The nuts themselves had already been cracked, almonds and cashews.
Then into foil bags the little logs of Roca went, and these bags were placed into colorful metal Nutcracker containers – the first such themed tins in the history of Tacoma candymaker Brown & Haley.
Monday saw the last day of production for this year’s first-ever holiday offering.
The idea to sell Nutcracker Roca occurred a year ago when the company helped sponsor a performance of Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker” by a Seattle ballet ensemble.
Sales have so far gone well, said Chief Operating Officer John Melin.
Especially in Panama.
Brown & Haley will produce a total of only 22,000 Nutcracker vessels, which may become the first in an annual series of collectible holiday containers.
With a retail price of $9.99 for 10 ounces, the item is available locally at company outlets in Tacoma and Fife, as well as at selected grocers, variety, drug and specialty stores.
“It is a statement of where we are and how we look at the world,” said CEO Pierson Clair on Monday.
“We are leading the premium confection category, and this is as meaningful as our 1920 Art Deco box.”
Brown & Haley is currently running its production lines 24 hours a day, primarily manufacturing products both for the Christmas season and Chinese New Year.
C.R. Roberts: 253-597-8535 c.r.roberts@thenewstribune.com
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