PRNewswire — At the National Confectioners Association (NCA) Sweets & Snacks Expo in Chicago this week, industry leaders Mars Chocolate North America and Wrigley are launching more than 30 new products and packs that offer a range of choices to meet consumer preferences.
The candy makers share a unified vision of driving growth through three key areas: product innovations, effective activations and selling strategies.
Taking center stage at the trade show are several new flavor extensions to consumers’ favorite brands, including: Extra Chewy Mints, 5 Gum Mega Packs, M&M’S Caramel Chocolate Candies, M&M’S White Chocolate Candies, Skittles and Starburst Sweet Heat, SNICKERS & Hazelnut Bar and TWIX Dark Chocolate Cookie Bars.
“Our new products deliver on several key industry trends, including focusing on transparency and choice, offering the opportunity to indulge in moderation, and meeting consumers’ desire for fun and functional gum and mints as well as new formats and flavors in chocolate,” said Timothy LeBel, President of Sales for Mars Chocolate North America. “We’re tapping into consumer trends and producing surprising twists and experiences from our most popular brands.”
Wrigley and Mars Chocolate are unveiling new selling strategies aimed at driving sales for retailers
“We’re looking within and even beyond our category to not only understand what innovations will resonate with consumers, but also to truly understand the way they shop for those products,” said Edward Taylor, Vice President of U.S. Sales and Operations for Wrigley.
“Helping our partners maximize opportunities is a top priority for us and to expand on the success of our Transaction Zone Vision program, we’ll be highlighting a variety of new shopper behavior findings from our Path-to-Purchase research at this year’s show, as well as sharing online insights,” explained Taylor.
Based on shopper insights, Mars Chocolate and Wrigley also developed engaging, results-driven consumer activations for retailers that will motivate shopping for confectionery.
Programs for 2017 include the “Chew to a Better You” campaign to encourage consumers to incorporate sugar-free gum into their health and wellness routine; the M&M’S Brand NASCAR sponsorship; a “Marvel Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” promotion with M&M’S, Skittles and Starburst brands; and the 2017 SNICKERS and Skittles NFL Fantasy Lineup with NFL-themed packaging.