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New Product Updates

New Candies are Highlight of the ALL CANDY EXPO® Trade Show

(Chicago 2004) – If it's delicious, new and fun, it was at the eight annual ALL CANDY EXPO® in Chicago this year. More than 450 candy manufacturers displayed America's newest treats, creating an irresistible world of goodies at McCormick Place Lakeside Center.

In the months ahead, both kids and adults can look forward to nibbling on a variety of new treats that fit any lifestyle. In keeping with the current low-carb eating trend, candy products for the carb-conscious were plentiful at this year's show. There also were many portion sizes to choose from, including a growing number of chocolate and candy pieces and chocolate bars created to break easily into sections for sharing or enjoying a little now and a little later.

New novelty candies from candy eye glasses to light-up rings satisfy kids' taste for fun treats they can play with as well as eat, and product licensing leverages the attraction of movies, cartoon characters and favorite sports in the candy aisle.

Candy and gum products led the snack food category in retail sales, according to the National Confectioners Association, which sponsors the show.

Here is a preview of just some new products debuts from the ALL CANDY EXPO® this year:

  • Marvel® Spiderman® Super Sour Shaker – Kids can lick, shake and roll with this character-themed fruit-flavored lollipop. Lick the pop, put its cover on and shake – the pop gets a sour powder coating to enjoy. Also, Popeye® Klick Candy Dispensers that celebrate Popeye's 75th anniversary, dispensing bubble gum or Smarties candies, and Fruit Snerdles fruit snack strips decorated with tiny candies in fun patterns. (Au'Some Candies)
  • M-Azing ™ Milk Chocolate Bars with M&M Minis ® – Chocolate bars with either M&M's brand peanut butter or crunchy chocolate candies. Each bar offers eight segments to break off and share, each embossed with an M&M's brand character. Also, M&M's Brand Shrek ® Mix , which includes larger, Ogre-sized M&M's, and M&M's Minis in two new Shrek colors: “Pretty” (like the land of “Far Far Away”) and “Swampy” (like Shrek's place). Watch for Skittles Bubble Gum, an addition to the popular Skittle Candies line. (Masterfoods USA)
  • Hershey's 1 Gram Sugar Carb Bars – Low-carb chocolate bars in three satisfying flavors: Chocolate Candy, Chocolate Candy with Almonds and Chocolate Candy with Soy Chips. Each bar contains only one gram of sugar to fit low-carb lifestyles. Also, S'Mores Candy Bar , a classic flavor combination of real milk chocolate, graham cracker and marshmallow in a convenient bar . Swoops - curvy, solid chocolate slices in classic combinations: milk chocolate, Reese's peanut butter, Almond Joy and York peppermint candies. (Hershey Foods Corporation)
  • Jelly Belly Sugar-Free Sours and Lower-Carb Candies – Introducing new sugar-free Jelly Belly Sours and Sugar-Free Jelly Belly beans now with only 90 calories and four net effective carbs per 35-bean serving. Also, two new Jelly Belly flavors: Roasted Garlic and Cinnamon Toast. (Jelly Belly Candy Company)
  • Brain Drain Liquid Candy – A fun candy gel that is said to feel like “brains rolling around in your mouth” when eaten. It comes in a pocket-size, brain-shaped container. Also Snorkel Candy Mixer – at the press of a button kids mix together powdered candy flavors such as Mexican Hot Peppers and Extreme Sour Powder, then let it flow into their mouths. (Kandy Kastle)
  • SHREK ® Candy Dispenser – Who wouldn't want a swampy green bobble-head Shrek candy dispenser? Just in time for the summer movie season, Shrek dispenses M&M Minis in two “swampy” colors when you press his foot. Also, Shrek Castle , a personal-size toy/storage container with a plastic tube of M&M's Minis in Shrek colors. (Galerie)
  • Tooth Ache Candy – Open the tooth-shaped container to find two types of candy, a plastic stick and gross-out fun. Using the plastic stick, kids pick up tiny white candies shaped like teeth and dip their “roots” in a raspberry-flavored red gel. (Kid's Brands)
