They love it. In some ways, the small-town candy makers of Northern Michigan are fairly typical of the industry, said Billingham. But in a number of other important respects, there are major differences. But in many parts of the country, chocolate sales plummet during the warm weather months. Most places, nobody buys chocolate in the summertime.
Chocolate makers are well represented in the group, however.
Bill Ryan of Merckens Chocolate, a large Milwaukee wholesaler, was glad to see some of his company's products being used in locally-produced candies. Working with these small retailers is a true pleasure, he said, because they don't compete against each other directly and have few secrets they aren't eager to divulge. It's unusual to see a trade group whose members are so willing to share their successes. We do it the old-fashioned way, on a hook. It's really awesome to watch.