Interview with Sweetaly: California’s Newest Candy

Walk the streets of Italy and ask any passerby what the best special event treat is, they’ll probably say Confetto. Us Californians are yet to enjoy the soft, crunchy, and sophisticated flavors of this heavenly treat, but thanks to the local small business owner of Sweetaly, Silvia Boschi, we can finally see what the hype is about. Confetto is similar in shape to the popular Jordan almond, but they are oh-so deliciously different. These soft, flavored chocolate-covered almonds have a crispy and sugary shell, and they come in a plethora of unexpected flavors. Confetto has a rich, historic tradition, with ancient Romans using them to celebrate lavish weddings and other special events. The treat is said to bring good luck to those who receive it.

FINE Magazine spoke with, who Silvia Boschi gave us an inside look at her unique business. 

How did you get your started in the business of sweets? 

When I opened my wedding planning company back in Italy, I discovered the new "confetti" candies, and [I] became really addicted to them. When I found out they aren’t sold in America, an idea popped into my mind––Californians deserve to taste them!

You moved here from Italy. What made you decide to do that?

I just wanted a change of life, and I told myself [it's] now or never. So I started to send resumes in a few cities in the US where I thought I'd like to live, and San Diego was one of them. I had interviews here and in Chicago. Chicago is a beautiful city, but [it's] really too cold for me; San Diego has the perfect weather. I met, and continue to meet amazing people here––I think I made the right choice!

Sweetaly candies are unique; tell me about what makes them different than other candies?

Confetti are very different from the well-known sugar almonds (Jordan Almonds). Our almonds are covered not only with a layer of sugar, but also with flavored chocolate. The layer of sugar is very thin, so the candy is slightly crunchy but not hard to bite. In Italy, the less sugar you put on the almond, the higher the quality of candy. 

You have some very delicious and sophisticated flavor profiles in your line of candies. Can you describe some of the flavors people can chose from? 

Everyone can find a favorite flavor because there are so many to choose from! From the fruity ones to the creamy ones and even some liquor flavors like rum, spritz cocktail or mojito. Depending on the flavor, the chocolate inside can be dark, milk, or white. 

You're candies are perfect for weddings! What other events would you recommend Sweetaly for?

We recommend them for weddings and any other celebrations such as baby showers, graduation, and anniversaries. Weddings are especially perfect because in Italy, it is said that they bring good luck to the future of the husband and wife’s life together. They are also ideal for corporate gifts, holiday gifts, or any occasion when you want something different than a box of chocolates. You can even make a tasting box with different flavors!  

What's it like to be a business owner? 

It’s hard on one hand because there are no fixed hours, but you also have the freedom to think about different ways to run your business. And, of course, every day new ideas come up. It’s fun because every day is different, [and there are] new challenges to solve and fight.

Besides running a tasty business, what else keeps you busy?

I’m lucky because I’m working for a wedding and event planning company––my passion since I opened my old agency in Italy. To see an event start as an idea and become a reality is amazing!

Your candies are an Italian recipe that has traveled all the way to San Diego! Where do you see Sweetaly going in the future? 

We're still in market research mode because we want to see how appreciated these candies are from potential customers. Our most difficult and important challenge now is to let people know that confetto may be similar in shape to the well-known sugar almonds, but inside, they are way different! We have contact with some stores in San Francisco, and we would love to open our own flagship stores in California. 

Where and how can we purchase your delicious treats? 

We are in contact with some delis, specifically the ones that carry Italian products, in the San Diego area. At the moment, you can reach us by phone or email (760-696-5589, silvia@sweetaly.net) to make your order and get information about pricing and packages. 

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