Vermont Takes Title as Top Candy Store State
A new study has identified the candy capitals of America, with Vermont claiming the top spot, based on the number of candy stores there.
Price-tracking website Pricelisto analyzed the locations of 23,667 candy stores across the United States and compared them to state populations to find out which states have the most candy stores per 100,000 people.
Vermont has been crowned the candy capital, with 12.2 candy stores per 100,000 residents.
Middlebury Sweets is the largest candy store in the state, located in South Middlebury. It’s home to over 1,500 types of candy, as well as handmade chocolate available on site. The store is also attached to a motel, so candy fanatics can stay overnight for an extended experience.
New Hampshire is second, boasting 10.63 candy stores per 100,000 residents.
The state is home to Chutters, a candy store with the world’s largest candy counter. There are three locations in New Hampshire, but if you want to see the massive 112-ft candy-filled counter for yourself, you’ll need to head to the store in Littleton.
Maine is third, with 9.74 candy stores per 100,000 residents.
Seavey’s Sweets is credited with the original creation of the Needham, a dessert bar made from sugar, chocolate, coconut, and surprisingly, potato. Although the shop is no longer operating, Needhams remain a classic favorite for Mainers.
In fourth is New York, with 9.11 candy stores per 100,000 residents.
After California, New York has the highest number of candy stores out of any state at a whopping 1,782. Economy Candy is New York City’s oldest store, stocking all types of candy, nuts, and dried fruit since 1937.
Rhode Island is fifth, home to 8.94 candy stores per 100,000 residents.
Anchor Toffee, Lolli and Pops, and Candy 4 Pennies are just a few of the highly rated candy stores located in Rhode Island.
New Jersey ranks sixth, with 8.37 candy stores per 100,000 residents. The state is credited with the creation of Salt Water Taffy, a type of soft and chewy candy, after a boardwalk candy shop supposedly flooded with ocean water in 1883.
Pennsylvania is seventh, with 8.02 candy stores per 100,000 residents. According to oral tradition, the popular candy corn was invented here in the 1880s by candy-maker George Renninger.
A very close eighth is Illinois, with 8.01 candy stores per 100,000 residents. The state is home to 1,005 candy stores in total, the sixth highest of any state.
Massachusetts is ninth, with 7.54 candy stores per 100,000 residents. One of the biggest stores here is Penny Candy, offering over 1,000 types of candy.
Wisconsin is tenth, with 7.04 candy stores per 100,000 residents. Goody Goody Gumdrop is the largest candy store in the state, found in Wisconsin Dells.
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NatureSweet Introduces Adora Heirloom Tomato
NatureSweet, North America’s largest vertically integrated controlled-environment agricultural company and the number one snacking tomato brand is proud to introduce its award-winning Adora Heirloom Tomato to select stores. This unique tomato redefines the taste, appearance, and texture of tomatoes. Adora is a tomato like no other and has earned the ultimate recognition, the Crystal Taste Award, a prestigious distinction given to products by world class chefs with the International Taste Institute that achieved the 3-star Superior Taste Award for three consecutive years. Adora consistently won the award in 2021, 2022, and 2023.
Adora offers a one-of-a-kind taste experience, with a perfect balance of sweetness, subtle savory notes, and a hint of smokiness. With a Brix level higher than seven, Adora is the ideal combination of ripeness and flavor. Its high in water content (94 percent) makes it exceptionally hydrating and refreshing. The smooth transition from green to brown along its grooves signals the optimum ripening point, making it easy to identify when it’s at its peak. Renowned for its visual culinary appeal, Adora has even been called the “best heirloom tomato in the world.”
“This is a tomato like you’ve never eaten before,” says Monica Najera Morales, senior brand manager at NatureSweet. “Adora’s superior flavor can elevate any meal, transforming it from ordinary to gourmet. It’s a game changer, and there’s no coincidence that it’s the only tomato with this level of recognition.”
In addition to its robust flavor, Adora is also rich in vitamins A and C, and an excellent source of potassium, which supports fluid balance, muscle function, and nerve signaling. Packed with antioxidants called carotenoids, Adora may help reduce blood pressure, protect against stroke, and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
Adora tomatoes comes in a 17-oz tray (7”x 3”x 2”) and will be available for a limited time at select Aldi grocery stores across the United States starting in mid-November and running through March of 2025.
