Fudge Etc.

Fudge lovers’ fudge

Fudge an accident? No way!! Although the origins of many foods are in doubt, there’s a strong suggestion that fudge was first created in the Eastern United Sates in the late 1800’s. Fudge is the result of a happy accident made by one, or possibly a group of Vassar College students attempting to make candy. They “fudged” a batch of caramels, hence the name “fudge”. By 1895, fudge appeared in a nationally syndicated write up in the Boston Globe, and it became an instant favorite.

In 1986, Janet and Wallace Heggie began their fudge business in Meridian. Janet had always admired how her mother, Ruby, made candies at Christmas. Ruby was known for her divinity. Ruby gifted the Heggies with the equipment needed to be able to start the business and helped them get going. “It’s exciting to us to be able to offer customers prepackaged fudge. It’s great to see a returning customer. They want to know what new flavors we have, and help us come up with interesting new ones. 80% of our new flavors are customer suggested,” says Wallace. 

Family businesses are the best, and from its beginnings to the present, the family, all seven members, have participated in the workings of the business. “Wade, Erica, Megan, Matthew, and Jennifer all have their niche, and what they bring to the table makes our business vibrant. They carry the load for us a lot,” states Wallace. 

Fudge Etc. is available in multiple locations. “You can purchase our fudge online, at the store, on Etsy, and also at the markets we attend throughout the year. 60% of our revenue comes from fairs, markets, and festivals. We have found that taking our product to the customer has been profitable for us,” the Heggies say. “We ship anywhere, and have shipped fudge as far as Washington State. We also sell wholesale and have one customer from Greenwood who has been with us since the beginning.”

They believe belonging to the chamber is important because it’s a part of the community. “It’s the right thing to do, to be a part of the umbrella that’s out there. Starting a new business isn’t always easy. You need to listen to your banker and your accountant, and other business owners.  If you don’t have these support people, go back and start again. And always remember to thank each one of your customers,” says Wallace.

Fudge Etc. recently purchased a 75-year-old house which has been expanded and remodeled.  With 900 square feet of kitchen space boasting a seal of approval from the state health department, they can make up to 180 lbs. of fudge a day. Fudge Etc. creates 40 different flavors and has become a fan favorite. Customer feedback has indicated that it is some of the best fudge ever tasted. One customer says the fudge “makes me happy” while others refer to the red velvet fudge as a “homerun”. Their shop has become a family tradition at Christmas time for many. 

Looking for a sweet Christmas gift? Look no further than Fudge Etc. What a fortunate accident for us that fudge was invented. 

Fudge Etc.
5011 Poplar Springs Dr., Meridian, MS