THE CANDY COW
By Graeme Olsen
When Ed and Fran Mangano made the brave decision
to leave teaching careers in the search of a different
challenge, little did they realise the effect their
new venture would eventually have on people of all
ages across the south west.
Ed and Fran's background was
children. Having raised 5 of their own, plus
cared for hundreds during their respective
teaching careers, they had a great understanding
and love of children.
In 1990, despite having no experience in
confectionery making, they made the decision
to launch their little family business,
'Lollipop Lane', at the Perth Royal Agricultural
Show.
The entire Mangano family became involved,
creating thousands of showbags and making
lollipops, chocolates, honeycomb and fairy
floss, to the delight of thousands of children
and families visiting the show. Ed and his eldest son Jonathan, developed
their own unique honeycomb using authentic
Western Australian honeys.
It was then that a chance meeting with a confectioner
from New Zealand led to an exciting increase in the
range of sweets that the Mangano family provided at
the show. In addition to their previous sweets, Ed
and Fran now handcrafted fine, melt in your mouth,
creamy fudge and silky soft nougat. The Mangano's
soon found customers telephoning, writing and emailing
throughout the year, asking for the unique and lavish
sweets.
The demand grew and soon it could no longer be ignored.
It was clear that a magic "sweet" place,
open all year, was needed.
When deciding on where to establish the new venture,
Cowamarup quickly caught their attention. With rolling
green hills, acres of vineyards and glorious beaches,
"Cow Town" just seemed the perfect place.
And so The Candy Cow was born.
By this stage the Mangano family was down to three.
Daughter number three, Jane, having completed a marketing
degree, became the driving force and public face of
the Candy Cow. The other children were either completing
studies or out on their own voyage of self discovery.
And so the three remaining family members set about
establishing the new venture, and the Candy Cow instantly
became very well known for it's exclusive range of
fabulous sweets.
The sweets at the Candy Cow are created in a purpose
built manufacturing room which has large viewing windows
so that everyone, from toddlers to adults, can watch
the honeycomb, fudge, and nougat being made. Ed says
"Candy Cow is here to educate and entertain".
The sights, sounds, and aromas of a visit to The Candy
Cow promises to delight your senses.
And yes, there is tasting.
You can find out about the free demonstrations, tastings,
presentations and more at the Candy Cow web site at
www.candycow.com.au
or contact Jane at sweets@candycow.com.au.
November 2001
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