TAMPA, Fla. -- Air Delight Kisses and Bars, Crunch Girl Scouts Line, Jolly Rancher Crunch 'N Chew, Brownie Brittle, Dark Roca, and M&M's White Chocolate Candy Corn were the winners of this year's New Product Awards presented by the National Confectionery Sales Association (NCSA).
Product nominations across six categories came from candy and snack buyers, brokers and suppliers and were narrowed down to 30 items by a panel of industry experts. Each nominated product offered significant innovation and/or sales potential to the candy and snack categories.
The crystal awards and Certificates of Achievement were presented to company representatives attending the glittering, black-tie Candy Hall of Fame induction banquet held in Tampa, Fla., and attended by more than 300 guests from the confectionery and snack industry.
Chocolate
In the Chocolate category, the winner was Air Delight Kisses and Bars, from The Hershey Co., while certificates were awarded for PB&J Sandwich from Hammond's Candies; Snickers 3X Chocolate from Mars Chocolate North America; Tuxedos Chocolate-Covered Almonds from The Promotion In Motion Cos. Inc.; and Cocktail-Flavored Truffles from Seattle Chocolates.
Licensed/Limited Edition
The winner in the Licensed/Limited Edition category was the Crunch Girl Scouts Line from Nestle USA Inc., while certificates were awarded to Welch's Filled Licorice from Frankford Candy LLC; Snapple Mix Bottles from Jelly Belly Candy Co.; Country Time Chewy Candy Lemonade Chews from Sorbee International LLC; and Mamba Duo from Storck USA LP.
Non-Chocolate
Jolly Rancher Crunch 'N Chew from The Hershey Co. won the Non-Chocolate category, while certificates went to Neapolitan Coconut Candy from Atkinson Candy Co.; Ginger-Lemon Gummi Candy from Haribo of America Inc.; Celebration Line from SweetWorks Inc.; and Starburst FlavorMorph from Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co.
Snacks
Taking the trophy in the Snacks category was Brownie Brittle from Sheila G Brands LLC, while certificates were awarded to PBthins from Bell Plantations Inc.; Plentils from Enjoy Life Natural Brands LLC; M&M's Brand Snack Mix from Mars Chocolate North America; and Greek Yogurt Bars from Rickland Orchards.
Premium/Gourmet
In the Premium/Gourmet category, Dark Roca from Brown & Haley took home the trophy, while certificates went to the All Natural Chocolate Bar Line from Chuao Chocolatier; Premium Collection Crispy Chocolate Thins from Dorval Trading Co. Ltd.; Simple Squares from Simplified Foods; and Organic Hard Candy from Torie & Howard LLC.
Seasonal
The winner in the Seasonal category was M&M's White Chocolate Candy Corn from Mars Chocolate North America, while certificates went to Blood Orange Candy Canes from Hammond's Candies; Gourmet Candy Corn Tins from Jelly Belly Candy Co.; Chocolate-Dipped Caramel-Flavored Peeps from Just Born Inc.; and Choxcard from Praim Group LLC.
The National Confectionery Sales Association, formed in 1899, is dedicated to furthering positive growth and acceptance of confectionery products, and recognizing the achievements of category leaders from all sectors of the international industry. It founded the Candy Hall of Fame in 1971 to recognize lifetime career achievements in the confectionery industry, with induction based on dedication to the overall betterment of the industry.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.