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A jam-packed future ahead

California natives are excited to take ownership of Backyard Jams and Jellies
February 2, 2023

After more than 30 years of running Backyard Jams and Jellies, Krista Scudlark is handing over the reins of her beloved local business. 

A.J. and Janece Pipon have taken over as the new owners. The newlyweds opened Coastal Croft, a produce stand in Milton, this past summer. They moved to Delaware from southern California in November 2021 to get a taste of the East Coast, and can now safely say they are here to stay. 

“Everything about moving out to Delaware is about change and living an adventure and following your dreams,” said Janece. “Meeting Krista was the icing on the cake. It’s all coming together.”

A.J. originally visited Milford in 2020 to see his parents, but he knew immediately that southern Delaware was where he wanted to spend his time. He was intrigued by the close-knit community, particularly the market for produce and organic goods. During that time, COVID-19 had shut down Janece’s new gym and halted the supply chain and marketing needs of A.J.’s embroidery and printing company. After returning to California, A.J. and Janece decided to establish a new home. 

Once the Pipons opened Coastal Croft, they began purchasing and selling Backyard Jams and Jellies at their own stand. “We’re very small, so we had a very small, little shelf, but it was very popular. We learned really fast that people love it. When we would run out, it was hard to come by,” said Janece. 

Once A.J. and Janece sold out, they would visit Scudlark at the Historic Lewes Farmers Market to inquire about restocking. Scudlark couldn’t keep pace with the high demand and even had to stop bringing on more customers. On one of these trips to the market, Scudlark confessed she’d considered selling her business. Although the Pipons were never seeking to purchase Backyard Jams and Jellies, it was an offer they couldn’t refuse. 

“It was an important decision, but it was an easy decision. We knew it would be a big jump, and it has worked out. All arrows were pointing in this direction,” Janece said. 

Scudlark first began making her own jams and jellies as gifts for teachers, friends and relatives on holidays using fruit from their family’s garden. When a neighbor encouraged Scudlark to sell her homemade jellies in local stores, the hobby evolved into a budding business. As soon as she established a stand at the Lewes farmers market, Scudlark realized she needed to bring some friends along to help meet the demand. 

Now, with more than 100 flavors of jams and jellies, Scudlark is ready to pass along the operation.

“It’s been so great and the community has been so supportive, but it’s just getting to a point where it’s really too much for me,” Scudlark said. “I can’t keep up, even with those who help me part time. It’s just a lot of work. I thought it was time.”

To ensure that the business won’t lose its following, Scudlark is guiding the Pipons through each of the 100-plus recipes, and she plans to maintain her presence at farmers markets. 

While Backyard Jams and Jellies’ products are treasured by local residents, the reach goes far beyond the Delaware, with her goods sold in stores in at least three other states. In 2018, Backyard won Best of Delaware for Best Handmade Preserves, and Scudlark was invited to the White House for the Made in America Product Showcase to represent the state of Delaware in 2019. 

“By working at the produce stand, we met a lot of locals,” said A.J. “We’re trying to supply them with a great product in a friendly manner, and we’re just genuine people. Besides her amazing flavors of her jams and jellies, I think that’s what made Krista so successful and lovable. We know we have big shoes to fill, but we’re going to do the best we can to continue her legacy and expand it.”

As new owners, A.J. and Janece intend to keep almost every aspect of the business that has garnered so much popularity. With the aid of Scudlark, the Pipons are hoping to experiment with new flavors, tweak the brand image, collaborate with more stores and restaurants, and begin using the products as wedding favors. 

And, of course, they have promised to never change the adorable fabric cover that comes on top of every jar. 

“Krista’s all about community, and we are too. We want to be immersed in this community, and that’s what we love about this business. She works with the local farmers, and we want to support that and keep it here,” Janece said. 

 

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