Product submissions were taste-tested by more than 20 retail experts representing nearly 85 percent of the U.S. buying power. Four weighted criteria were used to assess each item including taste, packaging, innovation and go-to market feasibility. From the nominated and winning products view, users can drill down to every submission in across all nine segments including: chocolate, non-chocolate, sweet, salty, savory, novelty, seasonal, gourmet/premium, and gum & mints.
Each product also includes an innovation statement written by the exhibitor on why their item can give retailers a competitive edge in the marketplace, setting this gallery apart from other platforms. We invite you to explore!
Best in show
The Hershey Company
Reese’s Crunchers
SRP: $1.99 | 1.8 Oz
Reese’s Crunchers are mini-peanut butter chips, peanuts and crunchy rice crisps covered in delicious milk chocolate. These small snacking bites are full of sweet and crunchy tastes and textures.
Small Business Innovator Award
Buddha Brands Company
Hungry Buddha Probiotic Coconut Chips in Cheeky Chocolate
SRP: $3.99 | 3.2 Oz
Hungry Buddha Probiotic Coconut Chips are an all-new snack promoting gut health. The first of its kind on the market, these nutritious snacks are certified Non-GMO, Vegan and support digestive health.
Gourmet/Premium
Las Olas Confections and Snacks
Anastasia Coconut Cashew Crunch Dark Chocolate Drizzle
SRP: $4.99 | 5.75 Oz
A tropical twist on a classic brittle, handmade in copper kettles with simple ingredients like shredded coconut, cashews, butter, brown sugar and a dark chocolate drizzle for a delicious crunchy treat.
Gourmet/Premium Nominees
Bixby
Nutty For Me Bixby Bites
Edward Marc Brands
Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel Medallions
Newfangled Confections
Frittle Candy – Original
That’s How We Roll
Mrs. Thinster’s Cookie Thins Meyer Lemon
Gum & Mints
Ferrero USA, Inc.
Tic Tac Gum Freshmint
SRP: $1.39 | .95 Oz
Tic Tac Gum, a new chewing experience. The iconic resealable transparent box allows for on-the-go consumption and its crunchy distinctive little pieces make it easy and fun to customize your amount.
Gum & Mints Nominees
The Hershey Company
Breath Savers Protect
Mondelez International, Inc.
Purely Trident Peppermint
Perfetti Van Melle USA, Inc.
Airheads Gum, Watermelon
Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
Extra Chewy Mints
Chocolate
MARS Chocolate North America
M&M’s Caramel Chocolate Candies
SRP: $1.09 | 1.41 Oz
This innovative treat features a creamy caramel center covered in delicious milk chocolate, enclosed in a colorful candy shell. This new item appeals to all age groups as nostalgic and comforting.
Chocolate Nominees
Edward Marc Brands
Coconut Almonds with Dark Chocolate
Ferrero USA, Inc.
Kinder Joy
The Hershey Company
Reese’s Crunchy Cookie Cups
Mondelez Intertional, Inc.
Oreo Chocolate Candy Bar
Non-Chocolate
Jelly Belly Candy Company
Jelly Belly Krispy Kreme Gift Box
SRP: $6.99 | 4.25 Oz
Jelly Belly® beans inspired by Krispy Kreme® doughnuts debut with irresistible flavors Original Glazed®, Strawberry Iced, Glazed Blueberry Cake, Cinnamon Apple Filled & Chocolate Iced with Sprinkles.
Non-Chocolate Nominees
Albanese Confectionery
Albanese World’s Best Sherbet Gummi Bears
Just Born Quality Confections
MIKE & IKE SOUR-LICOUS Fruit Punch flavored candies
Nestlé USA
SweeTARTS Whipped & Tangy
Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
Starburst Sweet Heat
Seasonal
Ghirardelli Chocolate Company
Ghirardelli Chocolate Strawberry Bark
SRP: $5.99 | 7.9 Oz
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with our Limited Edition Strawberry Bark Chocolates- rich chocolate layers with real strawberry bits.
Seasonal Nominees
Ferrara Candy Co.
Trolli Sour Brite Crawlers Minis Hairy Heart Gift Heart
Impact Confections, Inc.
WARHEADS – Chewy Bunnies – Assorted Flavors
The Matzo Project
Salted Matzo
Pez Candy, Inc.
Christmas Ornament with Mini Dispensers
Savory Snacks
Snyder’s-Lance, Inc.
Wholey Cheese! / Mild Cheddar
SRP: $3.69 | 5 Oz
Tasting Snyder’s of Hanover Wholey Cheese! crackers are the only way to understand the name. Increase category sales with Wholey Cheese! crispy, gluten free crackers in three sensational flavors.
Savory Snacks Nominees
Alli & Rose
Tropical Fields Crunchy Seaweed Rice Bites
Chef’s Cut Real Jerky
Protein Packs – Real Steak Jerky, Original Recipe Cheddar Cheese
goodnessKNOWS
Blueberry & Almond
Hawaiian Host, Inc.
Mauna Loa Mango Chipotle Macadamias
Salty Snacks
The Daily Crave
Gouda & Romano Cheese Quinoa Chips
SRP: $3.99 | 5 Oz
This innovative new flavor joins Gouda and Romano cheeses with cracked pepper for a sophisticated flavor profile on a chip that is made from quinoa, non-GMO corn, lentils, chickpeas, and green peas.
Salty Snacks Nominees
The Hershey Company
Hershey’s Popped Snack Mix
Jack Link’s Beef Jerky
AM Hot and Spicy Breakfast Sausage
Twang Partners, LTD.
TWANGERZ Sriracha Salt
TwistCheez
Hickory Smoke
Sweet Snacks
Nestlé USA
Nerds Lucha Grande – Mango Chile and Guava
SRP: $1.00 | 3 Oz
Inspired by Mexican wrestling, Nerds ¡Lucha Grande! will bodyslam your tastebuds with bold Latin flavors. Experience the fiery kick of Mango Chile and the sweet punch of Guava as they go head-to-head.
Sweet Snacks Nominees
Brownie Brittle, LLC
Gluten Free Dark Chocolate Sea Salt
Charms Company
Andes Creme de Menthe Snap Bar
Edward Marc Brands, Inc.
Snappers Milk Chocolate Caramel Macchiato Snappers
Setton Farms
Pistachios + Blueberry infused Cranberries & Coconut Chewy Bites
Novelty / Licensed
Ferrara Candy Co.
TROLLI SOUR BRITE DIP’N CRAWLERS
SRP: $1.29 – $1.49 | 1.9 Oz
Dip’N Crawlers brings a unique candy experience. Consumers get to add the amount of sour they want on their gummi worm. The innovative packaging keeps the sour sugar on one side and worms on the other
Novelty / Licensed Nominees
