Inside the Fort Collins Candy Shop Making Ribbon Candy and Bronco-Inspired Sweets

At one small, family-owned candy shop in Fort Collins, it feels like Christmas every single day.

Fort Collins Candy Shop Delivers Year-Round Holiday Magic

In the back of the Colorado Candy Company's shop, "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" played on a small TV as the staff got to work making their next batch of ribbon candy.

Located at 814 S College Avenue, this business is one of only half a dozen places in the country that makes thin, handspun hard candy the old-fashioned way. The goal for John Buoniconti and his business partner Brian Cook is to keep this tradition alive.

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Handspun Ribbon Candy Made the Old-Fashioned Way Right Here in Fort Collins

A machine from the 1800s takes up a large portion of the staff's workspace in the back. It's an antique ribbon candy crimper and every piece of handspun candy goes through this centuries old machinery.

As Cook adds the peppermint flavoring to the sugar, a wave of the scent hits you as if you're walking through a hurricane of holiday cheer.

The process of making the ribbon candy is precise and very satisfying to watch.

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Colorado Candy Company Partners With Denver Broncos’ Star

Last year, the Colorado Candy Company partnered up with the Denver Bronco's wide receiver Courtland Sutton. They teamed up with Sutton to create an ultra sour candy called Sutton Sours.

Sutton Sours: Blue Raspberry, Strawberry, and Watermelon Flavors

The sweet treats are shaped like tiny footballs that come in blue raspberry, strawberry, and watermelon flavors.

One of the co-owners of the Colorado Candy Company said that Sutton is a "sour guy" and that the candy had to reflect that.

“[Courtland was] just looking for something that was his signature candy,” Buoniconti said.

“Those candies aren’t just super sour — they’re sour all the way through. There’s no sweet spot in the center. Just all sour, all the time.”

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Courtland Sutton Helped Design His Signature Candy

The Denver Broncos' MVP did play a role in the candy creation process. Sutton picked the three flavors that are in the pack as well as the actual sour level.

Any time that Buoniconti mentioned collaborating with Courtland Sutton, the candy maker would break out into a massive grin.

"He was so down to Earth...just a super nice guy," he said.

Where to Find Sutton Sours in Northern Colorado

You'll be able to pick up a pack of these candies at King Sooper's across Northern Colorado very soon.

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