Grand Isle, Vermont - October 22, 2010
Halloween is just 9 days away, but trick or treating can be extra scary for some kids. Children with food allergies often struggle to find candy they can eat. But a company in the Champlain Islands is changing that.
Vermont Nut Free Chocolates is a brand born from a mom's mission.
"This really kind of fell into my lap!" said Gail Elvdige
Her son Tanner has a severe allergy to nuts as she discovered when he was just 8 months old.
"He had just eaten a small piece of something I was having at the time, an English muffin with peanut butter, and I broke off a small piece and gave it to him. He reacted right away with hives and swelling around his mouth," she said.
Elvidge struggled to find products that were safe for Tanner, especially around holidays like Halloween.
"It's very challenging. There's a lot of families that still want to allow their child to go out and trick or treat, but they know most of what they're getting is not a safe product for them," said Gail.
The Elvidges started their candy company 12 years ago in their home in the Champlain Islands, selling guaranteed nut free products by mail to people with allergies.
"We have a very loyal and growing niche market base," said Mark Elvidge.
Vermont Nut Free has seen dramatic growth with more than 3 million Americans diagnosed with nut allergies.
"These things are shipped all over the world!" said Marce Barker.
20 workers, that number grows to more than 30 for the holidays, create and send hundreds of shapes of milk, dark, white, and crispy chocolate to customers in all 50 states, Canada, and a growing European business.
"So many things are so special and so hand-done in Vermont. It's not so 'factory.'" said Barker.
Vermont Nut Free is launching new lines, making granola bars and energy bars, and expanding its wholesale business so the products will be available in more candy and grocery stores.
"How many of your customers don't have nut allergies?" asked Jack Thurston.
"I think that number is growing all the time. We don't have a specific figure for that. But as family members try the chocolate, they enjoy it and the whole family starts to buy the chocolate," replied Gail Elvidge.
Halloween to Easter is prime time for the company that promises you wont miss what's missing in its candy.
But the ingredient that makes these Made in Vermont products stand out is peace of mind for parents of allergic kids, like the company founder herself.
"A trace is all it takes for someone with an allergy to have a reaction," said Gail.
Most of the candy is made right there in Grand Isle, but the company sub-contracts with other brands for some products like jellybeans. The boy who inspired the company, Tanner, is now 16, and the official taste-taster for Vermont Nut Free Chocolates.
Jack Thurston - WCAX-TV
