Hello happy campers!
We wanted to share a candid look at what it's been like running a small food business in America lately.
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As you read our “Dear Happy Camper Diary”, keep in mind that what keeps us excited to navigate our trials and get creative each and every day is YOU! Our amazing loyal gluten free customers!
Your reviews, kind emails, and repeat orders warm our hearts and fuel our enthusiasm. Thank you for all your support!!!
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Dear Happy Camper Diary,
For a while now, running a business has been a real kick in the pants. Then followed by another blow to the rump sending you over a cliff, down a ravine, and on top of a thorny hawthorn bush.
Seriously though, looking back to 2022, just as we got our footing after Covid, the Ukrainian war hit. The resulting worldwide food supply issues hit every food manufacturer hard, us included.
We briefly caught our breath, then tariffs arrived last year. Here's a little-known fact: tariffs affect everything, including domestic ingredients. For example, when imported sunflower seeds cost more, everyone rushes to buy domestic ones, driving those prices up too.
We spent four months last year doing nothing but navigating tariffs. Securing new supplier contracts, and strengthening relationships with existing ones.
The good news? Our long-term relationships and connections with American farmers and gluten free food manufacturers have largely protected us. We've gotten creative, more efficient and have proudly picked out the thorns from our rears without increasing our prices.
The impact of the current gas price surge has us worried, as prices of UPS, FedEx and every incoming ingredient have already risen considerably.
But we keep doing everything we can to avoid raising prices. It is literally our second least favorite thing. Right after cross-contamination!
Happy Campers is about healthy gluten-free bread and groovy vibes. But life has ups and downs. Our motto: it's all about embracing the journey and finding growth and peace in whatever gets thrown your way – in health, life, and business!
Thank you for all your support !!!
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-- Lacy, Jan and the Happy Campers team
