ECRM hosted its annual Candy Planning: Everyday & Summer Seasonal event in August at the Hilton Anaheim in Anaheim, Calif.
For those unfamiliar, ECRM events bring together candy makers and retail buyers for meetings that resemble speed dating, since they have just 10 or 20 minutes at each appointment.
However, no Everyday & Summer Seasonal event would be complete without the Buyer’s Choice Awards, sponsored by Candy Industry Magazine and ECRM. Participating candy companies submitted new products for retail buyers to taste. The buyers then voted for their favorites in three categories: Chocolate, Non-Chocolate and Novelty.
Candy Industry extends its congratulations to the winners. Aside from bragging rights and a glass award, the winners also received advertising space in our magazine. A look at the winning companies and products appears below, along with other new products that caught our attention at the show.
Buyer’s Choice WINNERS!
Best New Non-Chocolate
Dave’s Sweet Tooth
Harrison Township, Mich. / (586) 948-9243
Peanut Butter Crunch Toffee
This rich, buttery toffee features peanut butter chips for nutty flavor and almonds for crunch.
S.R.P. (4 oz.): $5.99
Best New Novelty
Koko’s Confectionery & Novelty
Cockeysville, Md.
(410) 252-1020
DC Comics Light-Up Spray Candy
These buildable figurines can be played with long after the 0.68 oz. of spray candy is gone. The spray candy comes in Strawberry and Blue Raspberry. The buildables come in a mix of Superman, Batman, Robin, Joker, Green Lantern and The Flash.
S.R.P. (0.68 oz.): $2.99
Best New Chocolate
Tru Fru
South Jordan, Utah
(801) 554-4081
Tru Fru Indulge on the Go
Tru Fru freeze-dries real fruit to lock in vitamins, nutrients and flavor and then immerses them in dark chocolate. The Indulge on the Go range includes Raspberries, Whole Cherries, Strawberries, Bananas, Whole Cranberries and Coconut Melts.
S.R.P. (4.5 oz.): $4.89
Check out some of the other products we loved at the show!
1908 Candy Co.
New Brunswick, N.J.
Alexander the Grape
Featuring the bold and brave Alexander the Grape character on the package, these panned, grape-flavored candies have a pulled center. They’re also available in a chewy variety.
S.R.P. (5 oz.): $1.59
Cherry Clan
Named for the tough and silent Cherry Clan characters, these panned, cherry-flavored candies have a pulled center. They’re also available in a chewy variety.
S.R.P. (5 oz.): $1.59
Johnny Apple Treats
Featuring the affable, pot-wearing Johnny Apple Treats character, these panned, apple-flavored candies have a pulled center. They’re also available in a chewy variety.
S.R.P. (5 oz.): $1.59
Mr. Melon
Named for the cool Mr. Melon character, these panned, melon-flavored candies have a pulled center. They’re also available in a chewy variety.
S.R.P. (5 oz.): $1.59
Bonart US
Hackensack, N.J. / (201) 893-4109
Sweeties Cherry Berry Mix
These flavorful chewy candies have a taffy base and a fruity filling. They’re made with real fruit juice.
S.R.P. (6 oz.): $2.49
Sweeties 2-lb. Party Mix
With 180 pieces, these 2-lb. party mixes have enough Sweeties to please guests at any gathering. They’re available in chewy and hard candy varieties.
S.R.P.: $5.99-$6.99
Boston America Corp.
Woburn, Mass. / (781) 933-3535
Narwhal Wild Berry Sours
Boston America’s newest tin features the unicorn of the sea, the narwhal. Each tin is filled with 1.2 oz. of Sour Blue Raspberry narwhal-shaped candy. These tins are packed in a 12-piece counter display.
S.R.P.: $2.99-$4.99
Flamingo Pool Party Sweets
Make a big splash with this flamingo pool float tin! Each tin is filled with 0.6 oz. of Pink Lemonade-flavored flip flop-shaped candy. The Pool Party flamingo tin is packed in a 12-piece counter display.
S.R.P.: $2.99-$4.99
Carmel, Ind. / (317) 228-5012
With a burst of two flavors in each piece, these hard candies are “hazardously sour.” They come in five flavors: Raspberry Lemon, Strawberry Grape, Orange Apple, Pineapple Passionfruit and Banana Blueberry.
S.R.P.: (1.4-oz. drum) $1.29-$1.59; (2-oz. peg bag) $1.49-$1.99
CandyRific
Louisville, Ky. / (502) 893-3626
Unicorn Expressions Everyday Fans
These whimsical fans will put a smile on every face. Topped with a unicorn character or unicorn poop, these fans each come with 0.53 oz. of assorted fruit-flavored dextrose candies made with natural flavors and colors.
