Frango mint-making returns to Chicago

CHICAGO, Oct. 17 (UPI) -- National retailer Macy's and Cupid Candies made a deal sweet for the Chicago candy-maker to turn out a portion of the popular Frango mints.

Under the contract, Cupid Candies will begin making a percentage of Frango mint chocolates early in 2008, Cupid and Macy's executives said in exclusive interviews with the Chicago Sun-Times.

Macy's took over the Marshall Field's chain, famed for its Frango mints, just more than two years ago.

"We are happy. It's an opportunity for expansion, and I am overjoyed," John Stefanos, president of Cupid Candies, whose parents started the boxed-chocolates company 71 years ago, told the newspaper.

Cupid tried a dozen times to get the Frango mint flavor right, Stefanos said.

"I've never dealt with a customer who was so particular in making sure the product perfectly met expectations," Stefanos said.

Ralph Hughes, regional vice president of Macy's corporate communication, told the Sun-Times Macy's wanted to ensure no there was no difference between Frangos made in Chicago and those made at the existing manufacturer in Pennsylvania.

Macy's Chief Executive Officer Terry Lundgren had promised to move a portion of Frango production to Chicago after locals were unhappy with his announcement that Macy's would replace Marshall Field's, a retailer synonymous with Chicago.