophane bags of candy and mint tins.

Hickory Farms has been in the gift-giving business for more than 55 years. From its award-winning Beef Stick Summer Sausage and cheeses, the company also offers a variety of nut assortments, fresh fruit and confections. Its Pfaelzer Brothers line offers Famous Filet Mignons, steaks, seafood and gourmet desserts.

Unlike many other promotional items, edible products have the uncanny ability to create relationships, often lasting ones, between the giver and recipient. “A well-planned promotion takes advantage of this relationship to create the maximum impact,” Shulkin said.