S.R.P.: $4.99
Surprise Candy Pals, Series 2
CandyRific has launched launched the second series of Surprise Candy Pals, which include a four-inch plastic ball container with a scented plush animal toy and 0.35 oz. of fruit-flavored dextrose candy. The second series includes six characters and scents: Bella Bunny (candy-scented), Dotty Scarlet (Strawberry), Penelope Pony (Watermelon), Phoebe Peeps (Bubble Gum), Claus Fuzzbert (Cookie), and Mindy Mouse (Peppermint).
S.R.P.: $4.99
Cémoi, Inc.
Silver Spring, Md. / (240) 638-2829
Jacquot Filled Chocolate Bars
These filled chocolate bars come in a mix of classic and innovative flavors. They include:
- Milk Chocolate with Creamy Caramel
- Dark Chocolate Truffle with Raspberry Crumble
- Dark Chocolate with Mango and Passion Fruit
- Dark Chocolate with Mint
- Dark Chocolate with Coconut
S.R.P. (4.23-4.76 oz.): $3.49
Jacquot Cocoa-Dusted Truffles
These truffles, inspired by French gastronomy, come in three flavors: Raspberry Crumble, Lemon Meringue Pie and Cocoa Nibs. Each cocoa-dusted truffle features inclusions that offer a delightful variation in texture.
S.R.P. (5.29 oz.): $4.99
Cémoi Single-Origin Premium Chocolate Bars
Each 3-oz. bar represents the full-bodied, naturally-distinct flavor profiles and aromatic notes of its unique origin. Cémoi’s bean-to-bar chocolate is made using the company’s proprietary roasting processes and crafted to deliver an indulgent tasting experience. Varieties include:
- Ecuador 50% (with caramel, dried fruits, woody tasting notes)
- Sao Tome 66% (with floral, cinnamon, roasted tasting notes)
- Dominican Republic 70% (with honey, prunes, dried wood tasting notes)
- Ecuador 80% (with jasmine, dried fruits, woody tasting notes)
- Ivory Coast 90% (with coffee, roses, slightly bitter tasting notes)
S.R.P.: $5.49
Chocolate Caseiro Lugano
Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil / 55-54-3295-5900
Cacau Brasilus Organic bar
Packed in a stylized yellow wrapper, this 100-gram bar is made with certified organic Brazilian cacao.
S.R.P.: $5
Lugano miniature bars
These 23-gram bars provide a perfectly portioned indulgence. They’re available in six standard varieties, as well as four organic, sugar-free and dairy-free varieties developed in collaboration with Brazilian fitness guru Bella Falconi. They include:
- Organic 75% Cocoa with Cashew
- Organic 75% Cocoa with Ginger
- Organic 75% Cocoa with Matcha
- Organic 75% Cocoa
- Dairy-free 39% Chocolate
- 36% Milk Chocolate
- 36% Diet Milk Chocolate
- 70% Dark Chocolate
- 50% Dark Chocolate
- 29% White Chocolate
S.R.P.: $1
Beauty Box
These chocolate pieces are moulded to look like a tube of lipstick, a makeup compact and a bottle of perfume.
S.R.P.: $7
Creative Concepts
Irondale, Ala. / (205) 838-0570
Thumb Sucker dipper
In partnership with Confiteca C.A., Creative Concepts has introduced Thumb Sucker, a thumb-shaped, strawberry flavored lollipop that comes with lemonade-flavored Pucker Powder.
S.R.P.: $1.29-$1.99
Gum Shock
Available in a 130-count bag, these gum balls are filled with Pucker Powder for a burst of flavor. They’re available in Blue Raspberry, Green Apple and Watermelon.
S.R.P.: N/A
Gum Tubes
These tubes of gum are filled with Pucker Powder. They’re available in three sour flavors: Blue Raspberry, Green Apple and Watermelon.
S.R.P.: $0.79-$0.99
Divine Chocolate
Washington, D.C. / (202) 332-8913
Baking bars
Divine Chocolate has introduced baking bars for the socially conscious baker. The 5.3-oz. bars are available in 100% unsweetened, 70% bittersweet and 55% semi-sweet.
S.R.P.: $4.99
Snack bars
These 1.2-oz. snacking chocolate bars are a portion-controlled, portable treat. They’re available in Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, Cappuccino Milk & White Chocolate, Milk Chocolate Caramel and Dark Chocolate Caramel.
