The story of Sugar and Spice so far, is short, sweet and full of promise. A relatively new family business that began in 2002, Sugar and Spice has been growing ever since. Frank Almeida is the proud owner of Sugar and Spice, one of the few, if not the only Argentine premier cookie brand in its league.

A Chicago native, Frank relocated to Buenos Aires in 1999. After working in sales for a few years, and with his first born as inspiration, Frank and family started “Sugar and Spice” a midst a economic crisis in Argentina. Although the country was having its share of difficulties, it wasn’t long before the cookie brand grew and was able to move out of Frank’s home and into its own location. The next three years were spent in a kitchen the size of Frank’s current retail space. Cookies were mostly sold to local cafes and patrons that literally walked in off the streets by following the scent of freshly baked goods. Soon after, bigger retailers took interest in their product. Today Sugar and Spice cookies are sold at major retail stores such as Falabella, Jumbo, Disco as well as in specialty gourmet stores Al Queso, Queso and Tonel Privado.

Along with selling their label in various shops, this “little-brand-that-could” has also developed a private label clientele. So far, they have produced baked goods for franchise cafes such as McCafe, Aroma and Munchi’s. Their latest development is a private label cookie brand for Jumbo Supermarkets which will be launched later this year. Their high profile clientele extends to the newest addition to the Bs. As. coffee scene, Starbucks Argentina.

One of the stand-out characteristics of Sugar and Spice is it’s compromise to authenticity. Far from Chicago, Frank missed flavors of home, and was able to recapture the authentic flavor of the chocolate chip cookies he grew up with, as he developed his brand. The same goes for the rest of their product lines. The biscotti, cantucci, brownies, oatmeal cookies as well as all other products follow the same premise. Authentic flavors, derived from carefully developed recipes with 100% artisanal baking methods and fresh ingredients.

Sugar and Spices is the gift that keeps on giving, with its efforts to give back to the community. Social responsibility is part of the philosophy behind this company’s success. They have collaborated with the Fundacion Leer , Ronald McDonald House and currently employ a member of the CCRAI, a centre for intellectually challenged individuals. Sugar and Spice is still a small company a staff of 25 employees. Everything is produced from their Palermo Hollywood factory at Guatemala 5419. Their retail store is located on the ground floor of their building where customers can purchase directly from the makers. Cookies are currently exported to Chile and Uruguay while Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela and even the US are soon to be included in their roster.

With a name that stems from a children’s nursery rhyme “sugar and spice, and everything nice”, it is obvious after the first bite that everything about Sugar and Spice cookies is most certainly nice.

Below Frank Almeida answers seven questions to give us his coffee drinker’s profile:

How do you take your coffee?

Macchiato

What is your favorite coffee blend?

Colombian, my freezer is full of it!

Favorite Bs. As. Coffee shop?

The one in our store!

Favorite Starbucks coffee?

Hazelnut latte.

Favorite cookie of all time?

Chocolate chip cookies

Chocolate or Vanilla?

Chocolate

Favorite indulgence?

My wife’s cheesecake!

Sugar and Spice –

Guatemala 5419, Palermo Hollywood. 54 11 4777-5423

Written by: Maria Carra

POSTED: Friday, June 27, 2008