he freeze-drying process requires specialized and costly equipment, such as large and complex freeze dryers with precise temperature control and vacuum systems. The initial investment in such equipment is significant, and these costs are factored into the overall production cost of the candy.

Stringent commercial kitchen requirements: Producing freeze-dried candy on a commercial scale demands a dedicated prep kitchen that adheres to strict health code guidelines. This entails additional expenses for outfitting the kitchen with stainless steel surfaces, proper ventilation systems, and sanitation equipment to ensure food safety and regulatory compliance, which further adds to the overall production expenses.

Long batch processing time: Freeze drying is a time-consuming process that can take several hours or even over a day to complete. Each batch of candy must be carefully monitored and processed to achieve the desired texture and flavor. Moreover, if a batch doesn't meet the standards, it may have to be redone, increasing labor costs and energy consumption.

Labor-intensive production: Skilled labor is needed to operate the equipment, monitor the freeze-drying process, and package the final product. Additionally, freeze-dried candy is often individually packaged, which is a labor-intensive task. The time and effort required for these processes contribute to the overall cost of production.

Substantial energy consumption: Maintaining the low temperatures and vacuum conditions necessary for freeze drying requires large amounts of energy. The energy costs associated with this process can be substantial, especially for commercial-scale production, and these costs are reflected in the final price of the candy.

Small batch yield: Due to the nature of the freeze-drying process, only a limited amount of candy can be processed at a time. This small batch size means that the production costs must be spread over a smaller quantity of product, thereby increasing the cost per unit.

Fragile handling requirements: Freeze-dried candy is fragile and must be handled with great care to prevent breakage during packaging and transportation. This delicate handling process adds to the overall production time and cost.

Lack of mass production capabilities: Unlike regular candy, freeze-dried candy cannot be mass-produced in large quantities with ease. Each piece of candy needs to be carefully placed inside the freeze dryer, making the production process relatively laborious and time-consuming.