  • Twinkle Delights Twinkle Pops Paper Vase Gift Card – Delightful hand-made lollipops on 12-inch sticks are tucked into a fold-out, self-standing gift card with messages for just about any occasion from “Thank You” and “Get Well” to “Congratulations.” Also new Sugar-Free Twinkle Pops and Twinkle Tangs in a variety of flavors and shapes. (Twinkle Candy)
  • Screw Ups Fruit Chew Pops – Kids twist a plastic “wing-nut” on the candy holder to raise the soft, chewy candy so they can eat it. When they have had enough, they screw the candy back down to eat it later. Three combo flavors include: Cherry/Watermelon, Strawberry/Blue Raspberry and Green Apple/Cherry. (Fantazzmo)
  • Sno-Cone Pop & Candy Syrup – A textured lollipop in the shape of that favorite summer kids' treat – a snow cone. The pop has mouth-puckering sour syrup that kids squeeze up from the middle of the pop. Also, Poppers bite-size chocolates that “explode” in your mouth and Sparkle Lollipop Paint Shop – a paint brush-shaped lollipop kids lick then dip in sparkly sour powder. (Impact Confections)
  • Chick Chocolates – Bite-size, high-quality chocolates in three “flavor personalities” packaged in personal-size, three-piece sleeves. Enjoy “Nutty Chick” milk chocolate with almonds and toffee; “Extreme Chick” made with 55 percent cacao dark chocolate combined with bits of cocoa beans and “Strong Chick”, a calcium-fortified milk chocolate. Also Skinny Truffles , a low-carb version of gourmet chocolate truffles in three flavors, packaged in resealable bags. (Seattle Chocolates)
  • Heidi Klum My Favorite Candies – Named for international super model Heidi Klum, these yogurt-based treats are a European favorite that is just coming to the United States. They come in three varieties: Yogurt Fruit Cremes, Yogurt Dessert Cremes and Fruit Flirtations. (Hillside Candy)
  • Sunny Seed Drops Chocolate Sunflower Nuts – Move over cigars, there is a healthy new way to announce your baby's birth. Chocolate-covered sunflower seeds in pink or blue candy coating come packaged in a plastic container that includes a label to enter the baby's name, birthdate and other statistics. Also, Sunny Seed Drops now come in colors for all holidays. (Sunflower Food & Spice Co.)
  • Toxic Waste – Hazardously sour candy in flavors of apple, watermelon, lemon, bIue raspberry and black cherry comes in a collectible drum that holds 16 pieces or in a larger bag. Also, Gummies on the Go , gummi treats in a resealable travel cup. (Family Sweets Candy Co.)
  • Tootsie Pops Spy Stix – A delicious hard candy with a soft, chewy center comes in a flip-top, push-up Spy Stix container so kids can eat just the amount they want and save the rest for later. Each container features one of four flavors and its own spy character. Also, Tootsie Fruit Rolls , chewy fruit-flavored bite size candies, and Caramel Apple Pops that taste like this favorite Autumn treat. (Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc.)
  • Pop Rocks Bubble Gum – Soft gum pieces combined with the original gum-flavored Pop Rocks for added fun. Also, Pop Rocks Limon which combines sour lemon Pop Rocks candy and salt, a perfect combination with a Hispanic taste. (Pop Rocks, Inc.)
  • Baskin-Robbins Sugar Free Sherbet Hard Candy – The first sherbet-flavored hard candy comes in flavors of fruit punch, orange and very berry, in both original and sour flavors. Also, Baskin Robbins Marshmallow Ice Cream Cones – a sugar-coated marshmallow treat shaped like an ice cream cone. Sucker Punch Lollipop , a boxing glove shaped sucker with a punch-action handle. (BestSweet)
  • Diablo Ignited Sours – These little mints in flip-top tins turn up the heat on sour candies by combining a refreshingly sour flavor with a spike of smooth chili pepper. Consumers get a burst of fruit flavor followed by a fiery blast. (Big Sky Brands Inc.)
