Content about Confectionery

May 24, 2011
New Energy-X chewing gum enters market

Pacific Shore Holdings has added a caffeinated, sugar-free gum to its Energy-X portfolio.

LOS ANGELES — Pacific Shore Holdings has added a caffeinated, sugar-free gum to its Energy-X portfolio.

New Energy-X chewing gum is available in a spearmint flavor and contains 55 mg of caffeine, the company said. The Energy-X line will expand to include a caffeinated gum that features 102 mg of caffeine and will be infused with green tea extract.

The company currently markets Energy-X lip balm products and is slated to launch an Energy-X protein power bar.

May 20, 2011
Mars Chocolate kicks off campaigns for Twix, Snickers

Mars Chocolate is putting emphasis on its Twix and Snickers candies with two respective campaigns.

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. — Mars Chocolate is putting emphasis on its Twix and Snickers candies with two respective campaigns.

Twix's Pause Like You Mean It campaign will include the "Pick Your Pause" on-pack promotion, where consumers instantly can win more than 250,000, as well as the chance to win a $50,000 grand-prize sweepstakes called “The Perfect Pause.” The campaign also will be supported through digital promotion on music and gaming websites and social media outreach.

May 19, 2011
2 Chicks with Chocolate makes Midwest debut

A chocolatier has brought its gourmet chocolates to the Midwest.

NEW YORK — A chocolatier has brought its gourmet chocolates to the Midwest.

2 Chicks with Chocolate, which makes such chocolate products as toffee and bark bars, spicy tiles, popcorn and more, will present some of its products next week at the Chicago Sweets and Snacks Expo. The brand recently added its tempranillo ganache and meritage caramel confections to its wine collection line.

May 18, 2011
Sunstar Americas expands flossers portfolio for Gum brand

Sunstar Americas announced the recent introduction of its newest entries into the flosser category: Gum Eez-Thru flossers with vitamin E and fluoride, and Gum Eez-Thru mint flossers in a new value size.

CHICAGO — Sunstar Americas announced the recent introduction of its newest entries into the flosser category: Gum Eez-Thru flossers with vitamin E and fluoride, and Gum Eez-Thru mint flossers in a new value size.

May 12, 2011
Talenti introduces new gelato flavor, eco-friendly lids

Talenti has expanded its lineup of gelato flavors and has updated its product packaging with recyclable screw–on lids for all flavors.

DALLAS — Talenti has expanded its lineup of gelato flavors and has updated its product packaging with recyclable screw–on lids for all flavors.

Talenti said that its gelato lineup now includes sea salt caramel, which features Argentine caramel (dulce de leche) exclusively made for the brand; Fleur De Sel, prized sea salt from France; and tiny chocolate-covered sea salt caramel truffles mixed in with every spoonful.

May 2, 2011
Getting the 'skinny' on candy

Skinny Cow is introducing new sweet treats.

GLENDALE, Calif. — Skinny Cow is introducing new sweet treats.

The company, known for its low-fat ice cream products, has made its foray into candy with new Skinny Cow Dreamy Clusters, bite-sized treats drenched in caramel and covered in either milk chocolate or dark chocolate; and Skinny Cow Heavenly Crisp candy bars, delicate wafers layered with either chocolate or peanut butter filling and covered in a chocolate coating. Each candy contains 110 to 120 calories in each serving.

May 2, 2011
SnackWell's returns to store shelves with new look, products

SnackWell's has overhauled its line of products for women with new portioned, indulgent snacks.

EAST HANOVER, N.J. — SnackWell's has overhauled its line of products for women with new portioned, indulgent snacks.

The brand, which is owned by Kraft Foods, said the latest SnackWell's treats will range from 100 to 150 calories per pack. The products, along with such classic SnackWell's treats as devil's food cookie cakes and creme sandwich cookies, will feature new and modern packaging.

The new SnackWell's products made their debut nationwide in mid-April with a suggested retail price of $3.19 per box; each box features five individually portioned packs.

April 18, 2011
Rite Aid gears up for Easter

Rite Aid is showcasing new candy varieties for last-minute Easter shoppers, the pharmacy retailer said Monday.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid is showcasing new candy varieties for last-minute Easter shoppers, the pharmacy retailer said Monday.

The National Confectioners Association ranked Easter as one of the top-selling holidays for candy and estimated that 16 billion jelly beans and 90 million chocolate Easter bunnies are produced each year. Four-in-5 Americans celebrate Easter and are expected to spend about $14.6 billion during the holiday at all retailers nationwide, according to the National Retail Federation.

