Convenience Retailer May/June 2010

ConvenienceRETAILER Volume 3, Number 3

May/June 2010

SWEETS & SNACKS EXPO SPECIAL EDITION

ATTENDEES SEE TANGIBLE BENEFITS TO PARTICIPATING IN SWEETS & SNACKS EXPO

By Justyn Dillingham Like a long-anticipated bar of chocolate after a dessert-free week, the Sweets & Snacks Expo has arrived.

The annual show, formerly the All Candy Expo, is the largest confectionary and snack food exposition in North America, attracting about 450 exhibitors and more than 5,000 attendees last year.

“It’s the NACS of the north,” said Mark Craft, National Sales Manager at Schneider Cheese, which is visiting as an exhibitor for the first time this year. “And most of our customers are in the North.

So rather than going to the NACS Show in Georgia this year, we’re participating in the Chicago show.”

Craft said Schneider has been attending the show for the past four years, and decided to get a booth after seeing the success that other companies were having at the show.

“You get to see people that you Continued on Page 10

HANDMADE FACTOR KEY TO QUALITY FOR SWEETS & SNACKS FIRST-TIMER

MARS LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE SEE PAGE 10

By Justyn Dillingham

CONVENIENCE STORE SALES SHOW GAINS AMID A BATTERED ECONOMY

new products American Roland Food Co. The Jel Sert Company The Madelaine Chocolate Company OhYeah!

Sahale Snacks Waymouth Farms Inc.

Special Insert:

Sweets & Treats Show Extra @ Sweets & Snacks Expo 2010

About five or six years ago, Ron Love and his daughter walked the aisles of what is now the Sweets & Snacks Expo, looking at the booths and thinking about the future.

“I walked through the show just to see it, and I would think, ‘Someday when I get bigger and can afford it, I would like to get into this show,’ ” said Love, who owns Chateau D’Lanz Swiss Licorice with his wife under their umbrella company Circle Heart Inc. in Arlington, Wash.

Now Love is attending the 2010 Sweets & Snacks Expo as he launches his company’s new brand, Molly Loves Candy—named, appropriately, for the daughter who accompanied him to the All Candy Expo.

“In the last year or so, the economy has just gone in the tank, but our candy has done really well,” Love said, explaining why he has decided to expand the Continued on Page 10

contents may/june 10

S&TSE

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Lee M. Oser CEO and Editor-in-Chief

Steve Cox Kate Seymour Senior Associate Publishers

Kim Forrester Michael Harris Associate Publishers

Paul Harris Grant Wadsworth

news briefs top news new products

on the cover S&TSE

ConvenienceRETAILER

In April, Mars Chocolate North America launched Mars24seven.com, a resource center dedicated to helping C-Store operators create, enhance and maintain a thriving candy aisle.

Account Executives

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Lorrie Baumann Editorial Director

Justyn Dillingham Editor

JoEllen Lowry Senior Associate Editor

Valerie Wilson Art Director

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Yasmine Brown Graphic Designer

Michelle Ward Circulation Manager

Enrico Cecchi European Sales

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Convenience Retailer is published by Oser Communications Group Š2010.

All rights reserved. BPA Worldwide Membership Applied for September 2008.

Executive and editorial offices at: 1877 N. Kolb Road, Tucson, AZ 85715 520-721-1300/Fax: 520-721-6300 www.oser.com/www.convenienceretailer.net European offices located at Lungarno Benvenuto Cellini, 11, 50125 Florence, Italy.

news briefs MICHELOB BREWING CO UNVEILS WHEAT BEER SAMPLER PACK

NACS HAILS NEW VERMONT BILL TO STOP CREDIT CARD COMPANY ABUSES

Four diverse wheat beers incorporate brewing traditions from around the world.

New legislation passed through the Vermont Senate April 6 that will help rein in existing abusive practices by credit card companies, according to NACS. This legislation advances through the Senate on a voice vote. The legislation, known as S.138, seeks to give retailers a say in how they accept various payment methods. In addition to prohibiting the credit card companies from interfering with a retailer’s ability to set certain conditions regarding card acceptance, the bill would provide enforcement by the state attorney general to violations by the credit card industry.

