A Sweet Tribute by Grandpa Joe’s Candy Company at Maui Sunday Market

Grandpa Joe’s Candy Company will pay tribute to their company’s founder, the late Joe Miller, during the Maui Sunday Market at Kahului Shopping Center on Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019.  Miller passed away on Maui earlier this month. In celebration of his life, Miller’s ʻohana will offer FREE cotton candy on a stick to the public during the event, from 4 to 8 p.m., at the Kahului Shopping Center.

“Making confections is in our blood.” Pictured from left: Joe and Chad Miller from Grandpa Joe’s Candy Company. Photo from Grandpa Joe’s Candy Company

His son Chad Miller said, “When my father was five years old and his brothers much older, their parents lost two farms in Iowa, so the kids ended up making and selling confections at the carnival for a living. They sold caramel corn, cotton candy and caramel apples. When our family moved to Hawaiʻi, my dad used to make his caramel corn once or twice a year for friends and family. People absolutely loved it and couldn’t put it down.”

Four years ago on Valentine’s Day, the Millers established Grandpa Joe’s Candy Company producing carnival Style Caramel Corn using their 75-plus-year-old family recipe and time-honored techniques. They also made Organic Cotton Candy Floss and Caramel Apples. Today, they offer a myriad of flavors for their popular confections.

Their business has had a very steady growth as a result of a loyal public following, as well as a tremendous amount of assistance and support by their extended family. “It’s a true family business,” said Chad.  “Today, thanks to my dad who inspired me, I’m a second generation candy maker along with my wife Tiare.  I guess you could say making confections is in our blood.”

“While my father won’t be here to celebrate our company’s anniversary this Valentine’s Day, I know he couldn’t be prouder of the sweet legacy that we created together and of our family which was his greatest pride and joy.”