S.R.P.: $1.39
Organic bars
Made with FairTrade cocoa sourced from São Tome, these organic 85% dark chocolate bars feature superfood ingredients. They’re available in four varieties: Popped Quinoa and Blueberry; Cocoa Nibs; Lemon; and Turmeric and Ginger.
S.R.P.: $4.99
Docile Alimentos
Lajeado, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil / 55-51-3748-4800
Filled Maxmallows
These marshmallow treats come with a strawberry filling. They’re available in a variety of shapes, including a strawberry and three-color twists.
S.R.P. (220 grams): $2-$3
Enstrom
Grand Junction, Colo. / (970) 245-7727
Almond Toffee Petites
Enstrom’s classic chocolate-coated almond toffee has a new look. The one-inch milk chocolate petites now come in gold wrappers and gable boxes, while the dark chocolate petites come in dark brown wrappers and gable boxes.
S.R.P. (4.5 oz.): $4.99
Gerrit J. Verburg Co.
Fenton, Mich. / (810) 750-9779
Black Jack, Beemans and Clove chewing gum
After acquiring this classic chewing gum brands from Mondelez International, Gerrit J. Verburg was excited to present them to ECRM attendees. Anise-flavored Black Jack gum was first launched in 1884, and Beemans was also launched in the late 19th century.
S.R.P.: $0.79-$0.99
Gerrit’s stroopwafels
These Dutch delights are sure to please any sweet tooth. A layer of caramel is spread between two thin waffles. They’re best served warm.
S.R.P.: $1-$1.29
Goo Goo Clusters
Nashville, Tenn. / (615) 490-6685
Goo Goo Cluster Variety Pack
This 6-count packages features a mix of Goo Goos, so there’s something for everyone. The box, which can be stood up or laid down on the shelf, has two each of Original, Peanut Butter and Pecan Goo Goos.
S.R.P. (9.7 oz.): $9.99
Hospitality Mints
Boone, N.C. / (800) 334-5181
Party Sweets Chocolate Buttermints
These individually-wrapped, melt-in-your mouth butter mints are coated in dark chocolate. The mints are also gluten free, fat free and kosher.
S.R.P. (4.7 oz.): $3.49-$3.99
Imaginings 3 - Flix Candy
Niles, Ill. / (847) 647-1370
Cotton Candy Pop Dippers
Two pouches of shredded cotton candy — in Blue Raspberry and Sour Green Apple flavors — are packaged with two lollipops for dipping.
S.R.P. (1.41 oz.): $1.99-$2.99
Uncle Sam Oh Poop!
The Uncle Sam Oh Poop! dispenser will arrive March 1, just in time for summer festivities. Fill him up, wind him up and watch him walk and dispense candy.
S.R.P.: $3.49-$4.49
Mini Selfie Lip Pops
Now in a miniature version, these Lip Pops are perfect for taking selfies. Six pieces in a bag makes them perfect for sharing. Candy lovers can post pictures with the hashtag #lippopselfie.
S.R.P.: $1.99-$2.99
Marvel Pop Ups
Captain Marvel and Ant Man are joining the Marvel Pop Ups family. Marvel is destined to have a big year in 2019 with two major movie premiers. Each Pop Up comes with three Chupa Chup lollipops.
S.R.P.: $2.99-$3.49
Star Wars Pop Ups
The newest items in Flix Candy’s Pop Ups collection are Star Wars Pop Ups. Launching in three waves, the Star Wars line will feature nine different characters by the end of 2019.
S.R.P.: $2.99-$3.49
Kimmie Candy
Reno, Nev. / (775) 284-9200
Salted Caramel Xpressos
These coated, whole coffee beans are an indulgent pick-me-up. They’re free of gluten, peanuts and GMO ingredients.
S.R.P. (6.5 oz.): $4.99
Pro Jewels
These dark chocolate candy-coated pieces are infused with protein and coconut sugar for crunch.
S.R.P. (1 oz.): $2.49
KLN Family Brands
Perham, Minn. / (218) 346-2340
Wiley Wallaby Organic Bites
These soft, bite-sized twists are made with organic cane sugar and sustainable palm oil. They’re available in four flavors: Strawberry, Black Licorice, Mixed Berry and Mango.
S.R.P. (5.5 oz.): $3.99
Coldstone Creamery Sweet Chaos
KLN Family Brands has partnered with Coldstone Creamery to create three varieties of the Sweet Chaos snack mix inspired by Coldstone’s flavors. Featuring chocolate-drizzled popcorn, pretzels and cookie pieces, they’re available in Mint Mint Chocolate Chocolate Chip, Birthday Cake Remix and Chocolate Devotion.
