New product innovation awards kick-start Sweets & Snacks

The 26th annual Sweets & Snacks Expo kicked-off in notable style with an audience of around 1,000 gathering for the event’s new product award innovations, reports Neill Barston.

Confectionery Production was on hand to see the results come in, as judges examined more than 300 entries across its categories.

As event organisers, the National Confectioners Association (NCA) noted, product submissions were taste-tested by 30 judges from leading retailers and distributors representing nearly 85 percent of U.S. confectionery and snack industry buying power. Three weighted criteria were used to assess each item: taste, innovation and packaging.

“Recognising and celebrating innovation in the confectionery and snack categories is a vital part of our show, because innovation is the key driver of the industry in terms of setting trends and appealing to consumers,” John Downs, president and CEO of the National Confectioners Association – host organization of the Sweets & Snacks Expo, said. “These new products, brand collaborations, and flavours enhance consumers’ celebrations, holidays, and daily routines and they ensure that candy and snacks continue to play an important role in the lives of people around the world.”

Retail leaders representing 85% of the buying power for the confectionery and snack categories served as judges across the 13 categories that comprise the Most Innovative New Product Awards. More than 300 candy and snack products were submitted for judging and the winners will be displayed beginning on May 23rd in the Featured Product Showcase at the Sweets & Snacks Expo.

The products submitted for the awards were developed over the last year and will be available to consumers in the coming months.

Among the winners this year, were Best In Show: Chunk Nibbles – Apple Cinnamon Chunk Nibbles
Small Business Innovator: Jackson’s Chips – Farmhouse Ranch Sweet Potato Chips made with Avocado Oil
Chocolate: Nuts.com/Kopper’s Chocolate – Mexican Hot Cocoa Bites
Non-Chocolate Candy: Shenzhen Amos Sweets & Foods Co., LTD – 4D Fruit Gummy Juicy Burst Strawberry
Gum & Mints: Perfetti Van Melle USA, Inc. (main image) Mentos Fruit Mints with Vitamins – Cool Fruity Mix
Salty Snacks: Big Dipper Food Company – Peanut Butter Caramel Coated PopCrunch
Sweet Snacks: Tru Fru LLC – Parfait Poppers: Nature’s Raspberries Frozen Fresh in Greek Yogurt & Granola
Meat Snacks: PepsiCo Foods – Jack Link’s Doritos Spicy Sweet Chili Flavoured Beef Jerky
Savory Snacks: Truly Good Foods – Henrietta Said Ancho Kimchi Flavoured Peanuts
Novelty/Licensed: Shenzhen Amos Sweets & Foods Co., LTD – TastySounds RecordableLollipop – Peach Nectar
Seasonal: Hawaiian Host LLC – Strawberries & Cream White Chocolate Macadamias

Gourmet/Premium | Candy: Tru Fru LLC – Nature’s Strawberries Hyper-Dried Fresh in White & Dark Chocolate
Gourmet/Premium | Snack: Oh Snap! Pickling Co.

 

 

 

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