Sour Bites, a Montreal-based frozen dessert company, is gaining immense popularity through viral TikTok videos, prompting customers to travel long distances to experience their caramelized fruits and unique chocolate offerings. The recent opening of a second location reflects their success, although prices range from $12.99 to $27.99. Experts highlight the critical role of social media in their marketing strategy, while also cautioning against over-dependence on these platforms due to potential risks.
Sour Bites: A Montreal Sensation
Thanks to the power of viral TikTok videos, Sour Bites, a Montreal-based company, is taking the frozen dessert scene by storm, despite its premium pricing. People are traveling from great distances just to sample these delightful treats.
Celebrating its first anniversary, Sour Bites has recently opened a second location in downtown Montreal to cater to the overwhelming demand for its famous caramelized fruits.
“Our success has been phenomenal, with soaring popularity and impressive sales figures, largely thanks to our presence on TikTok,” states Ahmad Mneimneh, the owner of the company.
In a time when living costs are rising, some consumers might raise an eyebrow at the prices of the candy boxes, which range from $12.99 to $27.99. Their sought-after chocolate and pistachio bars weigh in at $24.99 for a 410-gram serving.
This phenomenon highlights the “invaluable value” of social media for businesses, especially those that achieve viral status unexpectedly, according to Stéphane Hamel, a lecturer at Laval University’s Faculty of Administration Sciences.
“Sour Bites exemplifies the significant impact social media can have. Word of mouth remains the most effective marketing strategy, especially when customers promote the brand themselves,” Mr. Hamel elaborates.
While Sour Bites specializes in sugar-coated fruits, they are also renowned for their chocolate and pistachio offerings. The company actively taps into online trends to innovate its product line, with chocolate sourced from Dubai being a prime example.
“We capitalized on the buzz generated on TikTok and expanded our flavor options. Customers are traveling from as far as Quebec and Ottawa just to try them. We also share our creations online, and many customers film their taste tests,” shares Ayman Ait Bella Oulahcen, manager of Sour Bites in Montreal.
A Must-Visit Destination
During a recent visit to the Montreal location, we encountered two young women from Drummondville who made a special trip to sample the desserts.
“We’ve seen it featured numerous times on TikTok, so we felt compelled to try it. We traveled quite a distance, but we believed it would be worth it to taste what everyone is raving about,” said Billie Morin, who was accompanied by her friend Aurélie Dion.
Lines have also been forming at the Laval location, where some products have sold out due to high demand.
The Challenges of Social Media Marketing
Despite its advantages, social media marketing can present challenges, as noted by Mr. Hamel, who emphasizes the need for businesses to diversify their marketing strategies.