Imagine a job perk so sweet, it involves thousands of pounds of chocolate! Unreal Snacks’ CEO shares why their employees have ordered over a ton of the good stuff this year. Is this the ultimate way to build brand loyalty, or just a delicious indulgence? Find out what makes this company so unique!
In a striking example of innovative corporate culture, Unreal Snacks, a company renowned for its healthier chocolate alternatives, has implemented a unique employee benefit that is both delectable and strategically shrewd. This distinctive perk allows employees to expense an unlimited amount of chocolate, sourced from any brand they choose, a policy championed by CEO Kevin McCarthy to foster a deeper connection between staff and the company’s core product offerings.
The policy’s impact is already evident in the sheer volume of confectionery consumed by the team. As of early August, the company’s approximately 70-person workforce had collectively ordered an astounding 1,300 pounds of chocolate. Projections suggest that by year-end, this figure could skyrocket to nearly 3,000 pounds, highlighting the enthusiasm with which employees have embraced this sweet incentive and demonstrating its tangible influence on their daily experience.
Kevin McCarthy, the visionary CEO of Unreal Snacks, articulates the rationale behind this generous allowance as a means to keep employees intrinsically linked to the products and the broader food industry. He posits that by empowering staff to indulge in and evaluate various chocolate products, they gain firsthand insights into market trends, competitive offerings, and the nuanced preferences of consumers, thereby enhancing their understanding of the company’s mission and market position.
Beyond product immersion, McCarthy views the chocolate benefit as a potent tool for cultivating “super fans” within his organization. The strategy extends beyond mere employee satisfaction; it leverages a powerful network effect. As team members share their chosen chocolates, including Unreal Snacks’ own healthier versions, with family and friends, they inadvertently become brand ambassadors, expanding the company’s reach and affinity in an authentic and organic manner.
Unreal Snacks, primarily a remote-first company based out of Boston, has carved out a significant niche in the competitive snack market. Their product line includes popular items such as chocolate-covered pretzels and peanut butter cups, distinguished by their commitment to reducing sugar content—up to 51% less than conventional brands—without compromising on taste or quality.
This dedication to healthier alternatives has propelled Unreal Snacks’ products into a vast retail network. Currently, their offerings are available in over 35,000 retail locations nationwide, including prominent chains like Whole Foods Market and Target, making their innovative snacks accessible to a broad consumer base seeking more mindful indulgence options.
The success of the chocolate benefit underscores a contemporary approach to employee engagement and brand building. By investing in such a distinctive and appreciated perk, Unreal Snacks not only boosts team morale but also strategically reinforces its brand identity and market presence, turning a simple indulgence into a sophisticated business strategy within the dynamic food industry.
