Name: RJ’s Licorice Allsorts, Natural Licorice Allsorts, Licorice Chocolate Twists and Raspberry Chocolate Twists
Brand: RJ’s Licorice (New Zealand Natural Goods)
Description: RJ’s Licorice is adding four amazing licorice confectionery products to its existing line. RJ’s Licorice Allsorts, Natural Licorice Allsorts, Licorice Chocolate Twists and Raspberry Chocolate Twists are the new additions to their range and no doubt will continue to stretch the boundaries of licorice confectionery products available in the United States and around the world.
Introduction Date: 05/22/11
Notes: I’m all for more variety in Licorice offerings. The New Zealand style is similar to the Aussie version of soft eating licorice - meaty, with lots of molasses flavors and a wheat base (sorry gluten-intolerant friends).

Name: Werther’s Original Creamy Apple Filled
Brand: Storck USA, L.P
Description: A Smooth Caramel Candy Shell, with a creamy filling of the rich taste of caramel dipped apples. 
Introduction Date: 09/01/11
Notes: Tootsie has a caramel apple pop that’s tasty but lacking in curb appeal. Maybe Werther’s, the caramel kings, can also break through with something that’s a bit prettier.

Name: Bebeto Premium
Brand: Kervan Gida San ve Tic. A.S.
Description: Childlike happiness is coming to grown ups’ world with Bebeto Premium. It is much more than regular gummy; joy, health, magical flavor mixes…
- Raspberry & Blackberry “A Tempting Mix”: The taste of forest fruits which you cannot get enough of.
- Turkish Coffee & Mint “Just One Of It Has 40 Years Of Inspiration!”: At home, at the office or while working While watching TV, even with a cup of coffee. An amazing flavor one can enjoy everywhere.
- Tropical Pineapple & Tropical Orange “A Sweet Breeze From Tropic Islands”: When you desire to feel good, Just one is enough to change your mood…
Introduction Date: 01/15/2011
Notes: I was really excited when I saw these at the ISM Cologne candy fair. The idea of Turkish Coffee and Mint gummis, I think, is stunning. Let’s just say that I was stunned with the result. Now that I know that they’re introducing them in the United States, I’ll put up a full review in the coming weeks.

Product images are courtesy of the respective candy manufacturer.

Related Candies

1. Candy Tease: Nostalgia in 2011
2. Candy Tease: Mars 2010
3. Candy Tease: Just Born 2010
4. Candy Tease: Hershey’s 2010
5. Candy Tease: Sweets & Snacks Expo 2010 - Part 2
6. Candy Tease: Sweets & Snacks Expo 2010

The 2010 Sweets & Snacks Expo is in full swing in Chicago as of today. The three day trade show is the largest expo of candy in North America. Since it’s for those in the candy industry only (and some selected members of the press) the public has to wait for the new products to hit store shelves. Here are a few new items:

Name: Nintendo Coin Candies
Brand: Boston America Corp.
Description: New from Boston America Corp. is a line of officially licensed Nintendo Coin Candies. This product has a tremendous appeal to both kids 8-12 and teens/young adults aged 13-25. Each tin contains 1 ounce of sour coin shaped candies.
Introduction Date: 1/1/10
Notes: I can’t quite figure out what this “sour coin shaped candy” actually is. But the fun thing is that it’s not the hum-drum chocolate coin. For another take on the Mario Bros Power Up Box, check out the Au’some Snerdles I reviewed a few weeks ago.

Name: Burstin Berry Blow Pops
Brand: Charms Company (Tootsie)
Description: Five new exciting flavors of America’s favor Gum Filled Pop. Flavors include Razzberry, Blackberry, Blueverry, Tropicalberry and Crazzberry. 
Introduction Date: 1/10/10
Notes: I’m kind a purist when it comes to my Blow Pops. Grape seems to work best for me but a Crazzberry might be a fun combination of tangy, sweet and chewy.

Name: Candy Cane Pop Drops
Brand: Tootsie
Description: New peppermint flavored drops. Chewy Tootsie Roll inside a striped shell.
Introduction Date: Christmas 2010
Notes: I liked the Candy Cane Tootsie Pops, but they were a little large, which required a commitment. The format of the Pop Drops is actually a better version in my opinion. It’s also fun to see that you can get a single flavor package like the old days of Tootsie Pop Drops in the rolls.

