AUSTIN, Texas — Tracy Claros' unwavering determination to share Sticky Toffee Pudding with America placed her in the lead of a new trend and has led to a recent invitation to present her winning confection on November 9th at the exclusive press tasting event hosted by the National Association for Specialty Food Trade (NASFT). The event will host national media outlets including the Food Network, O – The Oprah Magazine and Epicurious, among others, to highlight NASFT's 2010 sofi gold award winners – the latest specialty food trends as holiday gift options.
In 2004, Claros left her home in England for Austin, Texas, with little capital and a rough-hewn plan to launch The Sticky Toffee Pudding Company. A Speech and Language Pathologist by profession, Claros risked all to make a foray into entrepreneurship. Now, six years in, smart decision-making and bootstrapping her business to its current model of sustainability has proven to be the key to success for the small business owner.
A "First-to-Market" exceptional product line, long hours and micro-loans have been Claros' winning combination. "There is no substitute for hard work," says Claros. "I'd rather sacrifice margin than sacrifice quality."
The Sticky Toffee Pudding Company has twice struck gold in a down market. This year, Claros took home the gold sofi award for Outstanding Baked Goods at the NASFT Summer Fancy Food Show, marking her second win since her first entry in 2007, when her English Lemon Pudding was the star of the show. This summer, Claros' product was recognized in the top five Specialty Food Trends of 2010 as a "Hand-crafted Local Heritage Food." With each triumph, she has been approached with national opportunities to expand her enterprise.
Following her second win, Whole Foods Market added another two regions to the eight that already carry the sticky date cakes. Claros received calls from Costco and Walmart as well. Costco Texas and Northern California will be offering the Sticky Toffee Pudding during the holidays at select warehouses.
For more information visit www.stickytoffeepuddingcompany.com. Follow Sticky Toffee Pudding Company on twitter at @stickytoffepuds and Facebook.
Source: Sticky Toffee Pudding Company