A Sweet Milestone: Reflections from Olivia’s Tanghulu After 6 Months

Dear friends, fans, and sweet-toothed supporters,

It’s hard to believe that it’s already been six months since Olivia’s Tanghulu first launched. What began as a simple dream, to bring the joy of crunchy, sugar-glazed fruit skewers to the Bay Area, has grown into something far more meaningful.

Olivia’s Tanghulu was inspired by a childhood treat I grew up loving: Tanghulu, a traditional Chinese snack made with fresh fruit coated in a glassy, crunchy sugar shell. It was nostalgic, colorful, and full of joy! I wanted to recreate that experience here in the U.S., and reimagine it for a new generation, turning a childhood memory into a modern, crave-worthy dessert.

Today, Olivia’s Tanghulu is more than just a snack — it’s a fun and unique treat that sparks curiosity and connection. Whether served as a party favorite, a cultural highlight at local events, or a sweet surprise at weddings and corporate celebrations, our tanghulu adds a vibrant, unforgettable touch to Bay Area catering and pop-up experiences.

What We’ve Done in Just 6 Months

Since day one, we’ve been building something special — rooted in tradition, powered by community, and made with intention. Some highlights from our first six months:

  • Partnered with T4 Millbrae, who now proudly carries our Tanghulus in-store
  • Brought joy to thousands at Chinese New Year celebrations in Palo Alto and Millbrae
  • Catered private and corporate events for YouTube, Impossible Foods, and other Bay Area companies
  • Created custom Tanghulu specials for Valentine’s Day and International Women’s Day, celebrating love and empowerment through flavor
  • Popped up with amazing partners like One Love Café in San Bruno, Nippon Curry in Berkeley, and Lilikoi on Broadway in Burlingame
  • Showcased our treats at lively community events like the 365 Night Market, Milpitas Secondhand & Music Market, and more
  • Brought sweet crunch to private birthday parties, weddings, and EMBA celebrations at UC Berkeley
  • Formed strategic partnerships with Off the Grid and WeBox, expanding our reach into iconic Bay Area food events and emerging marketplaces

And we’re just getting started, with even more event catering, pop-ups, and exciting new product innovations on the horizon.

What Olivia’s Tanghulu Stands For

We’re more than a dessert brand — we’re on a mission to spark joy, celebrate culture, and create memorable experiences. At Olivia’s Tanghulu, we believe in:

  • Sharing nostalgic, unique desserts in fresh, modern ways
  • Celebrating culture, creativity, and community through food
  • Handcrafting each skewer with fresh fruit and high-quality ingredients
  • Innovating constantly — with new flavors, seasonal themes, and low-sugar options for all lifestyles

This isn’t just a product. It’s a movement — one sweet, crunchy skewer at a time.

Powered by Community

Everything we’ve built is thanks to the people behind the scenes and beside us every step of the way:

  • To our friends and family,  thank you for believing, taste-testing, and cheering us on
  • To the UC Berkeley EMBA community, especially the program office, for lifting us up
  • To our mentors and advisors at SBDC, Renaissance Center, CMTC, and SCORE, your guidance shaped our foundation
  • And to our customers, partners, and local supporters, thank you for letting us be part of your story

What’s Next for Olivia’s Tanghulu in the Bay Area

Looking ahead, we’re excited to:

  • Expand into new pop-up locations and events
  • Launch new Tanghulu flavors and seasonal specials
  • Develop shelf-stable and zero-added-sugar options
  • Grow our team, kitchen, and production capabilities
  • Build a beloved Bay Area dessert brand that celebrates joy, culture, and craftsmanship

Join Us on the Journey

If you’re new to Olivia’s Tanghulu — welcome!

If you’ve been with us since the beginning — we love you. This is your story too.

Follow us on Instagram, check out our website, and bring us to your next event, celebration, or pop-up.

Here’s to more joy, more crunch, and more sweet memories ahead. 💗

 

With love and sweetness,

Olivia Yan

Co-founder & CEO

Olivia’s Tanghulu – Chinese Candied Fruit, Handcrafted in the Bay Area

 

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