Name: Frooties - Rootbeer, CranBlueberry, Strawberry Lemonade
Brand: Tootsie
Description: New Flavors of Frooties: full-bodied Root Beer, crisp CranBlueberry and refreshing Strawberry Lemonade.
Introduction Date: 01/01/10
Notes: I know these came out earlier this year but I haven’t found them in stores. A creamy root beer taffy chew sounds right up my alley though and I like that they’re expanding the line into these fun flavors.

Name: ICEE Fizzing Lollipops
Brand: KoKo’s Confectionery & Novelty
Description: Sweet ICEE flavored hard candy lollipops with a fun fizzing center. They are available in a 12 count peg bag or a 48 count display box. Flavors include cherry, blue raspberry, green apple, and lemonade. 
Introduction Date: 01/01/10
Notes: The new Icee line of candies from KoKos is rather interesting since it’s based on a slush drink, which in itself is based on sodas or fruits. The gummis I tried last year weren’t terribly notable, but this lollipop promises a fizz, which sets it apart from the most popular lollipops like Tootsie Pops and Blow Pops.

Name: Sconza Lemoncello Almonds
Brand: Sconza Candy Co.
Description:
Roasted California almonds drenched in white chocolate and lemon cream.
Introduction Date: 05/25/10
Notes: Sconza does fabulous things with almonds. They’re located right in the heart of the most productive almond growing regions in the world, so it’s no surprise the they make some of the freshest panned almonds in the world. This version sounds like a fun twist on the ordinary chocolate covered almond and will probably be of great interest to brides and party planners for candy buffets or favors.

Name: Sour Punch Bits
Brand: American Licorice Company
Description: Cheek pinching sour greatness comes in Strawberry-Watermelon, Tangerine-Lemonade, and Lemon-Lime in a 3.5oz theater box with vertical or horizontal display options. Sour Punch also has new hanging bags in blended flavors including: Strawberry-Lemonade (5oz), Lightnin’-Lemonade (8oz), Strawberry-Watermelon (8oz), and Lemon-Lime (5oz). Available today for any candy set!
Introduction Date: 1/4/2010
Notes: Sour Punch Straws are fun but kind of messy to eat. This format of the same style of candy - a chewy flour-based fruity chew with a sour sanding - makes it easier to pop the little nibs. The theater box is a great idea, a sour twist on the red licorice category.

Name: Bazooka Bubblegum Nuggets
Brand: Bazooka (Topps)
Description: Bazooka Bubblegum Nuggets comes in a re-sealable pouch, great for every on-the-go kid! 
Introduction Date: 02/01/10
Notes: Great for every on-the-go kid? And bubble gum was packaged in what format that was incompatible with being active? I’m not quite sure if the nuggets are candy coated, like Gold Mine Gum or if they’re just uncoated pieces (kind of like the Big League Chew strips).

Name: Trident Layers: Cool Mint + Melon Fresco
Brand: Cadbury North America
Description: Sugar free Trident Layers™ - the gum that delivers intriguing dual-flavor combinations introduces a new flavor Trident Layers Cool Mint + Melon Fresco™. Trident Layers™ gum is uniquely formulated with a special middle flavor layer you can actually see. So Each bite provides a double taste sensation and now in NEW Cool Mint + Melon Fresco™.
Introduction Date: 05/03/2010
Notes: I’m kind of a gum purist, so I’ll leave the review on this one to my gum-loving counterparts.

Name: Campfire Marshmallow Zebras
Brand: Doumak, Inc/Campfire Marshmallows
Description:
Two great tastes in one! Delicious dark chocolate generously drizzled over original Campfire Marshmallows with a delicate vanilla accent. The bite-size shape is perfect for snacking. Also great for S’mores! Comes in a 4.5oz gusseted stand-up bag with peg hole for merchandising flexibility. Resealable bag for maximum freshness.
Introduction Date: 05/01/10
Notes: The simplicity of a marshmallow is hard to top. I like the Campfire style that doesn’t have the sugar sanding like Peeps and of course chocolate is an awesome combo. It’s fun to see Campfire angling towards the candy aspect of marshmallows instead of sitting around on the bottom shelf of the baking aisle as an ingredient.

