“SNOWY BERGBALLS” by Bob Duff

HENRIK ZETTERBERG TREATS NORTH AMERICANS WITH TRADITIONAL SWEDISH SWEETS

Henrik Zetterberg is tossing snowballs, but the versatile Detroit Red Wings forward isn’t flinging them at NHL commissioner Gary Bettman.

Zetterberg is one of the men behind the introduction of Royal Swedish Snowballs, a classic treat from his homeland, into the United States market. “It is a different taste,” Zetterberg said. “It’s not like a cupcake, it’s not like a marshmallow. You’ve just got to taste it. And the best part about it is that it’s only 70 calories and gluten free, so it’s a healthier option if you have a sweet tooth like I do.”

The Swedish treats date back over a century and are made from a light vanilla creme covered in chocolate dusted with shredded coconut, giving them their snowball-like look. “It’s a thing I always had growing up in Sweden,” Zetterberg said. “Since I got over here (in North America), friends and family have always brought boxes with them.”

Zetterberg has partnered with his good friend Jan Jutbo, owner and CEO of Royal Swedish Snowball. The duo combined to throw the snowball idea at the American market, introducing the product through Just Baked locations in Michigan. “About two years ago, we started thinking, ‘Why can’t we just do them here?’” Zetterberg said. “We found a good partner with Just Baked. We’re really excited that they’re out there and hopeful that they will go.”

There were a lot of options for Zetterberg to invest some of his money, but his decision to go with the snowball idea was influenced by the hands-on opportunity it presented and because he’s so fond of the tasty treats. “It is a fun thing,” he said. “It’s something different. It’s a fund that you can actually see. You can invest your money in a lot of stuff – stocks, bonds, stuff like that – but this you can actually enjoy and taste.”