OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill. -- Ferrara Candy Co.’s investment in research and development has led to the revitalization of its iconic brands, including Red Hots and Now and Later, through new flavor profiles, chewy offerings and packaging design updates.
“Our iconic brands have built up strong equity, but it’s important to adapt and change to stay relevant with today’s consumers,” said Jamie Mattikow, chief commercial officer for Ferrara Candy Co. “Our new Red Hots and Now and Later offerings tap into consumers’ increasing interest in sour and intense flavors in a chewy format.”
It updated Red Hots on marketplace trends showing Generation Z and millennials have an increased desire for hot and spicy flavors and chewy formats:
- The traditional cinnamon-flavored hard candies are now available in three new hot and spicy flavor combinations and feature new packaging.
- Kick’n Mango Lime provides a combination of “heat meets sweet” with mango, lime and habanero.
- Sizzling Sour draws inspiration from the traditional tamarind flavor that provides a spicy, tangy, sour profile.
- Dark Chocolate Red Hots bring together dark chocolate with the traditional cinnamon Red Hots heat.
Now and Later was originally sold in only three flavors, but today’s consumers can purchase 23 flavor variations ranging from the traditional to extreme. The candies also come in three long-lasting formats: Original, Chewy and 2 flavors-in-1 Splits.
To expand the offering, the Ferrara R&D team focused on developing flavors that deliver an extreme sour flavor in a chewy format. The result is new Now and Later Extreme Sour fruit chews, the first super-sour taffy in the category available in Watermelon, Apple and Cherry.
Ferrara’s new offerings and engaging packaging are resonating well with consumers.
“As a result of our research and new-product development, sales are strong and growing for both brands,” said Mattikow. “Now and Later sales are currently up 13% and Red Hot sales are up 7% compared to the overall nonchocolate confectionery category, which is posting at [up] 4.4%.”
Ferrara Candy’s brands are available at most retailers nationwide, including convenience stores, grocery stores, drug stores and dollar stores.
Based in Oakbrook Terrace, Ill., Ferrara Candy is a leading general line candy manufacturer created by the merger of Ferrara Pan Candy Co. Inc. and Farley’s & Sathers Candy Co. Inc. in 2012. It manufactures a portfolio of branded and private-label confections.
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