Name: Milk Chocolate with Strawberry Crème
Brand: Ritter Sport
Description:
Ritter Sport’s limited-edition Milk Chocolate with Strawberry Crème features rich European milk chocolate filled with light dairy cream and pieces of real strawberries. Sales proceeds will go to breast cancer research, as Ritter Sport has pledged to donate $100,000 to help promote awareness, ensure early detection and, hopefully, find a cure. The product will hit retail shelves by October, just in time for National Breast Cancer Awareness month.
Introduction Date: October 2010
Notes: Ritter Sport already makes a Strawberry Yogurt bar ... I was kind of hoping this one would be a dark chocolate version, but I’ll keep an open mind about it. Strawberry isn’t too common in candy bars, especially at the price point that Ritters go for, so that may give these a big boost.

Related Candies

1. Candy Tease: Sweets & Snacks Expo 2010 - Part 2
2. Nobel Nama Caramel Gummy
3. Ritter Sport Fruhlingsspezialitaten 2010
4. Ritter Sport Peppermint
5. Candy Cane Tootsie Pops
6. Tootsie Pop Drops

Some of the best candies are not from the big candy makers, they come from innovative new companies and of course the wonderful regional & specialty confectioners. Here are a few items coming down the pike from them:

Name: SunLights

Brand: Sconza

Description: Roasted premium sunflower seeds drenched in cocoa and covered in dazzling delicate sugar shells.

Notes: There are already plenty of companies making candy coated-chocolate sunflower seeds. But I suppose ubiquity would help. Sconza makes some very nice panned candies, so I’ll definitely try them. But the “cocoa” part is a bit disappointing. I think to guarantee real chocolate I might stick with the Kimmie All Natural ones (and no artificial colors).

Name: Cherry Lovers Fruit Chews

Brand: Gimbal’s Fine Candies

Description: Made with REAL Cherry Juice and are naturally high in Antioxidant Vitamin C. Featuring nine incredible juicy cherry flavors - from orchard fresh Bing Cherry, to New York Cherry Cheesecake and luscious Cherry Chocolate, these candies can’t be beat!

Notes: I know, it’s odd that I’m posting about a cherry product but I’m actually excited about this. I got a sample bag from the folks at the National Confectioners Association and they look great. They look like the See’s Cinnamon Hearts I had earlier this year but come in a variety of flavors & colors. A beautiful assortment for a jar or dish especially for Valentine’s Day.

Name: Quench Fruit Blast

Brand: Quench Gum

Description: Quench Gum “Sugar Free” Fruit Blast - Same great taste and now sugar free!

Notes: I liked that the gum doesn’t have aspartame in it (though I don’t know what they’re using for sweeteners if not aspartame or sugar). It’s nice to see the sports, mouth quenching gums making a comeback.

Name: Zachary Assorted Chocolates

Brand: Zachary Confections

Description: Our Assorted Box Chocolates have a brand new look! Milk and Dark Chocolate covered cremes and caramels.

Notes: My experience with Zachary is limited to their jelly & fondant products, mostly for Halloween (candy corn & jelly pumpkins). I’ve regarded them as a low end brand, which is fine for sugar candy, so I don’t know which way these boxed chocolates are going to go.

Name: Indulge Cherry Creme Cluster

Brand: Brach’s (Farley’s & Sathers)

Description: We are also offering the Brach’s(r) Indulge(r) Cherry Cr?me Clusters in a gable box for the consumer looking for a great new item for their cherry-loving friends!

Notes: Brach’s actually has a whole new line of these Indulge products. Some are just classic Brach’s products like Bridge Mix and chocolate covered nuts. But this one sounded pretty interesting - cherry fondant with nuts covered in chocolate. (Not something I’d eat.) I have samples of other items in the Indulge line and will post a full review soon.

Name: Zum

Brand: Zum

Description: Yum, yum, yum, give me some Zum(r)! New liquid center Zum(r) chewing gum keeps your taste buds guessing all the way to the wacky sour apple-cherry core. Chomp into some Zum(r) for a flavorful, sweet-sour blast!

Notes: I have a sample of this (no photo yet). They’re sold in a blister pack and appear to be mega-looking Freshen-Up styled pieces. What I liked on the wrapper was that it was made with real sugar, not artificial sweeteners.

Name: MelloWorld Marshmallow Novelties

Brand: MNT Trading Inc.

Description: Melloworld marshmallows is classified as novelty due to its presentation and combinations i.e. some are filled with flavored jam, others are sandwiched between a fruit flavored gummy belt, others are twisted to resemble a rope, some are filled into a mini ice cream cone filled with fruit flavored jam and others are shaped in various shapes like bear, duck, rabbit & flower shapes etc.

