Darling Sweet, the beloved South African brand known for its premium toffees and soft caramels, celebrated a significant milestone on 14 July 2024, marking its 10th anniversary in the confectionery industry. To commemorate this special occasion, founders Hentie van der Merwe and Frits van Ryneveld introduced their latest indulgence – fudge.
Darling Sweet Expands Its Confectionery Range with Fudge
Reflecting on their journey, van Ryneveld shared, “When we launched our first toffees in 2014, we never imagined that a decade later we would be producing ten different flavours of toffees, eight soft caramel varieties, three types of toffee spread, and now fudge—a true South African favourite.”
Darling Sweet’s decision to venture into fudge was a natural progression. The company began with traditional toffees in 2014, responding to a gap in the market for a high-quality, chewy treat. In 2018, they expanded their offerings with soft caramels, catering to those seeking a gentler bite. Fudge, with its distinct texture and widespread popularity, was a logical next step. Interestingly, the village of Darling had long been associated with fudge, thanks to Hugh Davies, a local confectioner who had crafted and sold his famous fudge for over 20 years. Last year, at 89, Davies moved to Johannesburg and graciously passed his cherished recipe to Darling Sweet, allowing the tradition to continue.
A Decade of Sweet Success: Celebrating 10 Years with a New Treat
Developing this new line was a meticulous process. Hentie van der Merwe carefully fine-tuned Davies’ recipe, adapting it for larger-scale production in their kitchen. The result is a smooth, mouthwatering fudge that perfectly balances tradition with innovation. Darling Sweet’s fudge is made with top-quality ingredients, including locally sourced butter, sugar, and condensed milk, and is certified Kosher and Halaal.
The new fudge line features a distinctive handmade pattern, giving it a textured look. The initial flavour is a classic traditional one, though van Ryneveld hints at more flavours in the future.
Darling Sweet’s products, including the new fudge, are available in select shops, delis, farm stalls nationwide, and online. Visitors to Darling can also enjoy a tasting experience at their dedicated tasting room. To mark their 10-year milestone, the fudge packaging features a diamond-shaped window – a symbol of their decade of sweet success.
