2025 Future Leaders in Convenience + Car Wash Awards winner: DAVE & ZACK SCHOLTENS

As fourth-generation co-owners of Scholtens Inc., which owns the Cottage Country Candies brand, brothers Dave and Zack Scholtens are proud of building a network of direct store delivery distributors that can service the entire convenience and gas market of retail stores in Canada.

“We have a rich history in the confectionery space that brings the Scholtens family back to the Netherlands in 1910,” notes Dave, whose great-grandfather began by selling black licorice door-to-door.

The brothers have built on this legacy, taking a small company with a local brand and growing it to hold a leading position in its category—their candies, nuts and trail mixes can be found in thousands of locations, from Vancouver Island to Newfoundland.

“Our biggest challenge was moving from Ontario distribution coverage to Canadian coverage,” says Dave. “When we make promises to retailers who are planning to work with us, we mean what we say and will follow through with our obligations, even if this means servicing stores in remote places 365 days of the year.”

The brothers, both devout Christians, focus on the Golden Rule, both in life and in business: "Do unto others as you would have done to yourself." 

“We like to believe our faith is noted by all of those around us whom we serve with love, compassion, honesty, charity, hard work and truth,” says Dave. “This rich heritage in providing quality confectionery and snacks to our consumers brings us a lot of joy. We also like the candy and snack category as it brings moments of joy to everyone and is typically part of family time and happy gatherings.”