Notes: I thought the packaging from this company was really cute. As far as marshmallows go, there aren’t many choices on shelves beyond the regular white ones which are more of an ingredient than a candy. (I am rather fond of strawberry marshmallows.)

Name: Get Silly Ice Cream Candies

Brand: Get Silly Ice Cream

Description: The amazing, new, innovative unmeltable ice cream treat. Get Silly Ice Cream Candy is made from 100% real ice cream, tastes like 100% real ice cream, IS 100% real ice cream. You can have an ice cream experience throughout the day without ever having to worry about it melting. One bite of Get Silly Ice Cream Candies and you will experience the creamy, velvety taste of traditional ice cream whenever you want, wherever you are. Following our wildly successful launch of America’s #1 pelletized ice cream IttiBitz, Get Silly Ice Cream is releasing a brand new candy version.

Notes: I’ve never tried Dippin’ Dots so I think I’m missing something here about there being any rankings for the category of pelletized ice cream. (Which sounds like a way to weaponize dairy products to me.) I’m not sure if it’s actually candy or not ... the rules aren’t quite clear and the way the product is served isn’t either.

Name: Fun Sweets Cotton Candy

Brand: Fun Sweets

Description: Fun Sweets offers an Award Winning line of cotton candy in shelf-stable transparent containers. We are proud to supply the country’s leading retailers and entertainment venues and would like the opportunity to be your cotton candy choice as well.

Notes: I don’t think anything will ever rival real fresh cotton candy made in front of you. A fun, well designed little bucket might be nice, especially for kids, who haven’t learned the difference. (And I have tried this so I can’t say that it is an actual wad of cotton candy instead of a fluffy ethereal cloud.)

All images courtesy of the respective manufacturers

Related Candies

1. Candy Tease: All Candy Expo 2009 - Mars
2. Candy Tease: All Candy Expo 2009 - Hershey
3. Candy Tease: All Candy Expo 2009 # 1
4. Candy Tease: April 2009
5. Candy Tease: Spring 2009

Mars has recently become one of the kings of limited editions. But that doesn’t mean that they’re not innovating new candies, too. On Tuesday at All Candy Expo they held a press conference and announced their slate of new products and releases.

Name: M&Ms Premiums Chocolate Candies
Brand: Mars
Description: Who says good chocolate has to be serious? Mars Snackfood US is redefining the premium chocolate category again by introducing its popular M&M’S(r) Premiums Chocolate Candies in a new stylish petite reclosable carton that lets consumers savor and save as little or as many as they want. Now consumers can share a premium chocolate experience with friends, while showing off their sense of style and fun on-the-go! They promise to satisfy consumers’ chocolate cravings with two delectable flavors—Triple Chocolate and Dark Chocolate. Delicious gems of carefully slow blended chocolate in a shimmering soft shell will melt in your mouth. Find M&M’S(r) Premiums Chocolate Candies with other premium chocolates.

Notes: I mentioned these yesterday and already have a sample in hand of the Triple Chocolate variety. However, I’ve not tried nor seen the Dark Chocolate version before. I’m wondering if they’ll be like Dark Chocolate M&Ms or more like Dove dark chocolate. The retail price will be $1.29 for a 1.2 ounce box. The press release says they’ll be on shelves this spring. Anyone spotted them in the wild?

UPDATE: Review of M&Ms Premiums Dark Chocolate

Name: Snickers Transformers
Brand: Mars
Description: Based on the “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” hero Bumblebee, SNICKERS introduces the limited-edition SNICKERS Nougabot Bar. This distinctive bar combines dark colored caramel and bright yellow nougat for the same great flavor of original SNICKERS but with the look reminiscent of Bumblebee

Notes: This is pretty much the same as the Shrek Snickers which had a green nougat. I didn’t care for how I though the food coloring changed the flavor of the bar. On another note, Nougatbot is a trademarked name for Mars.

UPDATE: Review of Transformers Nougabot & M&Ms

Name: Limited Edition Snickers Fudge
Brand: Mars
Description: The new SNICKERS(r) Brand Fudge Bar (Limited Edition) boasts a peanut-packed chocolate fudge layer atop chewy peanut butter nougat wrapped in delicious milk chocolate. The result is an irresistible taste that will have consumers running to the candy aisle.

