Vermont confectioner highlights its nut-free commitment with brand new packaging

Vermont Nut Free's repackaged products

The newly packaged products include:​

mini chocolate bars (3SKU’s: retail $9.75)​

 ​

Skippers (2 SKU’s: retail $6.25)​

All products will be available at retailers and wholesalers across the US in August 2016.

Repackaging, not rebranding​

The new packaging speaks to the company’s core value: Making nut-free products, according to Vermont Nut Free’ CEO and founder, Mark Elvidge. He said he founded the company in 1998 in response to his son developing a life-threatening peanut allergy.

“There was a real void in the market place for safe treats for those living with life-threatening peanut and tree nut allergies,”​ he said.

Vermont Nut Free spent around $30,000 on packaging revamp.

“We started out primarily as a web based mail order direct to consumer company, but have steadily increased our presence in retail stores over the years,”​ Elvidge said. “It was time for an upgrade and to provide a new look on the store shelves to enhance our brand image. This is a packaging upgrade as opposed to rebranding the company.” ​

Targeting 22% growth ​

Vermont Nut Free has been averaging year-over-year growth of 10% in the past few years. This year, the company targets 22% growth.

Elvidge said his products have a much larger market than the 1% of the US population with peanut allergies.

“There are people who don’t have an allergy, but simply enjoy premium quality chocolates.”​

“We also plan on increasing direct wholesale accounts as well as adding some additional distributors. We are also currently building a new website that will increase that channel significantly,”​ he added.

Vermont Nut Free has been performing well in the peanut-free sector, and currently has no plan to expand to other free-from categories, according to Elvidge.