Keeping on top of the latest confectionery creations, trends and insights in the sweet treat space is crucial to staying aware, agile and competitive in the growing sector.
Learning about the newest ingredients, launches and regulations that impact chocolate, candy and gum shows how the industry is evolving and how confectionery brands can steer their formulation plans to mirror consumer demands.
Our fortnightly update on new product development (NPD) delivers the latest confectionery releases from startups, scaling producers and multinational manufacturers. Whether you’re looking for ideas to spur new research and development (R&D) ideas, novel formats or marketing strategies, here is a snapshot of the latest know-how to spur new products and business growth.
Here are the latest confectionery launches to emerge in the industry.
Reese’s new flavour combo
The Hershey Company’s global brand—famous for its peanut butter taste—has teamed up with another classic US flavour to provide a nostalgic and novel spin on its go-to fan-favourite.
Reese’s launched its PB&J Big Cups. Capitalising on the popularity of its peanut butter-filled bigger chocolate cups, it’s now teaming up its number one popular flavour with jelly. Introducing its newest SKU on 9th April, National PB&J Day, Reese’s has released its PB&J Big Cups in strawberry and grape jelly flavours.
The brand’s latest launch comes after its fake release, announced on April Fools Day, which led Reese’s fans to believe the global chocolate brand was entering the sandwich space. On April 1st, Reese’s said they were swapping its chocolate and peanut butter sweet treat for Reese’s Chocolatey Bread instead.
With a focus on fun, the brand felt that teasing the idea of entering into the sandwich business was a playful and creative way to spark conversation. That said, the brand felt that launching its PB&J release was its natural next formulation move.
Available for a limited time only in the US, Reese’s PB&J Big Cups come in the classic flavours, contained within the brand’s signature chocolate and peanut butter for the ultimate twist on the iconic flavour mash-up. The chocolate product comes in standard, king and snack size multipacks.
Trolli gummi pops
Gummi worm candy creator Trolli has moved into the frozen sweet treats aisle with the release of its Gummi Pops throughout the US.
Trolli teamed up with large-scale US ice cream manufacturer Wells Enterprises and sugar confectioner Ferrara Candy Company to combine its familiar gummi texture and bold flavours in a novelty, frozen SKU. The sour gummi brand is recognised for its dual neon colours, bold flavours, and soft and chewy textures to provide a new frozen variety.
Tapping into consumers’ increasing interest in multiple textures, Trolli’s Gummi Pops bring together the brand’s signature soft and chewy gummi texture in a surprising, frozen option. Not stopping at textures, the brand is also featuring multiple neon colours and two-in-one flavour combinations to provide a sought-after flavour experience. Cherry Lemon and Grape Strawberry are among Trolli Gummi Pops sour flavour combinations.
The brand has launched its new frozen Gummi Pops in two formats in leading retailers throughout the US. Trolli’s latest SKU comes in single sweet treats and multi-pack boxes that each contain 10 Trolli Gummi Pops.
Trolli’s Gummi Pops sits on the supermarket shelves alongside its other product developments, including Sour Electric Crawlers, Sour Bursting Crawlers and Sour Brite Squad. Its collection also includes its classic Sour Brite Crawlers, Sour Brite Crawlers Very Berry, Sour Brite Octopus and Peachie O’s.
Sour Patch Kids sour egg experience
Mondelēz International’s sour candy brand has teamed up with singer J Balvin to launch its exclusive sour egg sweepstakes.
Created for Easter and spring, Sour Patch Kids’ Sour Eggs will provide shoppers with a treat-sized Easter candy pack containing chewy candy eggs. Housed inside is a black raspberry flavour to deliver a sour-then-sweet taste sensation.
Leveraging the duo’s popularity, the duo’s launch takes place during the musician’s Back to the Rayo Tour. Sour Patch Kids will give out its Sour Eggs Soft and Chewy Easter Candy during the tour to maximise the partnership’s marketing opportunity.
Available in a 7.97 oz large bag at leading US retailers, the brand’s Sour Eggs come in 18 snack-sized packs.
Witor’s spell-binding treat
Italian chocolatier Witor’s has partnered with entertainment studio Warner Bros and global travel retailer Avolta to launch its new Harry Potter confectionery line. Witor’s latest launch will make its exclusive debut in the travel retail space, launching at Italy’s Milan Malpensa Airport.
Entering into the new licensing agreement sees Witor’s team up with the American film and entertainment studio behind the Harry Potter franchise to produce its confectionery collection.
Using certified Fairtrade cocoa, caramel and cookies, Witor’s will use original moulds that the brand has customised for licensing to produce its premium chocolates. Each product ties into main Harry Potter themes and locations to appeal to consumers’ enjoyment of the globally-famous films.
Through its collaboration, Witor’s aims to celebrate its creativity and Italian craftsmanship. The Harry Potter x Witor’s new range comprises four new products: Ticket to Hogwarts half-metre chocolate box, Golden Snitch cylinder tin of golden balls; Hogwarts Houses tablets carry case and Hogwarts Tin Box Collector with three product variants.
Developing its new range with Warner Bros and Avolta, Witor’s wanted to produce a selection of confectionery goods that aren’t available in the domestic market. Instead, the brand set its sights on a bespoke retail roll-out.
Bebeto Forest Fruits sweets range
British soft candy brand Bebeto introduces its latest product development. Launching its Forest Fruits filled sweets, Bebeto is adding to its bagged sweets collection.
Supplier Kervan Gida UK will provide Bebeto’s newest Forest Fruits SKU. The brand’s latest formulation is made from centre-filled gummy treats featuring strawberry, raspberry and cherry taste profiles.
Free from artificial colours and flavours, the brand’s halal-certified sweet treats build upon the brand’s eight new-for-2024 confectionery products including its freeze-dried sweets collection. Bebeto’s Forest Fruits filled sweets come in a 10 x 130g SRP hanging bag format.
Yorkie Biscuit & Brownie Duo bar
Global chocolatier Nestlé Confectionery has launched a limited-edition Yorkie Biscuit & Brownie variety, in a duo format, to sit alongside its existing varieties: Yorkie Original Milk Chocolate and Yorkie Raisin & Biscuit.
Yorkie’s latest chocolate bar features brownie flavour milk chocolate chunks and crunchy biscuit pieces. The brand new flavour, which hit supermarkets and shops in the UK, seeks to provide a spin on the original Yorkie chocolate bar.
Made free from artificial colours, flavours or preservatives, Yorkie Biscuit & Brownie uses cocoa that is sourced from Nestlé’s income accelerator programme.
Sweet spotlight: Percy Pigs cross the pond
The soft pig-themed candy brand, available exclusively in British retailer Marks & Spencer, has now entered into US retail stores. For the first time, American shoppers can get their hands on Percy Pigs.
Percy Pigs’ gummy sweets come in raspberry, cherry, strawberry, grape fruit flavours and have expanded to various different options, including the classic variety, Party Time sweets, Phizzy Pigtails and Penny Pigs.
Now, Percy Pigs, which come in vegetarian and vegan options, are available in the US throughout national retail store, Target.