Retail customers who join the fudge craze will be a part of a $215 million growing fudge market (according to 2007 Mars Sensory RGT Research). Consumers are sure to love the combination of their favorite SNICKERS(r) brand and the nostalgic taste of rich fudge.

Notes: They should be hitting the shelves in August. I have a sample (though it’s kind of smashed) and will post a review closer to the release date.

UPDATE: Review of Snickers Fudge bar is here.

Name: Limited Edition Coconut M&Ms
Brand: Mars
Description: Catch the M&M’S(r) wave during Summer 2009! New M&M’S(r) Coconut Chocolate Candies will bring an island feel to retail displays and excite consumers to try this fun limited edition flavor from their favorite M&M’S(r) brand.

Notes: On the list of M&Ms flavor variations they should come out with, this wasn’t even on my radar. Not that I’m not happy to hear it. I have a sample and will post about them soon. Early thoughts are that they’re not bad, but I think they might have been better in dark chocolate. They should be hitting the shelves in August.

UPDATE: Review of Coconut M&Ms is here.

Other new products announced I’ve covered previously. They include: Dove Silky Smooth Milk Chocolate with Peanut Butter, Fling Chocolate Fingers, M&Ms Strawberried Peanut Butter Chocolate Candies, M&Ms Disney Memorable Moments.

Then there’s the Real Chocolate Relief Act ... I haven’t blogged about it and I probably won’t do anything beyond this mention of it. Basically, you can go to their website on Fridays until 9/25/09. They’re giving away a quarter of a million coupons for a free candy bar each week. It seems like a lot of work for 75 cents that you don’t get it for 6 weeks. I can’t decide what they can or will do with your info besides get an awesome cross section of the American population and who will fill out a form for less than a dollar. If that’s not a demonstration of America’s capability to delay gratification, I don’t know what is. (Kind of makes you think we’re gonna be okay.)

Related Candies

1. Candy Tease: All Candy Expo 2009 - Hershey
2. Candy Tease: All Candy Expo 2009 # 1
3. Candy Tease: February 2009
4. Candy Tease: Autumn 2008

The biggest, most exciting bit of news to come from Hershey’s this year as far as new products has to be their new Pieces line:

Pieces(tm) - Hershey’s will turn some of its most iconic candies into delicious bit-size pieces wrapped in a crunchy candy shell. Offering the big flavor consumers love in smaller bites, Pieces will feature individually packaged Almond Joy(r) Pieces, Hershey’s(r) Special Dark Pieces, Reese’s(r) Pieces and York(r) Pieces in a portable and resalable stand-up bag.

Like Reese’s Pieces are a lentil shaped & candy shelled version of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, I’m sure that Pieces will merely be “inspired by” the flavors of these popular candy bars. I loved the little Hershey’s Bites that were discontinued, and realize now that these will not be a real replacement for those.

What they do look like though are:

Hershey’s Special Dark Pieces - a dark chocolate lentil. The packaging looks like they’ll be dark red, maroon and brown shells. (Hershey’s Special Dark Pieces review here.)

York Pieces - a dark chocolate center flavored with peppermint (not a fondant center with a dark chocolate veneer). These look like they’re dark blue and white shelled. (Hershey’s York Pieces review here.)

Almond Joy Pieces - milk chocolate, coconut and almond. The shells here look like blue, beige and brown. I’m not sure if it’s actual bits of coconut and almond or just the flavors. (Almond Joy Pieces review here.)

Other items rolling out now:

Hershey’s Bliss Chocolate Bars - New Hershey’s Bliss chocolate bars feature a smooth, creamy texture for an indulgent personal chocolate experience in Dark Chocolate and Milk Chocolate with a Meltaway Center.

My thoughts: as I mentioned in the post about packaging, these are looking an awful lot like Dove.

Hershey’s Kisses Brand Chocolate Meltaway - Hershey’s Kisses Brand Chocolates, loved for their unique shape and foil wrap, will introduce a delicious new flavor. Hershey’s Kisses Brand Chocolate Meltaway is the classic milk chocolate treat consumers love with a smooth, creamy meltaway center.

My thoughts: I got a few of these in a box from the folks at the National Confectioner’s Association and now have a whole package for review that came with this press release. I’m having trouble telling them apart from the Hot Cocoa and Chocolate Truffle Kisses, but I’ll work on it.