“The consumer-friendly legislation passed through the Vermont Senate addresses unfair practices by the nation’s largest financial institutions that cost Americans $48 billion in credit and debit card ‘swipe’ fees alone,” said NACS Senior Vice President of Government Relations Lyle Beckwith. “We applaud the Vermont Senate for standing up to the out-of-control credit card industry and telling them, ‘Enough is enough!’ ” The bill was unanimously given preliminary approval by the Senate on March 30; the next vote moves it through the Senate. The bill will then move to the Vermont House for consideration.

“The Vermont Senate’s action could be the start of a national movement,” suggested Vermont Grocer’s Association (VGA) President Jim Harrison in praising legislators for taking on the issue of

swipe fee reform. The provisions of the bill would: • Prohibit the card companies from preventing retailers from setting minimum or maximum transaction amounts; • Prohibit the card companies from imposing a fine or penalty relating to the way a retailer displays prices; • Stop the card companies from preventing retailers from deciding that they won’t take cards at one or more locations, while still taking cards at other locations; • Require the Vermont Banking & Insurance Department to analyze a provision that would prohibit the card companies (Visa and MasterCard) from centrally fixing the price of interchange; and, • Institutes significant penalties for the use or possession of credit card skimming devices.

CEO of The Parker Companies in Savannah, Ga. “It is astounding that we have grown in-store sales during the worst economic downturn in more than half a century and it shows that our passionate focus on the customer may make us recession-resistant.”

Credit card fees continue to be the industry’s top pain point and second largest expense item—behind only labor costs. While overall credit card fees dropped 11.9 percent to $7.4 billion, the drop was significantly less than what would be expected with the drop in the industry’s revenue dollars. As a percentage of overall sales, credit card fees actually increased, from 1.35 to 1.45 percent of total industry sales dollars, factoring in all forms of payment, including cash and check. Total credit card fees also surpassed overall convenience store industry profits for the fourth straight year.

The sour employment outlook was also reflected in the convenience store industry’s employment numbers. Employment dropped 8.7 percent to 1.58 million.

Indicative of the tight employment market, turnover dropped to record low levels in 2009. Manager turnover dropped from 29 to 21.8 percent and nonmanager turnover dropped from 109 to 82.4 percent.

Cigarettes once again led in-store sales, and increased share to 35.8 percent of instore sales. The increase in sales dollars

was driven by the increase in the federal tax on cigarettes to $1 per pack that took effect in April 2009, as well as additional state tax increases. Foodservice showed strong growth, rising to first in terms of in-store margin dollars and second in instore revenue dollars.

More than 75 percent of in-store sales were from the top five categories: 1. Cigarettes (35.8 percent of in-store sales) 2. Foodservice (17.3 percent) 3. Packaged beverages (14.0 percent) 4. Beer (7.7 percent) 5. Salty snacks (3.9 percent)

Building from last year’s success, Michelob Brewing Co. returns with a sampler pack featuring four refreshing wheat beers for the spring and summer seasons. Michelob Ginger Wheat is the newest beer in the brewer’s growing collection of styles and is available exclusively in the seasonal sampler pack.

The 2010 Michelob Brewing Co. Spring/Summer Sampler Pack, available nationwide as of mid-March, includes the all-new Michelob Ginger Wheat, along with the return of year-round favorites Shock Top Belgian White and Michelob Dunkel Weisse, and the spring seasonal Hop Hound Amber Wheat.

“We received a tremendous response to last year’s sampler pack, as beer enthusiasts enjoyed exploring the diversity within the wheat beer style,” said Craig Heisner, brewmaster, Michelob Brewing Co. “With our sampler pack, long-time wheat beer fans, as well as those just now growing to appreciate the style, have an opportunity to sample four very distinct beers. Pick your favorite from our Bavarian-style dark wheat Dunkel Weisse, our Belgian-style wheat ale Shock Top, our Americaninspired Hop Hound Amber Wheat and our new Asian-influenced Ginger Wheat.”

“For Michelob Ginger Wheat, we took a Belgian-style wheat ale and looked to Asian cuisine for inspiration,”

said Heisner. “The beer has unmistakable ginger aromas on the nose and crisp and spicy flavors on the tongue, without overpowering the other citrus notes. The first sip implores your taste buds to pair the beer with a selection of sushi and the finish cleanses your palate, getting you ready for the next bite.”

The four wheat beers are not filtered during the brewing process, giving them a cloudy, hazy appearance. When unfiltered wheat beers are bottled, the beer’s yeast settles to the bottom. To properly enjoy a wheat beer, pour about threequarters into a beer-clean glass. Gently swirl the bottle before pouring the remainder to help redistribute the yeast and create a thick head of foam.