  • The Chocolate Traveler – Fine European quality chocolate wedges packaged in a pocket/purse-size travel tin to provide a little treat wherever you go. Flavors include Bittersweet Chocolate Wedges, Milk Chocolate Wedges, Dark Chocolate Coffee Wedges and Dark Chocolate Mint Wedges available in classic or carb-controlled versions. (Chocolate Traveler)
  • Finger Lites Candy Rings – Each candy ring has a dazzling little light inside to spark the imagination and add to play time. The rings come in fun shapes: rockets, ducks, dazzling stars, hearts and lovable monkeys. (Flashin' Lix Light Up Candy - Malibu Toys)
  • Homies Boca Blasters Candy – Six collectible tins featuring Homies scenes including “Pool Hall,” “The Club,” “Joka Jams” and others. Each tin contains Boca Blasters intense, breath-freshening mints and a free Homie figurine. Also, Monkey Business Candy , colorful little barrels of candy monkeys that kids can link together for added fun before eating them. (Koko's)
  • PEZ SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS & SPIDER MAN Dispensers – The latest PEZ candy dispensers feature characters from the wildly popular SpongeBob SquarePants Nickelodeon cartoon and Spider-man just in time for this summer's Spider-Man 2 movie. Also, Cola-Flavored PEZ candies also are new, featuring a fizzy flavor. (PEZ Candy Inc.)
  • Sugar Free/Low-Carb Licorice Scottie Dogs – Bite-size licorice Scottie Dogs now come in a new sugar-free/low-carb version to offer more options to consumers. Also sugar-free/low-carb Assorted Fruits and new Chewy Chocolate Scotty Dogs made with real cocoa. (Gimbal's Fine Candies)
  • Fruit Double Dip Candy Sticks – An all-natural fruit candy stick in lemon, orange, strawberry and raspberry flavors double-dipped in a white-chocolaty coating for added flavor. (Bogdon Candy Company)
  • Chargers Candy – A new energy candy that offers a blast of caffeine. The tiny candies are packed in a pocket-size tin shaped like a D battery which is sure to be a conversation piece. (Chargers Candy)
  • Bug Factor Lollipop – Kids will love these gross green lollipops with a creepy, crawly candy bug trapped inside. Also, All Thumbs Pop Candy , a tasty thumb-shaped lollipop that slips right over your own thumb to create a delicious treat that is always “on hand,” and Lazer Lix Candy Light Licker , a light-up candy ring for playtime fun. (CAP Candy)
  • SlimWhey Bars – The first whey protein diet bar, SlimWhey comes in three, triple-layer flavors: Caramel Peanut Bar, Peanut Butter and Coconut Almond. Each 30-gram bar contains nine grams of protein, approximately 250 mg. of calcium and only 2-3 grams of net sugar carbs. (NEXT Proteins)
  • Chocolate Truffle Eggs – You'll ask, “How did they do that?” when you see and taste this real, decorated egg shell which contains a rich and creamy egg-shaped truffle. This unique treat, made in Germany, comes in a variety of designs and is available in single egg boxes, gift packs or bulk. (Gut Springenheide)
  • Got Milk Wafers – These calcium-fortified wafers also provide added iron, and vitamins A, C, D & E and come in vanilla and chocolate flavors to make snacking more nutritious. Also, COWS Butter Toffees, a rich and creamy treat made with real butter and whole milk. The individually-wrapped pieces come in seven flavors. (Sherwood Brands)
  • Milk Chocolate Covered Blueberries – Flavorful blueberries covered in creamy milk chocolate provide a unique gift and delicious taste experience. Also, Milk Chocolate Covered Strawberries and Milk Chocolate Covered Cherries offer additional fruit and chocolate taste experiences. (Queen Anne Candy)
  • Chocolate Holiday Wreath – This one-pound milk chocolate holiday wreath filled with marshmallows and pecans is packaged in a holiday gift box. Also, a giant, White Chocolate Rabbit is sure to be the centerpiece of any Easter basket. (Merlin's Candies)
  • Too Tarts Smart Choice – The company features a reformulation of its entire product line of sour candies to eliminate refined sugar and add fruit juice. Also, Sinfully Delicious candy sprays with zero net carbs that mirror the flavor of 12 favorite desserts including key lime pie, strawberry cheesecake, chocolate cake and others. (Innovative Candy Concepts)
