PPB July 2021

that both are under the one family name. This will further instill confidence that we are specialists across many different categories and made it much easier for us to be top of mind with distributors,” says President David Miller. Chocolate Inn | Lanco is part of a team of companies that operate under NC Custom, the promotional products arm of Nassau Candy, a Hicksville, New York, manufacturer of confections and snacks, an importer and distributor of gourmet foods—such as cheese, sauces and nutrition bars—and one of the largest specialty confectionery distributors with thousands of clients throughout the U.S. The companies that will fall under the NC Custom banner include Chocolate Inn, also in Hicksville, which manufactures custom edibles; Lanco in Ronkonkoma, New York, which manufactures hardgoods, such as lip balms, hand sanitizer, microfiber and candles; Brampton, Ontario- based Taylor & Grant, which is a free-on-board (FOB) shipping point in Canada; and ACE USA, a premium collection apparel and hardgoods brand that is further set to be launched in fourth quarter of this year, and will be housed in the Ronkonkoma factory. One of the ongoing goals of Miller and CEO Lance Stier is to establish NC Custom as a one-stop shop for distributors whose clients are looking for edibles, hardgoods and apparel, as well as kitting, which can include items from all three product categories. But like many of life’s greatest moments, it all began with sweets. David Miller’s parents, George and Joyce Miller, founded Chocolate Inn in 1979, which began as a small manufacturer of custom-molded chocolates selling to niche markets, and then segued into the corporate market. “We were the first chocolatier, and one of the first people selling food into the industry,” says Miller. Looking to expand the range of products offered, Miller looked into where his competitors were purchasing edibles, and realized much of the product was sourced from Nassau Candy, which was located nearby. Miller met with Lance Stier, head of business development and co-owner of Nassau Candy, his family business, and spoke about the potential for a partnership. In 2010, Nassau About NC Custom Founding date: 1979 Principals: Lance Stier, CEO, and David Miller, president Number of orders led per month: 20,000 Most popular items: edibles, lip balm, hand sanitizer and micro bers | JULY 2021 | 85 CONNECT