The newest innovations in confectionery and snacks were recognized at the 2019 Sweets & Snacks Expo’s annual Most Innovative New Product Awards.
A panel of judges representing retail leaders in the confectionery and snack category evaluated products in nine categories: chocolate, non-chocolate, sweet, salty, savory, novelty, seasonal, gourmet/premium, and gum & mints.
More than 300 products were entered for consideration across the categories. Judges evaluated products based on their taste, packaging, innovation and go-to-market feasibility.
“Innovative new products generate fun and excitement for consumers which is key to building a satisfying and compelling shopper experience,” John Downs, president and CEO of the National Confectioners Association, said. “The companies highlighting their new products should feel proud of what they have created and their impact, which drives category growth in our vibrant industry.”
In addition to awards in each of the nine confectionery and snacks categories, the Most Innovative New Product Awards also present a Best in Show award for overall best new product and a Small Business Innovator award that recognizes companies with net sales less than $500,000.
Ferrara Candy Company received two Most Innovative New Product Awards at the 2019 Sweets & Snacks Expo. Trolli Sour Crunchy Crawlers won “Best in Show Most Innovative Product Award” and Trolli Sour Candy Corn won “Most Innovative New Product Award” for seasonal.
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“Trolli is doubly thrilled and honored to be recognized for two awards by the NCA,” said Greg Guidotti, General Manager, Non-Chocolate, at Ferrara Candy Company. “We’re excited about our new innovations inspired by the weirdly awesome world of Trolli, including Sour Brite Crunchy Crawlers, which will be available in early 2020, and Trolli Sour Brite Candy Corn, which will be available for the Halloween season. We’re pleased to see excitement from the judges and confectionery industry for these products as we head into the number one season for candy buying.”
Within the Gum & Mints category, Ferrero received the Most Innovative New Product Award for its Tic Tac X-Freeze, a sugar-free mint that delivers intense and long-lasting refreshment thanks to its larger piece size and cooling crystals.
“Ferrero seeks to create exceptional quality products that bring consumer excitement and choice to the confectionery category,” said Paul Chibe, President and CEO Ferrero North America.
The 2019 Most Innovative Confectionery and Snacks Products Are:
Best in Show:
Ferrara – Trolli Sour Crunchy Crawlers
Small Business Innovator:
Newfangled Confections, LLC – Classic Peanut Frittle
Chocolate Winner:
The Hershey Company – KIT KAT Duos Mint + Dark Chocolate
Non-Chocolate Winner:
Just Born Quality Confections – Lemon and Marshmallow Flavored Jelly Beans
Sweet Snacks Winner:
Tru Fru LLC – Whole Raspberries Freshly Frozen & Immersed in Premium White and Milk Chocolate
Salty Snacks Winner:
Kellogg Company – Cheez-It Snap’d
Savory Snacks Winner:
Mondelez International, Inc – Triscuit Wheatberry Clusters – Pumpkin Seeds & Sweet Corn
Novelty/Licensed Winner:
Jel Sert Company – Sour Patch Kids Twin Tube Freezer Bars
Seasonal Winner:
Ferrara – Trolli Sour Brite Candy Corn
Gourmet Winner:
Tru Fru LLC – Whole Raspberries Freshly Frozen & Immersed in Premium White and Dark Chocolate
Gum & Mints Winner:
Ferrero USA, Inc. – Tic Tac X-Freeze