Hershey’s Nuggets Double Chocolate - Hershey’s Nuggets Double Chocolate combine extra creamy Hershey’s Milk Chocolate with rich Hershey(r)‘s Special Dark(r) Chocolate for a delectable indulgence.

My thoughts: it’s a fun idea! Combine a bit of dark and milk chocolate. (Sometimes I mix dark & milk M&Ms.)

Hershey’s 100 Calorie Whipped Vanilla Bars - Hershey’s extends its portion control offerings with the introduction of the Hershey’s 100 Calorie Whipped Vanilla Bars. Combining the decedent flavors of vanilla and chocolate, the new bars offer a balanced indulgence in one convenient pack.

My thoughts: I’ve pretty much stayed away from the 100 calorie bars for review, but I have to say that they’ve done some nice work at providing some tasty options that aren’t just smaller sized regular candies - they’re new from the ground up.

Later this fall you can also sample:

Hershey’s Bliss White Chocolate with Creamy Meltaway Center - Hershey’s Bliss will introduce a white chocolate expression to this decedent chocolate line with the launch of Hershey’s Bliss White Chocolate with Creamy Meltaway Center. The new individually wrapped, bite-size chocolates will be available in laydown bags.

My thoughts: If it’s really white chocolate, I’m going to be really interested. Hershey’s used to make good white chocolate products and I’ve love to see them return to it. (The old Cookies ‘n Cream bar used to use cocoa butter.)

Hershey’s Cookies ‘N’ Chocolate Miniatures - Hershey’s Cookies ‘N’ Chocolate Miniatures offer a delicious flavor assortment with three unique miniature chocolate varieties in one laydown bag, including Hershey’s Cookies ‘N’ Creme, Hershey’s Cookies ‘N’ Milk Chocolate and Hershey’s Milk Chocolate. 

My thoughts: as mentioned above, the Cookies ‘n Creme used to have cocoa butter in it, but since they took it out, I haven’t been terribly interested in it. I do enjoy the cookies and milk chocolate but love, love, loved the Cookies ‘n Mint and would think it’s a natural item to include in this mix.

Related Candies

1. Hershey’s Special Dark Pieces
2. Hershey’s York Pieces
3. Hershey’s Kisses: Chocolate Meltaway
4. Hershey’s Almond Joy Pieces
5. Hershey’s Bliss
6. Reese’s Pieces
7. York Mints
8. Hershey’s Cookies
9. Hershey’s Cookies ‘n’ Mint
10. Hershey Bites: York, Reese’s Peanut Butter and KitKat

Half the time the stuff being announced in as new products aren’t really new. They’re just repackaging. Not that I have anything against that. I love a clever and useful boxes and tins and of course an engaging and colorful wrappers.

First thing that I noticed a few years ago is nostalgic packaging. The first one I heard about was a retro version of 3 Musketeers, Snickers & M&Ms sold at WalMart stores. Then I started seeing Hershey’s special packaging.

This year Just Born is into the act with nostalgic boxes for their most popular products: Mike and Ike, Hot Tamales and Goldenberg Peanut Chews.

Kinda fun.

Is the candy different? Did they go back to the original recipe or something? No, pretty much the same.

But I have to say, the Goldenberg’s Peanut Chews (review) taste a lot better than Chew-Ets. Maybe it’s that these were extra fresh ... or that it’s the first King-Size package I’ve had since I moved to California. (Though they were a sample from All Candy Expo folks,  all the other above items pictured were from my personal stash.)

For the most part the other items I’ve seen lately are resizing of the regular packages.

First, Mars is going to be making their M&Ms Premiums (review) available in single-serve boxes. Pretty hot looking. I like the flip top, I like that the box was jam packed with the little triple chocolate premiums.

I don’t have much info otherwise though ... I’m hoping they won’t be much more than the price of King Size M&Ms. (They are 1.2 ounces, not as much as a regular bag.)

Hershey’s is also creating a bar format of their new Bliss line (review).

I got this sample of the new Hershey’s Bliss Rich & Creamy Dark Chocolate Bar, it’s about the equivalent of five little Bliss bites.

Look familiar? Yeah, not that different from the format of the Dove chocolate line. Kind of sad how much they look alike.

Even though it feels like stuff is getting smaller and more expensive, I did find one bright spot in the news (in addition to the awesome new products, of course).

