Two young entrepreneurs from Morden are putting a modern twist on a timeless treat—and drawing crowds in the process. Brothers Eli and Gavin Hildebrand have launched Swirl & Twirl Cotton Candy Co., a family-run business that’s gaining popularity across southern Manitoba for its fluffy, flavour-packed cotton candy.
It all started with a craving
For 12-year-old Eli Hildebrand, the business idea came from a simple childhood craving. “I just wanted some cotton candy,” Eli shares.
Instead of brushing off his request, Eli’s parents Amanda and Chris Hildebrand turned it into a learning opportunity—and a business venture. With some guidance, a cotton candy machine, and some help from big brother Gavin Hildebrand (15), Swirl & Twirl Cotton Candy Co. was born.
The science behind the sweetness
The eldest Hildebrand brother Gavin is the behind-the-scenes brain on the production side. “When you put the sugar in the center [of the machine], it heats it up, melting it almost immediately,” he explains. “Then, as the center of the machine spins, it forces the melted sugar out. It all comes out stringy, and you catch it on the cone and twirl it around.”
Gavin adds that they’ve even had to remove the lid from their machine for particularly large batches. “I’d say the biggest puff we made was about three feet.”
Custom flavours and clever chemistry
What sets Swirl & Twirl apart isn’t just the size of their cotton candy—it’s the flavour selection. “We’ve made cookie dough, fuzzy peach, candy cane for winter events, and sour cherry,” says Eli. Gavin adds, “We also made a pumpkin spice one. Our dad even made a jalapeño mango.”
Using a combination of cane sugar and custom extracts, the brothers have learned how to blend their own mixes.
“We put it in a blender, cook it in the oven, and that makes it less sticky—easier to scoop into the machine,” explains Gavin.
Though they only launched in August 2024, Swirl & Twirl is already making waves at community events. “There were a lot of people in line for most of the days,” says Eli. “We never stopped having a line.”
Eli handles the creative direction—he’s even thinking about sculpting animal shapes in the future—while Gavin oversees operations and financials. “I’m here to keep the business running,” Gavin said with a grin.
Catch them at the expo—and beyond
The brothers have a full summer schedule lined up. “On the 24th and 25th this month (May), you can find us at the Morden Pop Culture Expo,” says Gavin. “We’ll also be at farmers markets, community events, and hopefully the Concerts in the Park series in Winkler.”
Their cotton candy is available by cone or bag, with prices starting at $3 for a mini cone, $6 for a cone, and $7 for a bag. “Cones are easier for us to make, but bags are more work,” says Gavin. “We have to make two separate puffs and fit them carefully into the bag without crumpling them.”
Staying sweet—and savvy
The business also accepts debit and credit, thanks to a square reader. “It lets us open up to people who may not have cash,” says Gavin. “Which could just increase our sales even more.”
You can follow their colourful creations and upcoming appearances on Instagram at: @swirlandtwirlcottoncandyco.
As for what's next? Eli has his sights set on the artistic side of the business. “I want to make animal shapes with the cotton candy,” he says. “I just haven’t gotten to it yet.”
Whether it's at a summer fair or a farmer’s market, it’s clear that Swirl & Twirl Cotton Candy Co. is adding a little extra sweetness to southern Manitoba—one cotton candy puff at a time.