Every sampler pack includes a flighting sheet with tasting notes and a summary of each beer’s ingredients to reveal how the brewmasters’ recipes impact the colors, aromas and flavors found among the different styles. The flighting sheet’s glassware and food pairing recommendations provide serving tips to enhance tastings at home. MichelobSamplerPack.com also features an interactive brewmaster tasting video to guide visitors through each beer’s ingredients, color, body and brewing process.

The Michelob Spring/Summer Sampler Pack is available at grocery and convenience stores nationwide through September in 24-packs (six of each beer) and 12-packs (three of each beer).

CONVENIENCE STORE SALES SHOW GAINS AMID A BATTERED ECONOMY In-store sales grew nearly 5 percent in 2009 amid an economic climate that saw overall retail sales drop 7 percent.

Convenience store in-store sales grew 4.9 percent in 2009, one of the lone bright spots in a battered U.S. economy that saw overall retail sales drop 7 percent, according to figures released April 14, 2010, by NACS. The industry numbers were announced in Chicago at the NACS State of the Industry Summit, a two-day conference that reviews and analyzes of the industry’s key economic indicators.

While in-store sales rose to $182.4 billion, the sharp decline in gas prices from a record $4.11 per gallon in July 2008 to under $2 per gallon by the beginning of 2009 led to a dramatic drop in motor fuels revenues for the industry that sells an estimated 80 percent of the fuels purchased in the United States. The average price for a gallon of gas dropped 28.5 percent to $2.28 in 2009, and pulled down motor fuels revenues 26.9 percent to $328.7 billion. Still, motor fuels sales continue to dominate industry revenues, accounting for 68.4 percent of all sales dollars.

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ConvenienceRETAILER

May/June 2010

While motor fuels revenues plummeted because of the lower price per gallon, total gallons sold rose 1.3 percent.

Motor fuels gross margins for 2009 were slim—13.8 cents per gallon—and the effect of these tight margins can be seen in motor fuels’ contribution to overall gross margin dollars. Only 27.3 percent of the industry’s profit dollars came from motor fuels sales, compared to 72.7 percent of profits from in-store sales.

Overall, convenience store sales in 2009 were $511.1 billion, accounting for 3.5 percent of the total U.S. Gross Domestic Product—one of every 28 dollars spent in 2009. Industry profits fell 7.6 percent to $4.8 billion, but were still the fourth largest in the industry’s history. The importance of foodservice—a category that includes food prepared on site, commissary items and hot, cold and frozen dispensed beverages—continues to grow, with the category now contributing 20.2 percent of overall industry profits.

“Our strong industry numbers show that our value proposition of convenience continues to resonate with consumers,” said NACS Vice Chairman of Research Greg Parker, President and

Consumers are clearly concerned about how credit and debit card swipe fees result in higher retail prices. Last year, 7-Eleven stores delivered 1.66 million customer signatures from a petition campaign urging Congress to stop unfair credit card fees. It was the most signatures ever delivered to Congress on a policy issue in American history. Earlier this year, more than 10,000 convenience stores committed to collect consumer signatures on petitions in their stores in a campaign coordinated by NACS, and Speedway SuperAmerica conducted its own consumer petition drive in April.

Nearly 75 percent of in-store gross margin dollars were from the top five categories: 1. Foodservice (29.7 percent of in-store gross margin dollars) 2. Packaged beverages (17.7 percent) 3. Cigarettes (17.5 percent) 4. Beer (4.9 percent) 5. Salty snacks (4.5 percent) The industry’s 2009 metrics are based on the NACS State of the Industry survey powered by its wholly owned subsidiary CSX, the industry’s largest purposedesigned business development tool, and based on data from 197 firms representing more than 23,000 stores. Complete data tables and analysis will be released in June in the NACS State of the Industry Report of 2009 Data.

AN INDEPENDENT PUBLICATION NOT AFFILIATED WITH SWEETS & SNACKS EXPO 2010

May 2010

Oser Communications Group

Chicago

Abdallah Chocolate Singles Add To Impulse Mix

An Apple Straw A Day Keeps Your Taste Buds At Play

Quench Announces Release Of The Next Generation Of Sugar-free Gum

Superior Quality: Priced Right Since Abdallah Candies Chocolate Singles first appeared not less than a year ago at your local retailer, the company has proven again that its high-end quality sells and grows repeat sales. Originally claiming its place as the “musthave” line for the impulse candy consumer, fourth generation owned Abdallah Candies’ individually wrapped caramels and Cashew Grizzly® impulse treats have proven to be a destination for the repeat customer at your local retailer. Now, with the addition of their new Chocolate Singles, individually wrapped chocolate favorites like Butter Almond Toffee, Alligators® and Sea-Salt-Dark Chocolate Caramels, Abdallah enters into another category of products now available for that add-on sale.