Instead of the classic tray the LifeSaver Gummis (review) now come in a 2 ounce single serve pack (“With 33% More Gummies”). I saw these at them on shelves at the 7-11 already.

The thing that I learned that was so surprising is that LifeSavers Gummis are the number one selling gummi in the United States. Not Haribo (who have been doing it far longer) or even previous domestic brands like Trolli or Black Forest. Nope, LifeSavers.

The final news nugget is the renaming of Crackheads to Jitterbeans (well, that’s not entirely true, you can get them with either name). I reviewed them last year and Candy Addict’s Brian even appeared on TV to talk about the branding of the product (advocating a name change ... and this is a pretty good choice).

The package is kind of intimidating. The same size as a regular Lemonheads box ... but this one advertises that it has as much caffeine as 6 cups of coffee. I haven’t counted up the beans, but I’m pretty sure that four would be my limit and never to be eaten after noon if I wanted to sleep.

I’ve pointed out the new Mars packaging of their Dove large tablets in three pre-portioned & wrapped bars (review) which was followed by their organic wing Seeds of Change (review) doing the same.

There are probably lots of other associations we’re all going to be making when we see the stuff on the shelves. (Especially when the old & new styles are sitting side by side.)

What have you noticed so far?

Related Candies

1. Trader Joe’s Lumpy Bumpy Bar
2. Hershey’s Website Inaccuracies
3. All Gummies Gourmet Fruity Fish (Swedish Fish knock-off)
4. All Candy Expo 2008 - Final Link Wrappers
5. Short & Sweet All Candy Expo Bites

Today is the start of All Candy Expo, the national exhibition of candy & snacks sponsored by the National Confectioners Association. Over three days over 450 exhibitors will sample their wares on the show floor while tens of thousands of candy store owners, chain store buyers, wholesalers & distributors will will walk the aisles. It’s an awesome and intimidating place to be, it makes me a bit giddy and also overwhelmed (there’s so much!). Once again my dayjob prevents me from attending so I’ll sit here and remotely broadcast items of interest.

Here are some new product announcements:

Name: Wee Glee
Brand: Gleey Gum (Verve, Inc.)
Description: In a brightly packaged box full of miniature pieces of mixed flavors of chewing gum, Wee Glee provides a fun-filled chewing experience sure to brighten the moods and tickle the taste buds of children and adults alike. Like the rest of the Glee line, Wee Glee is all-natural, vegetarian, additive-free, lactose-free, dairy-free, wheat-free, gluten-free, casein-free, egg-free, yeast-free, and nut-free with no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
Notes: I tried this at ExpoWest a few months ago. The little pieces are a bit thicker than Chiklets. I find their gum sticks to my fillings, but the flavor is much clearer than a lot of other gums (but dissipates quickly).

Name: Sour Patch Chillerz
Brand: Cadbury-Adams
Description: Leaving you with a long-lasting shock that’s Sour then Sweet (r), Sour Patch Chillerz(tm) is a soft and chewy Sour Patch candy creation that leaves a surge of cool at the end! Sour Patch Chillerz(tm) come in a movie-theater size bag with an assortment of delicious flavors including Berry Punch Chiller(tm), Frozen Lemonade(tm), Strawberry Shiver(tm) and Frosty Grape(tm). Each bite-size candy screams with out-of-this-world tartness.
Notes: There have been a few candies lately that have mixed this “cool feeling” of menthol and fruity flavors. Sometimes it works ... sometimes it doesn’t. I have a package and have to admit, they do look pretty cute.

Name: Black Forest Juicy Oozers
Brand: Ferrara Pan
Description: Get chomping on Cherry Gummy Sharks, the shark-a-licious wild cherry chews burst in your mouth with juicy centers and 10 percent DV Vitamin C. Or pucker up and try Sour Gummy Fun Fish, a pack of squishy, gushy sour flavored gummies that come in a variety of four different sea creature shapes and four fantastic juicy center flavors: Twisted Triple Berry, Screamin’ Strawberry Kiwi, Tangy Tangerine and Wacky Watermelon.
Description: Yes, if you make a gummi product in 2009 you must make a variation with a gooey center if you don’t already. It’s a law. Look it up.

