Speaking on Business: The Caramel Tree

It takes someone with a sweet touch to run The Caramel Tree in Rigby, Idaho. And that’s just what owner Chris Merrill has. His store sells a wide variety of delicious treats handmade daily, like caramel apples, homemade fudge, dipped marshmallow sticks and brownie bites.

Merrill started into the candymaking business with gourmet fudge. He was selling it at craft shows and developed a following. So, he decided to increase the product line, and The Caramel Tree officially launched 10 years ago. The candy store is now so popular it expanded to a second location in Idaho Falls. Its retail and production space have grown, as has its employee base.

One of the top-selling items is apple pie caramel apples dipped in white chocolate and then coated with an apple pie crust. A close second and third are the chocolate caramel pretzel sticks and chocolate caramel cinnamon bears.

While locals love The Caramel Tree, business has expanded beyond the Idaho border. The company has a vibrant e-commerce business, shipping products across the U.S. and to Europe, especially to members of the military and service missionaries. Its personalized gift baskets are popular for the holidays.