New limited-edition fudge collection to feature locally-sourced ingredients and bring iconic Michigan flavors to Mackinac Island’s world-famous fudge experience

Pure Michigan, the beloved travel brand, is partnering with Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau and Ryba’s Fudge Shops to launch the Pure Michigan Mackinac Island Fudge collection— featuring four new delectable flavors.

Michigan is a magnificent four-season travel destination and each flavor will capture the true essence of each changing season in the mitten state – from blooming flowers and fresh maple syrup in the spring, sun-soaked shorelines in the summer, fantastic foliage and agricultural offerings in the fall, and the quiet hum of snow-covered forests in winter.

“Michigan’s culinary heritage is as rich as its four seasons and this partnership brings together the best of both,” said Kelly Wolgamott, Vice President of Pure Michigan. “By infusing locally-sourced ingredients into Mackinac Island’s beloved fudge, we’re offering visitors a taste of Pure Michigan in every slice.”

“Mackinac Island is a destination known for its stunning beauty, historic charm, and, of course, world-famous fudge. This collaboration celebrates our island’s sweetest tradition while showcasing Michigan’s finest flavors, making it a must-try experience for visitors,” said Tim Hygh, Executive Director of Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau.

The Pure Michigan Mackinac Island Fudge is crafted with Michigan-grown and Michigan-made ingredients including sugar, cream, maple sugar, and mint to name a few. The special-edition fudge collection will feature the following seasonal flavors:

• Sweet Maple Waffle Celebrate the season of renewal with this waffle-ly sweet blend featuring maple sugar from Postma Brother’s Maple Syrup Centennial Farm in the Upper
  Peninsula and waffle chunks that add bakery-fresh sweetness to this springtime treat.
• Great Lakes Turtle Twist Inspired by Mackinac Island’s namesake, the summer fudge is where rich tradition meets salty-sweet perfection. This flavor combines Michigan-made pretzel rod chunks with white chocolate caramel, and premium chocolate.
• Pumpkin Spice Delight Fall into flavor with this delectable blend perfect for those crisp days and cozy nights. This flavor features a mix of puree made from Michigan-grown pumpkins, allspice, cinnamon, and pumpkin spice, enhanced with smooth white chocolate caramel.
• Mitten-Made Mint Delicate and smooth like the peaceful snowfall and frozen lakes in Pure Michigan, this fudge is a mix of vanilla with mint grown in St. Johns, evoking the magic of the winter season.

“Our fudge-making traditions run deep, and we’re proud to showcase Michigan’s finest ingredients in each batch,” said Todd Callewaert, CEO of Ryba’s Fudge Shops. “This collaboration is a true celebration of local craftsmanship and the flavors that make our state so special. We look forward to serving it up to visitors in the months ahead.”

The limited-edition fudge collection will be available for purchase at Ryba’s Fudge locations on Mackinac Island starting with the spring Sweet Maple Waffle flavor beginning May 2, 2025. Online ordering will also be available beginning May 1 at ryba.com. The summer, fall and winter flavors will be released at the start of each season.

For travelers looking to get inspired by Michigan’s rich flavors, experiences and destinations, visit michigan.org and mackinacisland.org. For additional information on Ryba’s Fudge and Mackinac Island’s sweetest tradition, visit ryba.com.

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Follow along or join the conversation on: Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Threads, TikTok, X and YouTube.

About Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island Tourism represents the collective interests of members of the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau and the Mackinac Island Convention & Visitors Bureau. The organization’s mission is to promote the interests of the island’s extensive hospitality and entertainment business. As the stewards of this national gem, Mackinac Island Tourism preserves the island’s natural beauty and attractions alike for visitors from around Michigan, the United States, and the world. Mackinac Island has been lauded with numerous awards from the nation’s top travel authorities, including Best Island in the Continental United States by Travel + Leisure, Top 10 U.S. Islands by TripAdvisor and USA Today, as well as the 2024 No. 2 Summer Travel Destination by USA Today’s 10Best Readers Choice Awards. For more information on Mackinac Island visit: https://www.mackinacisland.org

About Ryba’s Fudge Shops

For more than four generations, Ryba’s Fudge Shops have been a cornerstone of Mackinac Island’s sweetest traditions. What began with Harry Ryba—affectionately known as the “Fudge King”—has grown into a beloved family legacy, with each creamy, handcrafted batch made using time-honored techniques and Michigan’s finest ingredients. From the iconic scent wafting onto the streets to the artistry of live fudge-making in the shop windows, Ryba’s delivers a one-of-a-kind experience in every slice. Visitors can indulge in person at one of four Mackinac Island locations or order a taste of Michigan magic year-round at ryba.com.

This article was originally published by Pure Michigan. You can view the full story on their website: Pure Michigan + Mackinac Island Sweet Collaboration.

 

Ryba’s Fudge Shops opened its doors to a group of talented young culinary enthusiasts—the top five cake decorating teams from the Michigan ProStart Invitational. As the sweet scent of sugar and chocolate filled the air, these creative students got a taste of what it takes to be a master in the art of candy making.

A Day of Learning and Laughter

Our day began with introductions to Ryba’s team of master confectioners, who have been perfecting the craft of fudge, caramel, and confections on Mackinac Island for decades. Under their expert guidance, the students were immersed in the meticulous process of crafting Ryba’s famous turtles, popcorn draped in creamy caramel, and our iconic fudge.

Each student was paired with a confectioner, providing a unique, hands-on experience in the nuances of candy making. They learned that at Ryba’s, it’s not just about following a recipe—it’s about the passion and precision that goes into each batch, ensuring that every piece of candy is as perfect as the last.

Sweet Takeaways

By the end of the day, not only had the students created delectable treats, they had also gained a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship involved in confectionery arts. As they packed up their creations to share with friends and family, it was clear that the lessons learned at Ryba’s Fudge Shops would stick with them, much like caramel clings to popcorn.

Celebrating the Art of Culinary Excellence

The statewide Michigan ProStart Competition is a cornerstone event, bringing together ProStart students and schools from across the state for two days of showcasing their talents in various aspects of the hospitality industry. This year, the competition categories included Culinary, Management, Nutrition, Pasta, Knife Cuts, ServSafe Quiz Bowl, Tabletop Design, and Cake Decorating.

Teams were observed, rated, and judged by leading industry professionals and higher education instructors. The first place winners of the Culinary and Management competitions earned a spot at the ProStart National Invitational in Baltimore, Maryland. Moreover, the 2024 competition offered more than $850,000 in scholarships to support students continuing their education in hospitality-related fields.

The winners of the cake decorating category were as follows:

• First Place: Oakland Technical Southeast
• Second Place: Gratiot Isabella TEC
• Third Place: RCTC Ypsilanti – Team B
• Fourth Place: Bay Arena ISD – Team B
• Fifth Place: Livonia Technical Center

We at Ryba’s are proud to support the next generation of culinary talents and to provide a venue where learning is sweet and memories are sweeter. We extend a heartfelt thank you to the Michigan ProStart Invitational teams for bringing their enthusiasm and creativity to our kitchen.

Thank you for joining us in celebrating the craft of candy making! For more information about the Michigan ProStart Competition or to get involved, please contact Sarah Metcalf at smetcalf@mrla.org or call 517-377-3928.