S.R.P. (4 oz.): $3.99
Hawaiian Punch gummies
These soda-bottle shaped gummies are available in Fruity Juicy Red and a mixed pack featuring Fruity Juicy Red, Green Berry Rush and Ocean Orange.
S.R.P. (4.5 oz.): $1.79
Lamontagne Chocolate, Inc.
Shebrooke, Quebec, Canada / (800) 567-3435
Lamontagne chocolate-coated nuts
Lamontagne Chocolate has introduced its gluten- and peanut-free items in 2-oz. grab-and-go pouches under the Lamontagne brand. They include:
- Dark Chocolate Coconut Almonds
- Milk Chocolate Caffe Latte Almonds
- Milk Chocolate Salted Pistachios
- Dark Chocolate Dried Cranberries
- Milk Chocolate Roasted Almonds
- Dark Chocolate Roasted Almonds
- Milk Chocolate Raisins
S.R.P. (2 oz.): $1.69
Pumpkin Spice Almonds
Whole almonds are covered with white chocolate and warm fall spices to please any lover of autumn.
S.R.P. (7 oz.): $4.99
Maple Cream Milk Chocolate Bites
Emblazoned with the classic Canadian maple leaf, these milk chocolate bites are filled with cream and real maple syrup. The bites are also free of gluten and peanuts.
S.R.P. (4.4 oz.): $4.99
Les Chevaliers BV
Nieuw-Vennep, North Holland, Netherlands / sopurefruit.com / 31-252-537777
So Pure Veggie Fruitbars
These natural, 25-gram bars are made with only vegetables and fruit. Flavors include Strawberry Rhubarb, Beetroot Blackcurrant and Apple Carrot Orange.
S.R.P. (3 bars): $3.49
So Pure Raw Chocolate bars
These 50-gram bars are made with chocolate that’s heated at low temperatures to maintain antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Varieties include 80% Dark Chocolate Cacao Nibs, 70% Dark Chocolate Goji Berry, 80% Dark Chocolate Mint, 70% Dark Chocolate Mulberry and 80% Dark Chocolate Orange.
S.R.P.: $3.49
Lovely Candy Co.
Algonquin, Ill. / (815) 337-0673
OnOs
These candy-coated pieces are certified organic and free of gluten, high fructose corn syrup and artificial ingredients. They’re available in three varieties: Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate and Dark Chocolate Almond.
S.R.P. (5 oz.): $5.99
Meiji America, Inc.
York, Pa. / (717) 654-8173
Hello Panda Halloween Multipack
Hello Panda crackers, filled with a creamy chocolate center and stamped with costumed pandas, are available in a multipack with 20 0.5-oz. pouches, making them perfect for trick-or-treating.
S.R.P. (10 oz.): $4.99
Chocorooms
Now available in 5-oz.and 1.34-oz. peggable standup pouches, these mushroom-shaped treats feature a chocolate cap and a cracker base. They’re available in Chocolate and Strawberry varieties.
S.R.P. (5 oz.): $4.99
Morris National
Azusa, Calif. / (626) 969-8670
Tangy Zangy Hot Chili
These chewy candy pieces come with a kick. While available in Lime, Watermelon, Tamarind and Mango flavors, cayenne pepper and green chile add spice.
S.R.P. (8 oz.): $3.99
Newfangled Confections
Indianapolis, Ind. / (317) 721-5525
Frittle Candy
Building off the success of Classic Peanut, the fudge-like brittle candy is now available in Sesame and Coconut, as well as in Milk Chocolate and Dark Chocolate-covered varieties.
S.R.P. (3-3.5 oz.): $4.99
Nibmor Chocolate
Kennbunk, Maine / (844) 642-6671
Organic Snacking Chocolate
These bite-sized pieces of organic, vegan and non-GMO dark chocolate are sure to please any conscious chocolate lover. Packaged in redesigned, resealable standup pouches, the chocolate pieces are available in five varieties: Original, Extreme Dark with Cacao Nibs, Sea Salt with Cacao Nibs, Tart Cherry and Wild Maine Blueberry.
S.R.P. (3.26-3.55 oz.): $4.99-$5.99
Original Gourmet Food Co.
Salem, N.H. / (603) 894-5400
Holiday lollipops
Original Gourmet’s classic lollipops are available in two flavors for the holidays: Peppermint Bark and Sugar Cookie. The Sugar Cookie lollipops have edible confetti swirled inside for a festive look.
S.R.P. (2 pops): $1
OGO Fruit and Sour Chews
These chewy candies come with a burst of flavor. The Fruit Chews come with a liquid center, while the Sour Chews come with a powder center.