NatureSweet is the single-source solution for greenhouse-grown vegetables and is the number one best-selling brand in snacking tomatoes. The largest vertically integrated controlled environment agriculture company in North America, NatureSweet guarantees great tasting produce year-round, both organic and conventional.
Its vegetables are carefully grown, harvested, and packaged by about 9,000 company Associates. NatureSweet tomatoes, cucumbers, and sweet peppers are handpicked at the peak of freshness and sold at major supermarket retailers throughout the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
NatureSweet is dedicated to having a positive social, environmental, and economic impact within our communities, and its purpose is to transform the lives of millions of agricultural workers in North America through a profitable business model that encourages other companies to replicate. Our efforts around sustainability and social impact have led us to earn B Corp, Fair Trade, and the Equitable Food Initiative (EFI) certifications.
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AMC Theatres Partners With DoorDash to Deliver DINE-IN Eats
AMC Theatres is collaborating with DoorDash to deliver its hand-crafted DINE-IN menu items from U.S based DINE-IN theater locations to guests at home, with plans to scale quickly to all of its more than 550 U.S. locations, in 121 markets, by spring of 2025.
In the past few years, movie guests have voted with their appetites, making it clear they want to enhance their moviegoing experience through AMC’s elevated food & beverage offerings. With food and beverage purchases growing year over year, AMC has responded by expanding its menu, creating more delicious offerings — and now by enhancing convenience through home delivery.
This new agreement between AMC and DoorDash ensures guests wanting AMC menu items can now have them conveniently delivered via DoorDash from 48 AMC DINE-IN locations directly to their home. Popular home delivery items include AMC’s Perfectly Popcorn, Nachos and even ICEEs. Combined with AMC’s previous deal with Uber Eats means, home delivery is now available from all of AMC’s more than 550 locations circuit wide, including:
DINE-IN LOCATIONS – All AMC DINE-IN menu items, made with fresh ingredients, are now available for home delivery via DoorDash from AMC’s 48 DINE-IN locations. Selections include everything from Loaded Bacon Fries or Tots and Fried Mozzarella to Wings, Chicken Tenders, Burgers, Flatbread Pizzas and more.
FEATURE FARE LOCATIONS – Uber Eats delivers AMC food to guests at AMC’s 500+ theatres that offer its complete FEATURE FARE menu items. Over the next few months, DoorDash will expand its service to all AMC locations as well. Menu items available range from Sliders and Bavarian Legend Pretzels to Donut Holes for dessert.
“Over the last decade, AMC’s significant investment in transforming and elevating the food and drink experience has revolutionized the phrase ‘movie theatre food,’ which in turn has led to many of our new offerings skyrocketing in popularity with moviegoers,” said Mo Haq, vice president – food & beverage operations, AMC Theatres. “We know our guests crave our signature food beyond the movie experience, such as our Dry Rub Wings, Royal Bacon Brie Burger or Loaded Bacon Tots, which is why we’re bringing their favorite flavors to them both in theater and through home delivery — meeting their tastes wherever they are. Working with DoorDash — and being able to satisfy cravings for AMC menu items with one click of a button — represents yet another win for AMC moviegoers.”
AMC is the largest movie exhibition company in the United States, the largest in Europe and the largest throughout the world with approximately 900 theatres and 10,000 screens across the globe. AMC has propelled innovation in the exhibition industry by: deploying its Signature power-recliner seats; delivering enhanced food and beverage choices; generating greater guest engagement through its loyalty and subscription programs, website, and mobile apps; offering premium large format experiences and playing a wide variety of content including the latest Hollywood releases and independent programming. In addition, in 2023 AMC launched AMC Theatres Distribution with the highly successful releases of TAYLOR SWIFT | THE ERAS TOUR and RENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ. AMC Theatres Distribution expects to release more concert films with the world’s leading musical artists in the years ahead. For more information, visit www.amctheatres.com.
DoorDash is a technology company that connects consumers with their favorite local businesses in more than 30 countries across the globe. Founded in 2013, DoorDash builds products and services to help businesses innovate, grow, and reach more customers. DoorDash is your door to more: the local commerce platform dedicated to enabling merchants to thrive in the convenience economy, giving consumers access to more of their communities, and providing work that empowers.
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