April 7, 2011
Wrigley sinks teeth into calcium-infused gum

Wrigley is packing a new type of gum in its "down under" market.

NEW YORK — Wrigley is packing a new type of gum in its "down under" market.

The company launched in Australia and New Zealand new Extra Professional Calcium, a sugar-free line of gum that contains microgranules that are designed to whiten teeth and feature added calcium. The company said that chewing Extra gum products stimulated saliva, which contains more bicarbonate, calcium and phosphate to help remineralize tooth enamel.

March 29, 2011
Mars Chocolate revitalizes Kudos

Kudos is rolling out a new and improved line of granola bars this May.

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. — Mars Chocolate said its Kudos brand will debut a new and improved line of granola bars this May.

Kudos will don flavors from M&M's, Dove and Snickers in a 10-count pack and a 30-count variety pack.

What's more, a marketing campaign will kick off to celebrate the Kudos granola bars, which will include a refreshed website at KudosBar.com and cross promotions with others Mars Chocolate brands.

Kudos 10-count and 30-count variety packs will retail for $2.99 and $6.99, respectively.

March 23, 2011
Indie Candy gears up for Easter with allergen-free options

Indie Candy is taking on Easter with its new allergen-free Easter candy line.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Indie Candy is taking on Easter with its new allergen-free Easter candy line.

Indie Candy's 2011 Easter line includes Easter bunnies, Easter eggs, spring flowers and carrots collections.

For its Easter bunnies line, Indie Candy has introduced such varieties as gummies in key lime, watermelon and pineapple flavors; a chocolate Funny Bunny face lollipop; a chocolate Peter Rabbit full-body bunny lollipop; and a solid chocolate free-standing bunny in a gold box.

March 8, 2011
Peeps launches new e-commerce site

Looking to reach marshmallow chick fans everywhere, Peeps has launched an online store where consumers can purchase its signature candies and merchandise.

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — Looking to reach marshmallow chick fans everywhere, Peeps has launched an online store where consumers can purchase its signature candies and merchandise.

At PeepsandCompany.com, shoppers can purchase hundreds of products made by Just Born, Peeps' parent company, including Peeps, Hot Tamales and Peanut Chews.

March 4, 2011
Sparking a nutritious 'Stride'

NORTHFIELD, Ill. — The active gum category has a new functional addition. Kraft Foods recently introduced Stride Spark, a gum that contains vitamins B6 and B12, two essential nutrients known for helping to release energy in the body.

Manufacturers have been boosting new gum flavors with vitamins and supplements in an effort to help consumers meet their daily nutritional requirements and keep the category exciting. The strategy has worked — gum has seen steady growth over the past few years, outpacing many other confection segments.

February 22, 2011
Mars unveils 2011 holiday lineup

As the holiday season comes to a close, Mars Chocolate North America already is unveiling its winter holiday offerings for 2011.

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. — As the holiday season comes to a close, Mars Chocolate North America already is unveiling its winter holiday offerings for 2011.

Mars said it is expanding its M&M's and Dove brands with seasonal candies that capture the holiday spirit, including new gifting displays for retailers.

New products include such items as M&M's stocking tin ornaments, which are filled with M&M’s milk chocolate candies, and Dove silky and smooth truffles, available in milk and dark chocolate.

February 22, 2011
Peeps unveils Easter offerings

Peeps are diving into chocolate for the Easter holiday.

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Peeps are diving into chocolate for the Easter holiday.

New this Easter to the Peeps lineup are Peepsters and Peeps chocolate dipped chicks, providing Peeps fans their favorite marshmallow candies with a twist. Peepsters are bite-size, individually wrapped candies that are available in milk and dark chocolate, while Peeps chocolate dipped chicks give Peeps fans an updated taste on the classic candy by adding either a milk chocolate or dark chocolate covering at the bottom of each chick.

February 1, 2011
Candy: New twists on classics sweeten sales

New twists on classic candy brands helped propel dollar sales in the chocolate candy segment ahead nearly 10%. An increase in prices contributed to the dollar sales gain, but a big boost came from line extensions and limited-edition flavors.

New twists on classic candy brands helped propel dollar sales in the chocolate candy segment ahead nearly 10%. An increase in prices contributed to the dollar sales gain, but a big boost came from line extensions and limited-edition flavors.

“The old standbys are comfort brands for consumers, and manufacturers continue to trade off their following with new products,” said Lisbeth Echeandia, VP trade marketing of consulting firm Frey Enterprises.

