Australian Enterprise Awards 2026 | 47 AIM-Dec25043 Freeze-dried confectionery company Munchies Gone Mad excels at bringing a fun, crunchy twist to the treats people already love. We find out more from the company’s owner as it clinches two prestigious awards. Renowned for its signature range of freeze-dried treats, Munchies Gone Mad stocks a wide variety of international and locally sourced goodies, giving customers an exciting mix of both familiar and hard-to-find sweets. Customers are typically adventurous snack lovers who enjoy trying new flavours and are drawn to novelty, quality, and creativity. Whether they’re longtime candy fans or newcomers curious about the freezedried trend, the community shares a love of discovering something different. At the heart of Munchies Gone Mad are its core values of innovation, quality, and authenticity. The company firmly believes in pushing the boundaries of snacking while maintaining the highest product standards and staying true to its playful, inclusive brand identity. These values drive the organisation’s success by keeping it ahead of trends and ensuring every bite brings excitement and satisfaction. Munchies Gone Mad’s key differentiators combine to create a brand that’s as bold and vibrant as the products it offers. “We’ve built our reputation on delivering the best - from the superior texture and flavour of our freeze-dried products to the care that goes into every order,” owner, Tiarna Howton-Layman, tells us. “Our over-the-top quality control ensures that each item meets our exacting standards before it reaches our customers, reinforcing the trust and excitement people have for our brand.” The confectionery industry is constantly evolving, with a strong focus on novelty, sensory experiences, and visual appeal. Tiarna notes that one of the biggest trends in recent years has been the rise of freeze-dried sweets. Consumers are increasingly drawn to texture-driven products, bold flavours, and snacks that are both fun and shareable on social media, and at Munchies Gone Mad, the team have embraced this trend by perfecting the freeze-drying process to enhance flavour and texture while maintaining the playful spirit that people love about candy. “From the very beginning, our aim with customers has been to create a sense of nostalgia and wonder,” enthuses Tiarna. “Whether it’s the bright, playful atmosphere of our store, the excitement of discovering new goodies online, or the simple joy of unboxing a delivery, we want every moment to spark happiness. From our oversized candy bench for photos to our antique dispensers and claw machines, we’ve built more than a store - we’ve created an experience that celebrates fun, flavour, and the pure joy of treats.” Another major shift in the market is the growing demand for premium, artisanal confectionery. Customers are looking for quality over quantity - products that feel special, curated, and worth the experience. To this end, Tiarna has responded by sourcing high-quality ingredients, maintaining strict quality control, and introducing premium lollies and exclusive items that reflect that elevated standard. Digital engagement is a key development across the sector. Social media now drives discovery, community, and brand loyalty more than ever before. Munchies Gone Mad has adapted by investing heavily in its online presence, creating engaging visual content, and offering convenient online and local delivery options so customers can connect with the brand anytime, anywhere. Of course, like any business, there are challenges, from supply chain shifts to changing consumer expectations, but Tiarna views them as opportunities to innovate. When certain products become harder to source, for example, she will use that as a chance to introduce new international favourites or experiment with different freezedried creations. By staying flexible, creative, and closely connected to customers, the company has been able to turn industry challenges into moments of growth and reinvention. At Munchies Gone Mad, the internal culture is built around creativity, collaboration, and passion. As a close-knit team that thrives on positivity, playfulness, and pride in its work, the staff are very much the face of Munchies - with friendliness and creativity directly shaping how customers experience the brand. This, in turn, is rewarded with an environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and encouraged to grow, with hands-on training, celebration of achievements big and small, and making sure the workplace reflects the same fun, vibrant energy that defines the products on offer. “By fostering a positive and engaging culture, we ensure that our team feels motivated,” states Tiarna. “That translates directly into the quality of service and experience we deliver to our customers.” Recently, in recognition of its fun and playful personality, combined with top-quality products, the brand received the enviable title of Best Speciality Confectionery Retailer 2026, as well as clinching the APAC Insider Confectionery Innovation Award 2026. Now, the future is looking incredibly bright. Having recently expanded its operations to include a fully equipped commercial kitchen on-site, the firm plans to roll-out an exciting new desserts range, alongside the expansion of the freeze-dried product line to include fresh fruit sourced directly from local farmers – Tiarna’s way of supporting the community while offering natural, locally inspired products that stay true to the brand’s commitment to quality. “Our focus is on continuing to grow, innovate, and connect,” Tiarna comments. “The future of Munchies is full of flavour, creativity, and surprises - and we can’t wait to share it with everyone!” Contact: Tiarna Howton-Layman Company: Munchies Gone Mad Web Address: www.munchiesgonemad.com.au Best Speciality Confectionery Retailer 2026 & APAC Insider Confectionery Innovation Award 2026
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUyMDQwMA==