‘Best Chocolate in Town’ parent acquires popular fudge products
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Indianapolis-based Newfangled Confections is growing its offerings with two Indiana-made products. The company, which operates The Best Chocolate in Town shop on Mass Ave in Indy, has acquired Fudge in a Cup and Fido’s Fudge, which were originally created in the Owen County town of Gosport.
The two fudge products were created by Alyssa Rice 15 years ago. She and her husband, Tom, operated the Nate’s Candy Jar store and manufacturing facility in Gosport, about 45 miles southwest of Indianapolis.
Newfangled Confections said Rice will serve in a supportive role as part of the transition team.
As a result of the acquisition, the Nate’s Candy Jar storefront and manufacturing facility will close. However, Rice said in a Facebook post that she and her husband will continue to produce their caramel candies as a home business and retain the Nate’s Candy Jar name.
Rice said she met Newfangled Confections founder Carrie Abbott at a trade show in Atlanta, Georgia five years ago, which began the relationship.
“There is no one better suited to take Fudge in a Cup & Fido’s Fudge to the next level,” Rice said in a news release. “Carrie and I share the same values, and the same passion for people, small business, and innovation. I’m thrilled that Fudge in a Cup & Fido’s Fudge will continue.”
Abbott founded Newfangled Confections in 2012 and created the company’s signature Frittle, a combination of peanut butter fudge and brittle. She acquired The Best Chocolate in Town in 2020, and reopened the company’s retail space at 884 Massachusetts Avenue earlier this year.
Abbott said the company plans to continue the relationships forged with Fudge in a Cup partners, suppliers and clients in addition to taking the products into new channels.
“I absolutely love Alyssa and her innovative brand and now with more experience in confections over the last 15 years, I’m confident we can carry the torch for her and continue to grow the business,” said Abbott. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to expand our line and offer new products to our existing customers, as well as those who discover us through the acquisition.”
Fudge in a Cup will be sold on the Newfangled Confections website and The Best Chocolate in Town store on Mass Ave.