February 1, 2011
Flavor equation

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. — Mars Chocolate North America has added a new product to the Snickers portfolio. Snickers Peanut Butter Squared adds peanut butter to the classic Snickers combination of peanuts, caramel, nougat and milk chocolate. The candy is the top-testing new bar launch for Mars in the last three years.


Each 1.78-oz. single pack includes two square-shaped bars and carries a suggested retail price of 89 cents. The bars also are available in fun-size bags in two sizes: 11.5 oz. and 21.5 oz.


February 1, 2011
‘Constant newness’ makes gum sales pop


Continued product innovation in the sugarless gum segment helped push dollar sales ahead nearly 5% for the 12 weeks ended Nov. 28, 2010, according to SymphonyIRI Group.



Continued product innovation in the sugarless gum segment helped push dollar sales ahead nearly 5% for the 12 weeks ended Nov. 28, 2010, according to SymphonyIRI Group.


“Constant newness has been driving the category, and as manufacturers continue to invest in advertising, consumer interest remains high,” said Lisbeth Echeandia, VP trade marketing for consulting group Frey Enterprises.


January 24, 2011
Love is in the air with candies from Just Born

Just Born wants fans of its Peeps, Mike and Ike, and Hot Tamales brands to feel the love this Valentine's Day.

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Just Born wants fans of its Peeps, Mike and Ike, and Hot Tamales brands to feel the love this Valentine's Day.

Peeps is getting a Valentine's Day makeover with Peeps chocolate-covered-raspberry-flavored marshmallow hearts, available in single-serve packages.

January 20, 2011
Hershey's takes chocolate to next level

Hershey is offering fans a new way to enjoy its iconic chocolate candies.

HERSHEY, Pa. — Hershey is offering fans a new way to enjoy its iconic chocolate candies.

New Hershey's Drops, available in milk chocolate and cookies 'n creme flavors, are delicious bite-sized drops without the candy shell. Chocolate lovers now can enjoy on-the-go snacking without the mess, the company said.

Hershey's Drops will be sold nationwide in 8-oz. resealable, stand-up pouches. Also available are milk chocolate Hershey's Drops in king-size 2.1-oz. packs.

January 19, 2011
Indie Candy makes Valentine's Day treats

A gourmet candy maker has unveiled its 2011 lineup for Valentine's Day.

MOUNTAIN BROOK, Ala.— A gourmet candy maker has unveiled its 2011 lineup for Valentine's Day.

Indie Candy said that all of its products are free of artificial flavors and preservatives, and many of them also are free of dyes, gluten, casein/dairy and nuts.

The lineup includes gourmet heart gummies, dairy-free chocolate heart lollipops and hard-candy heart lollipops.

January 3, 2011
Chocolate, peanut butter unite in new Snickers bar

Mars Chocolate is pairing its classic Snickers candy with peanut butter.

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. — Mars Chocolate is pairing its classic Snickers candy with peanut butter.

Snickers Peanut Butter Squared boasts classic Snickers taste, which includes peanuts, caramel, nougat and milk chocolate, but also possesses the rich decadence of peanut butter. Each 1.78-oz. singles pack includes two delicious square-shaped bars and sells for a suggested retail price of 89 cents.

January 3, 2011
Sunstar Americas rolls out Gum Soft-Picks in new package sizes

Sunstar Americas, a maker of Gum and Butler brand products, is offering its Gum Soft-Picks in new 15- and 80-count packages.

CHICAGO — Sunstar Americas, a maker of Gum and Butler brand products, is offering its Gum Soft-Picks in new 15- and 80-count packages.

Gum Soft-Picks have 76 soft, flexible rubber bristles that slide between teeth to remove food and gently massage gums. According to the company, Gum Soft-Picks are safe to use on dental implants, bridges, crowns and orthodontics.

To date, Gum Soft-Picks have been offered only in a package of 40, retailing for $3.49. Now Sunstar is offering a new 15-count package for $1.50 and an 80-count package for $5.99.

December 22, 2010
Jelly Belly slims down package, but not flavor

Jelly Belly is offering customers a new treat at store checkouts nationwide.

FAIRFIELD, Calif. — Jelly Belly is offering customers a new treat at store checkouts nationwide.

This January, Jelly Belly will release a new 1.45-oz. 20 Flavors bag, showing that good things come in small packages.

Each package of Jelly Belly will feature the company's most popular jelly bean flavors, the company said.

November 29, 2010
Peeps gets into the holiday spirit

Peeps is introducing its first chocolate-covered candy with a flavored marshmallow center this holiday season, the candy brand announced last week.

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Peeps is introducing its first chocolate-covered candy with a flavored marshmallow center this holiday season, the candy brand announced last week.