“Attractive packaged chocolates and bulk chocolates are not the only reason Abdallah Candies will help your business grow,” stated CEO Steve Hegedus. The great

What’s crunchy and sweet and the perfect sensible treat?

Sensible Portions Cinnamon Apple Straws! The ever-expanding brand is capitalizing on the straw-shaped concept, helping them find a niche in the snack market. Building off the success of Veggie Straws, Sensible Portions trusts Cinnamon Apple Straws will grow the brand in new ways. Offering a sensory experience and tasting much like a churro (with 18 fewer grams of fat), this snack is unbelievably delicious.

“Taking the brand to new heights with flavor and shape innovation is what helps make our brand unique,” said Jason Cohen, President of Sensible Portions. Such innovation has also helped the brand gain recent media attention from Life & Style, Cosmopolitan, TeenVogue.com, Today’s Grocer and The Star Ledger, to name a few.

The family-friendly brand success is undeniable.

Last year, 2009 set the bar high for the better-for-you snack brand, earning them triple-digit growth.

Sugar-Free Quench Gum has undergone a transformation. Quench® X is being touted as the next generation of Quench. The difference, according to company officials, is the infusion of the natural sweetener Xylitol into Quench Gum. “We wanted to improve the flavor of Sugar-free Quench Gum and add more functionality at the same time,” said Mark Lutz, National Sales Manager for Quench Gum. Candy or gum with functional benefits, like calcium-rich candy for women or caffeine-laced gum, is a category that has established itself in retail over the past three to four years. Lutz explained: “Quench Gum has been a functional gum for forty years. Now, with the addition of Xylitol, we are helping our consumers fight dry mouth while they prevent cavities.”

Xylitol (pronounced ZIE-lih-tol) is a sweetener that in its granular form looks and tastes like ordinary sugar, but with a slightly fruity overtone. The difference, however, is that Xylitol is tooth-friendly. Xylitol can reduce plaque formation and cavities by reducing plaque bacteria

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Flicks Candy Introduces Non-Pareils And Flickettes Baking Chips

Action Images Leaves An Impression On Various Products

World’s Finest Chocolate: From Bean To Bar, Builds On History Of High Quality

Jim Tjerrild, President and CEO of Flicks Candy Company, explains why his customers are so loyal.

Tom Green, President of Action Images Inc., talks about his company.

John Schifferdecker, Retail Marketing Manager at World’s Finest Chocolate, tells us about taking chocolate from the bean to your candy counter.

S&TSE: What does Action Images offer the industry?

S&TSE: Tell our readers about your company’s start.

JT: Flicks Candy Company was formed in 2004 by the Tjerrild family to resurrect the Flicks Candy Brand. Flicks are chocolate-flavored wafers that come in a foil-wrapped tube.

S&TSE: What is unique about your company?

TG: Action Images is one of the country’s leading companies as pertaining to the creation and distribution of original sports artwork on various products.

S&TSE: What would you say makes your company unique?

JT: Our company is unique in that we insist on maintaining our recipe and our iconic colored foil-wrapped tube packaging, despite pressures to modernize and change our products’ presentation. In fact, this centuryold packaging style is what sets us apart from other brands whose packaging has devolved into ‘me too’ bags full of ‘me too’ products in an effort to cut costs.

TG: Our ability to respond quickly to market conditions so as to provide our retail clientele with the ability to enter the marketplace with timely, highly desirable products, both traditional―posters and T-shirts, and untraditional―application onto edibles such as cookies, cakes and pizzas!

Continued on Page 16

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S&TSE: Tell us about your company. What’s your main line of business?

JS: Family-owned and based in Chicago, World’s Finest® Chocolate has over 70 years of experience and prides itself on being one of nine American companies that manufactures chocolate directly from the bean. The most modern machinery, dedicated employees and the finest ingredients allow World’s Finest Chocolate to consistently deliver the perfect balance of flavor, texture and color.

