23/07/2025
Little bit on how FON Candy Floss came about. Check out this great write up from Your Local Business Network - with Paul Connolly
Visiting my favourite CafƩ I was intrigued to see a container of bright and colourful Candy Floss on sale, which piqued my curiosity and resulted in me talking to the couple that own FON Candy Floss, a local business success story.
FON Candy Floss began with a simple idea, born from nostalgia, necessity, and a touch of stubbornness. Founders Greg and Roxanne missed the joy of a whimsical childhood treat: cotton candy. Wanting to recreate that sense of fun and sweetness, they brought it back, infused with a modern twist and a bit of bold imagination.
āOriginally, we didnāt set out to be Candy Floss makers. Our first venture was FON, which stood for Family of Nuts, a nut butter business we started after the local peanut butter supplier moved away leaving a void for the locals to get fresh peanut butter. We had zero small business experience, but we jumped in headfirst. Unfortunately, New Zealandās climate and limited access to peanuts during Covid meant that venture was not sustainable.ā
āThatās when Candy Floss came in, almost by accident.ā
It all began with a need for something fun and kid-friendly to offer at a weekend farmersā market stall. Roxanne suggested candy floss and despite some initial hesitation ("it's sticky, it's messy..."), they decided to give it a go. The result? A complete sell-out in under an hour. That was the lightbulb moment. What started as a one-machine experiment has since grown into a creative, handcrafted candy floss brand boasting over 50 unique flavours, from classic strawberry and blueberry to lychee, chocolate, marshmallow, and more.
FON Candy Floss wasnāt created to simply replicate a classic treat, it was built on the desire to completely reinvent it. From soft pastels to bold brights, flavours and colours as unique as the people who enjoy them. Unimpressed by the artificial-tasting pink and blue fluff often found in plastic bags, founders Greg and Roxanne saw an opportunity to elevate a nostalgic favourite into something truly special. Their artisanal candy floss is handcrafted, infused with gourmet flavours like lychee and chocolate, and elegantly packaged in eco-conscious, airtight containers, designed to preserve its cloud-like texture for months, even in Aucklandās famously humid climate.
What began as an fun experiment for kids has grown into a sought-after people pleasing experience at weddings, brand activations, corporate events, school fundraisers, and more. Offering fully bespoke services, matching flavours and colours to themes, adorning candy floss with edible flowers or glitter, and even crafting layered candy floss cakes. And then there are their coveted drink glitter bombs, crafted to fizz, swirl, and shimmer in champagne. A festive favourite, they add a touch of magic to every toast and sell out year after year.
They have also seen a noticeable rise in demand for their handmade event cart services, led by their signature candy floss cart, complete with vintage-style charm, from its striped umbrella to elegant wire-spoked wheels. This nostalgic showpiece brings a whimsical, old-world touch to modern celebrations. Alongside it, their gourmet popcorn cart and handcrafted caramel popcorn corn continue to delight guests with their rich flavours and artisanal flair, making every event feel both indulgent and unforgettable. Today, their signature carts bring a sense of wonder and delight to events all across New Zealand.
Greg and Roxanne are mindful about using only the finest quality ingredients and can boast their candy floss is thoughtfully crafted to be naturally gluten-free and free from common allergens, so everyone can indulge without worry. For anyone whoās a little picky about colours, their āNakedā candy floss is all the fun, without the added hues, so everyone can join in the sweet, fluffy goodness can indulge in the magic without compromise.
Education has become a surprising part of the brandās mission. The team regularly fields questions from health-conscious parents and offers a lighter way to indulge, perfect for those keeping an eye on their sugar levels. Many customers are pleasantly surprised to discover that each tub contains an average of one teaspoon of sugar, thanks to the delicate, hand-spun nature of the candy floss.
FON Candy Floss is thoughtfully crafted with intention and care.
āFONā still means Family of Nuts, but now, it also reflects their crazy little journey. Each family member was once a nut in their branding, and our love for creativity, fun, and community continues to drive everything we do.
What began as a quirky idea at a farmersā market has spun into something much bigger, something sweet, nostalgic, and totally unexpected.
For all the work, late nights, and sticky fingers, the heart of the business still lies in the simple joy of watching kids experience Candy Floss for the first time. āWeāve had kids walk up and ask, āWhat is it?ā Then they take a bite and their faces just light up,ā says Roxanne. āThat moment never gets old.ā
FON Candy Floss continues to serve both individual customers through its online store and a growing number of commercial clients, including cafĆ©s, indoor play centres, selected retailers, distilleries, bars, and boutique food producers. āWhen we see large orders come through for one of our more unusual flavours, we often look into it and discover itās for a distillery or a bakery,ā says Greg. āThereās definitely a growing demand in niche and creative spaces.ā
What sets FON Candy Floss apart isnāt just the product, itās the strategy which is attracting innovative retailers. At Little Urban cafĆ©, for instance, red raspberry FON candy floss is swirled over pancakes, sparking customer delight and driving sales. āPeople try it with their breakfast, ask where itās from, and walk out with a tub,ā says Greg. āWeāre turning curiosity into conversion.ā
FON Candy Floss is more than just a sweet treat, itās a thoughtfully crafted experience that blends nostalgia, creativity, and a deep commitment to quality. From their allergy-friendly offerings and mindful ingredients to their whimsical presentation and growing presence in boutique venues across New Zealand, Greg and Roxanne have created something truly special. What started as a weekend experiment has grown into a brand that sparks joy, conversation, and connection, one delicate, hand-spun cloud at a time. Whether itās topping pancakes at a local cafĆ©, delighting guests at a wedding, or lighting up a childās face at their first taste, FON Candy Floss continues to prove that a little sweetness can go a long way.
āOur goal is simple,ā the founder explains, "making customers and stockists happy with a flavourful product enjoyed by all".
I am a fan; it is a taste sensation!
.foncandyfloss.co.nz, Floss, .[email protected]
://paulconnolly.trustedadvisor.co.nz