  • Mean Green Blow Pops – This nearly translucent tart green lollipop has a bright green gum center for an eerie but delicious eating experience. It leaves your tongue green. Also, a bundle of six Blow Pops in popular flavors for parties or everyday fun. (Charms)
  • Ricola Refreshers Throat Drops – These refreshing sugar-free drops in Elderflower and Lemon Mint flavors come in convenient, pocket-size boxes. Also, Nature's Protection Orange Mint Vitamin C Supplement Drops , a delicious blend of natural herbal orange mint, peppermint and five medicinal herbs. (Ricola USA)
  • Droste Superior Bars – Made with the finest European chocolate, these 3.5 ounce bars come in Extra Dark (75% cocoa) and Almond Honey milk chocolate. Also, King Peppermint rolls with 36 mints in two flavors, original peppermint and extra strong. (Dorval Trading Co)
  • Buzz Bites – The little chocolate energy chews provide a quick caffeine kick with the sweet taste of chocolate. Also Foosh Mints – caffeinated, breath-freshening peppermints. Both come in pocket-size metal cases. (Vroom Foods)
  • Madelaine Chocolate's Bumble Bees and Lady Bugs – Creamy solid milk chocolate bumble bees and lady bugs are individually wrapped in colorful foil to look like the bugs they represent. Their presentation, six per long, narrow gift box, makes them perfect for any occasion. (Madelaine Chocolate Novelties)
  • Truffini Truffles – Gift boxes now offer three different assortments of truffles: Dark, Milk and Coffee flavors. Flavored centers are matched to each of the varieties. Wild Raspberry and Double-Dark centers are paired with dark truffles; the milk chocolate assortment includes Pure Milk Chocolate and Hazelnut centers and the Coffee Assortment offers Caramel Mocha and Cappuccino Crisp centers. (Brockmann's Chocolate Inc.)
  • Exquisite Chocolate Bags – Attractive bags of bite-size premium chocolates in vibrant foil wrapping make these treats perfect for gift-giving or personal consumption. Flavors are Chocolate Mint Meltaways, Pecan Caramel Clusters, Butter Almond Toffee and Dark Chocolate Mousse. (The Chocolate House)
  • Hint Mint Classic Minis – Sugar-free smooth mints packaged in a curved, slide-to-open 1920's style tin adorned with art deco detailing. They come in Classic Peppermint and Cinnamint flavors. (Hint Mint)
  • Individually Wrapped Juicy Twists – Great flavor packed into tender “licorice” treats. Individually wrapped, the twists come in original and super sour flavors, including green apple, watermelon and strawberry. (Kenny's Candy Company)
  • Brazilian Coffee Candies – Made with natural coffee bean flavor in Brazil, these hard candies provide a satisfying treat any time of day. (Florestal/MCS USA)
  • Falize Truffles – Creamy French truffles dusted with cocoa powder, they come packaged for gift-giving in attractive ballotin boxes. Flavors include original hazelnut and new coffee flavor. (Falize/ACME Import Co.)
  • Flakito Bar – Made from corn flakes covered in milk chocolate, this treat is a favorite in Egypt. Also, Astro's, a crisped rice candy bar with caramel, coated in chocolate flavor. (Covertina)
  • Mega Smarties Roll – Traditional Smarties candies in the giant-size version. These extra large Smarties provide a mega-burst of flavor with each candy wafer in the 21/4-ounce roll. (Ce De Candy, Inc.)
  • Super Ropes – Long ropes of individually-wrapped licorice kids and adults love in two new flavors: Slammin' Strawberry and Wild Cherry. Also, two new flavors are added to the Red Vines Licorice line: Pink Strawberry and Red Cherry. (American Licorice)
  • Peanuts ® Twistpops - Kids will love these fun, colorful lollipops shaped like their favorite Peanuts gang characters. Packaged for holiday gatherings. (Kencraft)

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Read about the products launched at the 2003 ALL CANDY EXPO®