Name: Goetze Gourmet Caramel Creams Licorice
Brand: Goetze’s
Description: These marry the rich flavor of black licorice with our classic rich and creamy center. Naturally flavored with Real Licorice Extract, each serving of this wholesome confection is also fortified with 30% RDA of calcium and 11% RDA of fiber. These 9oz stand up bags are available in 12ct cases with a Suggested Retail Price of $2.99 per bag.
Notes: I was reading somewhere that Goetze used to make Licorice Caramel Creams, so I’m very excited at their return. I’m not sure what this whole “gourmet” part is, but I’m on board no matter what.

Name: Sour Punch Bits
Brand: American Licorice
Description: Packing a wallop, chewy Sour Punch Bits(r) is the perfect pairing of mouth-watering strawberry and watermelon fruit flavors rolled up into one bite-size soft candy chew. Scrumptious in Strawberry-Watermelon, the sweet-yet-sour Sour Punch Bits(r) will surprise your mouth!
Notes: I love little morsels as an option for candies that are usually in ropes or bars. The curious part about these is that they’re actually paired in each piece. I’m not sure I want them together in every bite, but I’ll give them a try (I have a box).

Name: Caramel Apple Pops
Brand: Tootsie
Description: If you’re a sucker for lollipops, try an Apple Orchard Caramel Apple Pop(tm), the delicious apple candy pop with smooth caramel coating. Enjoy the ripe apple flavor and creamy caramel taste with every lick, now available in Golden Delicious and green apple caramel apple flavors.
Notes: For several years now Tootsie has brought out the Caramel Apple Pop as a seasonal item (maybe it’s available all year round). Now they have a few new variations. I have some samples and will try to post about them late this summer.

Name: Werther’s Original Creamy Caramel Filled
Brand:
Description: Featuring a smooth caramel shell, with a creamy caramel filling! Now available in peg and laydown packs. 
Notes: These remind me a bit of Pearson’s Caramel Parfait Nips. But I don’t know if the caramel is hard or soft. It’ll be interesting to try.

Name: Ghirardelli Luxe Milk Chocolate
Brand: Ghirardelli Chocolate
Description: New Ghirardelli LUXE MILK chocolate bars and bags deliver the ultimate milk chocolate experience with rich and creamy Ghirardelli milk chocolate using simply delicious, all natural ingredients. As with all of our premium chocolate products, we hand select the world’s finest cocoa beans to create our proprietary bean blend and roast them to perfection. Then we slow-blend in the purest ingredients such as real cocoa butter and natural vanilla, to achieve our distinctively intense chocolate. Special packaging for Valentine’s Day.
Notes: The Luxe Milk line has been out since the beginning of the year. I was quite enamored of the crisped rice bar. I’ve tried the other varieties and found Ghirardelli’s milk chocolate flavor quite odd. More on that soon.

Name: Waffaretto
Brand: Landrin, USA
Description: Landrin Waferatto Perfections are a collection of gourmet confections available in five exciting flavors; all capturing the fine blend of a crisp wafer shell, smooth filling and crunchy nut, creating an unforgettable triple taste sensation. Landrin - Experience the delicate taste of Landrin Classic Waferatto, a combination of white chocolate and shredded coconut with a whole California almond and silky cream center surrounded by a crisp wafer. Or discover Landrin Waferatto Gold with its exquisite chocolaty hazelnut filling, embraced in delicate cream, wafer and the finest crushed hazelnuts.
Notes: These folks won’t leave me alone and seem to have captured all my email addresses from various trade shows I’ve attended. Basically they’re like Ferrero Rocher. I’ve picked up samples before several times but have yet to actually eat one. Soon, soon I’ll try them.

All photos courtesy of the manufacturers unless otherwise watermarked

Related Candies

1. Candy Tease: April 2009
2. Candy Tease: Spring 2009
3. Candy Tease: February 2009
4. Candy Tease: Autumn 2008
5. Candy Tease: All Candy Expo 2008 #5
6. Candy Tease: All Candy Expo 2008 #4

Here are the last few stories that have trickled in about All Candy Expo. I expect that after everyone has gotten a little sleep over the holiday weekend there may be some more wrap ups.

Interesting news from the trade publications, this one about convenience stores from Convenience Store Petroleum magazine. The thing that caught my eye was this little factoid about how we approach the candy aisle: Shoppers shop first by segment (gum, chocolate, etc.), then by usage, then package type and finally by brand.

This makes perfect sense. I usually have something in mind like “I want something tangy!” and then go from there. I’m not sure what they mean by package type, I’m guessing size. (Though most convenience stores don’t have much choice in size of packages like grocery stores do.)