We are Mad About Apples!  We met Melita Beard at the Barn Market
and were completely in awe of her gorgeous product.  It’s unique, it’s fun
and most importantly, it’s absolutely delicious.  Yep, we’ve given it the
full taste test!!  We asked Melita if she would share a little about her
blossoming business with us, and she agreed.  This is her story!

Melita Beard and her Mad About Apples stall at the Barn Market, Rosny

Mad About Apples: the Melita Beard Story

I am a 34 year old Mum of two:  Luke who is almost four, and Eloise who is nine months.  My husband Lyndon is incredibly supportive of Mad About Apples and loves to taste test!  I first fell in love with caramel apples while on our honeymoon in America and Canada.  As soon as I saw them I just HAD to have one.  We were away for another six weeks after that and on every train, plane or automobile Lyndon and I were concocting unique “Aussie” versions of these spectacular apples.

We plotted names and catch phrases and Mad About Apples was born.  We just knew that Taswegians were going to love them… we are the Apple Isle after all.  From the day we got home, I was into it.  I tried a few different recipes and methods and realised just how difficult this was going to be!  I persevered over the years and finally got into a caramel apple making groove.

Look, it's a new breed of Tasmanian Apple! Caramel, even!

Caramel Apples take the Barn Market by Storm!

It was after the birth of my daughter in early 2011 that I decided it was time to have a go at selling these babies.  My little girl was a good sleeper and I had time to burn!  I went along to the Barn Market to see if my apples would fit the themes and style and shortly after contacted Helen requesting a stall at the market.

Testing of the Mad About Apples product at the Barn Market was a huge success.

My first market was nerve wracking!  I didn’t know how many to make because I didn’t want to have to take them all home again!  Mad About Apples had started to get a small following on Facebook and knew I would get a few people along to the market.  I was completely shocked and overwhelmed that I sold out with 1.5 hours to go!  I knew if I was going to come back I needed to up the ante!  Market Number Two: I made double the volume and still sold out!  I am completely humbled by the reactions and comments I have received.

Contact Melita Beard through the Mad About Apples Facebook page

Mad About Apples For…

I have made apples for birthday parties, dance groups and footy themed parties.  They would also make unique ideas for wedding bonbonniere, baby shower gifts, Christmas/Easter gifts for teachers, child carers, soccer coaches etc!  And they would also make great corporate gifts.

Weddings, parties anything... Mad About Apples for every occasion!

I currently take orders through Facebook or you can email Mad About Apples.  I am hoping to get into more markets in the Hobart region in the near future!  You may also see a local café selling them soon.  Stay tuned.

Mad About Apples, coming to a store near you (if you're lucky!!)

Mad About Apples: one of many fabulous stalls sharing space at the Barn Market.  Held five times each year, you can purchase hand-made artisan products at Rosny Farm next door to Eastlands.  The next event is a Christmas spectacular scheduled for Saturday 26 November 10:00-3:00.  If Melita Beard is scheduled to appear, you’d be mad not to try her caramel apples!

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