Mars Wrigley’s on-trend innovations win plaudits with Sweets & Snacks Expo judges

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Pic: Mars Wrigley

The snacks and treats maker created a significant buzz at this year’s Sweets & Snacks Expo in Chicago with the company’s EXTRA brand winning the Most Innovative New Product Award (MINPA) in the Gum & Mints category for its new EXTRA Refreshers Fruity Mix Chewing Gum.

"Gum has seen significant growth over the past two years and winning the Most Innovative New Product Award in this category speaks to our ability to pinpoint consumer trends and shifting preferences. Mars Wrigley has been an innovator in the snacks and treats category for more than 100 years, and being recognized for our chocolate and fruity products in addition to gum shows the breadth of our cutting edge portfolio," said Tim LeBel, President of Sales at Mars Wrigley.

"As always, the Sweets & Snacks Expo was an amazing experience, and we want to give a huge thank you to the National Confectioners Association for putting on an incredible show – we can't wait to see what is to come in the year ahead."

After taking a hit during the pandemic, the gum category is making a strong comeback and Mars Wrigley’s latest offering – a refreshingly fruity mix pack of strawberry freeze, tropical mist, and lemonade chill flavoured gum – impressed the judges at this year’s awards.

The MINPA winners were selected from more than 300 product award entries across candy and snack categories, including chocolate; non-chocolate; sweet; salty; savoury; novelty; gourmet/premium; and gum & mints.

Product submissions were judged on the following criteria: taste, packaging, innovation and go-to market feasibility.

Mars also showcased their family of brands including Ethel M Chocolates, Lucas, and Turin at the 25th Sweets & Snacks Expo, which offer everything from gourmet chocolate to gummies.