The Whidbey Island Fudge Company started as a part time business for Jack and Rita Van Arnam, but the reputation and sales of the company allowed the Van Arnams to make it into a full time business.
The Van Arnams created the Whidbey Island Fudge Company in 2001 and introduced their first products at the Coupeville Arts and Crafts Fair that year. No one else had been selling fudge, and the 25 pounds of walnut and plain fudge that Jack and Rita made from their first sales venture sold out quickly.
When Covid-19 hit, The Van Arnmans say they came very close to closing their doors. But thanks to their faithful followers and to Bayview Farmers Market, Ken Korner Red Apple, The Goose Market, Greenbank Farm Wine Shop and the Greenbank Farm Christmas Festival, and 3-Sisters Market, they were able to stay in business.
They comment, “We are working hard to keep our prices down in spite of the rising
costs since we want our customers to enjoy our fudge at an affordable price.
The current fudge flavors include:
- Chocolate
- Dark chocolate
- Dark raspberry
- Maple walnut
- Dark orange
- Peanut butter
- Chocolate peanut butter
- Rocky Road
- Salted carmel
- Turbo (espresso coffee)
- Walnut
- White raspberry swirl
When asked which flavors are most popular, Jack says, “Every crowd is different and every sales day is different.” They do respond to requests they receive.
Rita and Jack met in June 1987 while on a camping trip in the Dalles. They married in 1988 and lived in Seattle Area. They began looking for a place with more affordable housing and a more rural setting. Rita had two brothers living on Whidbey, and she and Jack decided this was where they wanted to settle, as well.
The fudge recipe (which is a secret) was handed down from Rita’s grandmother. Rita notes that one of the “secrets” of their products is that Jack knows how to keep stirring the fudge till it’s smooth and creamy. She adds that “It takes a lot of patience to stir it just right.” Jack volunteered at the beginning of the enterprise to be a full time helper to Rita.
Rita says that her children were a major inspiration. Her son asked her when he was young, “Mom, can you make some fudge?” She made fudge and often wrapped some for Christmas presents. A friend of hers once commented, “I can’t make fudge like that.”
The Van Arnams are still very active in making and selling their products (even though they are considerably past the usual retirement age) for a major reason they love to share: “It’s fun to do.”
Sales of Whidbey Island Fudge have been increasing every year since it was introduced. They are planning to keep making their fudge for at least two more years, and they are hoping some of their children will want to take over the business at that time. They see their children continuing to use the secret recipes, and maintain the popularity of the Whidbey Island Fudge Company.
To arrange for a special order from Whidbey Island Fudge Company, call Rita or Jack at: 360-579-1694.
