ECRM hosted its annual Candy Planning: Christmas & Halloween program Feb. 17-20 at Bally’s in Las Vegas.
 
For those unfamiliar, ECRM brings together manufacturers and candy buyers for meetings that resemble speed dating, since they have just 10 or 20 minutes at each appointment.
 
However, no Christmas & Halloween program would be complete without the Kid’s Choice Awards, sponsored by Candy Industry Magazine and ECRM. Participating candy companies submitted products for young people from the Boys & Girls Club from Southern Nevada to sample and judge. The kids cast ballots for their favorite in each of three categories: Chocolate, Non-Chocolate and Novelty. 
 
Candy Industry extends its congratulations to the winners. Check out full coverage of the candy planning program in the April issue.
 

Best New Chocolate

DeMet’s Candy Co./Star Brands North America
White Plains, N.Y. / flipz.com / (914) 355-9750
 
Flipz Minis Milk Chocolate Covered Pretzels
Flipz Minis are a sweet and salty, rich and crunchy snack that’s sure to please the youngest — and most discerning — consumers.
S.R.P.: N/A
 

Best New Non-Chocolate

Perfetti Van Melle, Inc. 
Erlanger, Ky. / perfettivanmelle.com / (859) 263-1234
 
Airheads Gummies
These gummy pieces come in Blue Raspberry, Cherry, Watermelon, Orange, Green Apple and Strawberry flavors. They’re shaped like the signature Airheads balloon, as well as a hat, bow tie, sunglasses and a mustache for interactive and interchangeable flavor combinations.
S.R.P.: N/A
 

Best New Novelty

Imaginings 3/Flix Candy
Niles, Ill. / flixcandy.com / (847) 647-1370
 
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