Craig Wilson is the editor of the Hill & Lake Press and is Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian). He lives in Lowry Hill.
When Colleen Ayers’ and Aaron Hanauer’s 11-year-old daughter, Ivy, came across a YouTube video about Swedish candy last winter, the family didn’t expect it to change the direction of their year.
But curiosity has a way of becoming adventure, and soon enough the family found themselves on a journey that would lead to a new family business, a growing local following and a soon-to-open candy shop in downtown Minneapolis.
It began with one pound of Swedish candy
The flavors were bright and surprising, with textures that felt different from those in the familiar American candy aisle. The family wanted to understand why, and that curiosity eventually took them to New York City over spring break, where they visited BonBon and Lil Sweet Treat, two shops known for their Scandinavian candy selections.
Ivy sampled everything she could, filling small bags from large “pick and mix” walls of colorful gummies, chocolates and licorice.
“When we came home, we looked for something like that here and realized we couldn’t find it,” said Colleen. “So we decided to try bringing it to Minneapolis. It makes so much sense with so much Scandinavian heritage here.”
The idea became Confetti Blossom, the family’s Swedish candy business that has since popped up at markets across the Twin Cities, where Ivy often helps customers choose flavors.
The Culture of Candy in Sweden
Candy plays a distinct cultural role in Sweden. One of the most beloved traditions is “lördagsgodis,” or “Saturday candy,” where families visit neighborhood shops once a week to select small mixed bags of candy to share at home. The practice dates back to the mid-20th century and remains widely observed.
Swedish candy also differs from many American varieties. Flavors tend to be less sugary and more flavorful, with tart fruits, mellow chocolate and a wide range of licorice.
Textures are firmer and less sticky, and sour candies carry a noticeable acidity. The pick-and-mix format encourages slowing down and savoring, rather than eating candy quickly or mindlessly.
“It’s candy you actually notice,” Aaron said. “There’s real flavor to it, not just sugar.”
A New Storefront on the Way
With enthusiastic support from markets and community events, the family is now preparing to open a permanent Confetti Blossom storefront in downtown Minneapolis later this year.
The shop will feature a Swedish-style “plockgodis,” or pick-and-mix wall, where customers can build their own assortment of candies just as they would in Sweden.
“We’re excited to build this together as a family,” Aaron said. “It has been meaningful to see Ivy help shape it from the very beginning.”
The storefront location will be announced in the coming weeks. Until then, Confetti Blossom will continue to appear at pop-ups and markets throughout the Twin Cities and offer free next day delivery in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the west metro for orders over $50.