S.R.P. (400 grams): $2.99
Cookies and Cream Fusion Cookies
Chocolate biscuits are topped with gourmet white chocolate for a decadent treat. These cookies are non-GMO and contain no artificial colors.
S.R.P. (3.6 oz.): $1.49
PEZ Candy
Orange, Conn. / (203) 795-0531
Emojis dispensers
PEZ has added Unicorn and Surprise-faced dispensers to its line of Emojis dispensers. They’ll be available in January 2019.
S.R.P.: $1.49-$2.19
PJ Masks dispensers
This line of PEZ dispensers features Connor, Amaya and Greg — or their alter egos Catboy, Owlette and Gekko — from Disney Junior’s show about a trio of young superheroes, “PJ Masks.”
S.R.P.: $1.49-$2.19
Promotion in Motion
Allendale, N.J. / (800) 369-7391
The Gummi Factory Gummi Fun Mixes
Now gummy candy lovers don’t have to choose which shapes to enjoy — they can get them all in one package. The Gummi Party mix features up to 18 varieties, including gummy bears and gummy worms. The Sour Party mix features up to 16 varieties, including sour gummy bears, sour worms and sour tape.
S.R.P. (5 oz. peg bag): $1.29
Welch’s Superfruit Fruit Snacks
Like their counterparts, these Welch’s fruit snacks are made with real fruit, but they’ve been given a boost with superfruit. Flavors include Pomegranate-Passionfruit, Starfruit-Kiwi, Dragonfruit-Blackberry, Açai-Blueberry and Goji-Apricot. They’re also made with colors from natural sources and are free from fat, gluten and preservatives.
S.R.P. (10-ct. box): $2.99
Radz Brands
Des Moines, Iowa / (503) 227-2226
Unicorn Foamz
Available in three varieties, these squishy foam unicorns have a small chamber in the center for storing candy. They also come with a backpack clip and a mini poster.
S.R.P.: $3.99-$4.99
Paw Patrol Radz
Featuring Chase, Marshall and Skye from “Paw Patrol,” these characters dispense candy from their mouths. They also come with a backpack clip and a mini poster.
S.R.P.: $3.99-$4.99
Pikmi Pops Radz
Featuring characters from Moose Toys’ Pikmi Pops, lollipops filled with mini-plushies, these Radz dispense candy pieces from their mouths. They also come with a backpack clip and a mini poster.
S.R.P.: $3.99-$4.99
Smooshy Mushy Radz
Featuring characters from RedwoodVentures line of Smooshy Mushy pets, these Radz dispense candy pieces from their mouths. They also come with a backpack clip and a mini poster.
S.R.P.: $3.99-$4.99
Ragolds USA
Bensenville, Ill. / (630) 509-2836
Queen’s Delight Drops
These hard candies are packed in elegant black and gold tins. They’re available in five varieties: Caramel, Citrus, Multifruit, Peach and Wild Berry.
S.R.P. (5.3 oz.): $1.99
S.P. Enterprises
Las Vegas, Nev. / (800) 746-4774
Espeez Unicorn and Rainbows Rock Candy
Available in a rainbow of colors, these rock candy sticks are sure to please lovers of all things unicorn. They’re packed in an 8-ct. bag, a 6-ct. acetate box or a 36-ct. printed film jar.
S.R.P.: N/A
Snowflakes Candy
Clayton, Calif. / (855) 966-7669
SNØ
Pieces of hardened xylitol from northern birch bark are naturally flavored to create a sweet, clean treat. SNØ is available in four flavors: Peppermint, Wintergreen, Strawberry and Lemon.
S.R.P. (1.5 oz.): $3.99
Storck USA
Chicago / (312) 467-5700
Werther’s Original Vanilla Creme Soft Caramels
Following the success of the cocoa creme-filled soft caramels, the Vanilla Creme Soft Caramels feature white, vanilla creme center surrounded by soft, rich caramel.
S.R.P (4.51 oz.): $2.29-$2.99
Knoppers
Crispy baked wafers, delicious milk and tasty nougat cream fillings are perfected by crunchy pieces of roasted hazelnuts. The 0.88-oz. treats are available in three-packs.
S.R.P.: $1.99-$2.49
Yolo Candy
Mahwah, N.J. / (201) 252-8765
Fidget Pop
Fidget Pop features the functionality of a spinner but includes two different flavored lollipops that are integrated into the unit. Flavors include Watermelon and Strawberry and Blue Raz and Cherry.
S.R.P.: $1.79
Gobagoo
Gobagoo features 4 oz. of super-sour gooey candy in a squishy, re-sealable pouch. Flavors include Goo Goo Green Apple, Goo Berry and Gooey Tutti Frutti.
S.R.P.: $1
