Startups

Sweet-toothed Joe and Kalem, aka The Bonbon Boys, bring their Pick 'n' Mix love to your door

Joe Quinlan and Kalem Brinkworth, otherwise known as The Bonbon Boys.

By Staff Reporter [email protected]

Published: June 28, 2020 | Updated: 28th June 2020

They’re called The Bonbon Boys – and they’re bringing their love of all things confectionery right to your door.

Sweet-toothed Kalem Brinkworth and Joe Quinlan came up with the idea of home-delivered candy boxes after the traditional Pick ‘n’ Mix were restricted or suspended from the usual outlets during the lockdown.

Within two weeks, the Poole-based duo had sourced more than 200 kg of sweets, covering over 30 varieties, and sustainable packaging.

They also developed a fun, tongue-in-cheek brand designed to resonate with anyone who likes a nibble – but on something sugary.

The Bonbon Boys officially launched on June 18 and quickly surpassed 100 orders in their first weekend which included Father’s Day.

Handcrafted and sustainable boxes were delivered across Dorset and to all four corners of the country including Aberdeenshire, Cornwall and Kent.

One delighted Dad said: “I was lucky enough to get one of your boxes today.

“Wow, blown away. Stunning.

“Wrapped beautifully and full to the brim with lovely treats.

“One of the best prezzies I have ever had.

“Thanks Bonbon Boys. Wonderful.”

Joe, 26, said: “We’ve used social media to promote the business and the response has been really good.

“We both have a sweet tooth and love confectionery. It just seemed a good idea for a business.

“The biggest demographic is in the 25 to 34 age group but we’ve had all ages placing orders.

“We’ve always wanted to have our own business and this seemed the right time, especially with the growth in home deliveries due to the lockdown.”

Kalem, 27, added: “It’s the nostalgia of tucking into a box of good old-fashioned Pick ‘n’ Mix that takes us back to simpler times.

“Not only do we hand-select and test the best quality sweets – if it ain’t good enough for us, it’s not good enough for you – we care about our footprint too.”

Joe, who is the Assistant Marketing Manager at Go South Coast, and Kalem, a studio designer at LUSH, are currently running the business in their spare time.

Deliveries are free to most BH postcodes and for a small charge by Hermes to other parts of the country.

The confectionery is in a 9” pizza box.

Currently The Bonbon Boys offer two products.

The retro and contemporary favourites box, called The ‘Classic’ One, contains fizzy sweets, jelly sweets, chews and chocolate nibbles with 25 different varieties.

Meanwhile The ‘Vegan’ One, pictured right, is still full of treats but without the gelatine.

The contents include candy necklaces, tongue painters, bubblegum mermaids, vegan fudge, peach rings, flying saucers and more.

Both retail at £10.95.

Joe said: “Lockdown has had its positive by giving us the inspiration to launch this ‘side hustle’ business.

“There’s a definite demand from people wanting their sugar fix.

“We have plans to launch other boxes, including gluten free, and will see how things develop.

“There are others doing this but we like to think that the quality of our confectionery, together with the sustainable packaging, sets us apart.

“Either way, we’ve had a hugely successful first weekend picking, packing and delivering orders.”

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