In 2006, World’s Finest Chocolate purchased Queen Anne®, launching our company into retail with America’s No. 1 selling chocolate-covered cherry.

Continued on Page 18

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May 2010

Sweets & Treats Show Extra

Au’some Offers Unique New Take On Classic Candy Au’some Creative Director Keane Tsu talks about keeping his company’s products fresh and exciting.

S&TSE: Tell our readers a little about your company. What’s your main line of business?

KT: Au’some makes almost everything non-chocolate―gummies, pops, novelties, fruit snacks, bubble gum, etc.

KT: Our extensive research in flavor profiles and textures. Our concern for quality. Our capability to develop something from conception to market at a fast speed. We’re one big company. Our own factory, our own team. We’re really a one-stop shop for retailers.

S&TSE: What was your program last year?

AN INDEPENDENT PUBLICATION NOT AFFILIATED WITH SWEETS & SNACKS EXPO 2010

event or series of events affecting your company in the past year?

Steve Cox

KT: A real marketing strategy.

Establishing our core brands―3-Dees and Healthy Treats. We used to sell a lot of different items, now we sell a lot of the ‘Au’some-est’ items.

S&TSE: Describe marketing strategy.

your

current

KT: What wasn’t our program last year?

S&TSE: What would you say makes your company unique?

Lee M. Oser CEO and Editor-in-Chief

Senior Associate Publisher

Kim Forrester Michael Harris Kate Seymour Associate Publishers

JoEllen Lowry Senior Associate Editor

Justyn Dillingham Associate Editor

S&TSE: What was the most significant

Continued on Page 18

Valerie Wilson Art Director

Chocolates Turin Introduces Cream Liquor Truffle Chocolates Turin is pleased to announce a new addition to their Baileys line of premium chocolates.

Now, the number one selling cream liquor in the world is available in a luscious truffle. This indulgent milk chocolate truffle is rich and creamy with a hint of Baileys infamous flavor.

Unlike the bottled version and for everyone’s enjoyment, this product is offered in a non-alcoholic variety for the U.S. market. The new ganache filling makes it possible to keep the smooth flavor

of Baileys to go along with the premium Turin Chocolate, made with pure cocoa butter from selected criollo cocoa beans.

Chocolates Turin has produced Baileys-filled and flavor-filled chocolates since 2006 and it quickly became one of the chocolate company’s most popular items. The product line is distributed in more than 25 countries and it is the topselling liquor-filled chocolate in the world.

Turin’s Baileys Filled Chocolate was awarded the prestigious “Best Retail Achievement Award in 2009. Diageo

awards this prize each year to the company that they feel has the best Baileys licensed product in the world.

The criteria for this award are based on overall sales performance, innovation and packaging. However, the most important criteria is the achievement of the overall Baileys experience for the consumer.

For more information on the Baileys line or other Turin products, please visit their booth, 434, at the 2010 Sweets and Snacks Expo. You may also contact Amy Bessett by phone at 469-241-1149 or e-mail amyb@turinusa.com.

Yasmine Brown Graphic Designer

Paul Harris Bill Morris Account Managers

Lorrie Baumann Business Affairs Manager

Enrico Cecchi European Sales Sweets & Treats Show Extra is published by Oser Communications Group ©2010.

All rights reserved.

Executive and editorial offices at: 1877 N. Kolb Road, Tucson, AZ 85715 520-721-1300/Fax: 520-721-6300 www.oser.com/www.convenienceretailer.net European offices located at Lungarno Benvenuto Cellini, 11, 50125 Florence, Italy.

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May 2010

Sweets & Treats Show Extra

New M&M’S Brand Bite Size Cookies Introducing a great new addition to the cookie category—M&M’S® Brand Bite Size Cookies, manufactured and distributed under license by D.F. Stauffer Biscuit Company. Leverage the brand recognition and the great taste of bite-size cookies made with real milk chocolate

M&M’S Brand Chocolate candies to increase cookie category sales.

Delight on-the-go consumers with convenient 1.8-oz M&M’S Brand Bite Size Cookies in a 30 count box or caddies with 12 or six bags each. Mars is pleased to introduce a new 12-oz M&M’S Brand

Bite Size Cookies box for grocery, drug and mass merchandise stores.

Please visit Stauffer’s at booth 1883 at the NCA Sweets & Snacks Expo 2010 for more information and to try delicious M&M’S Brand Bite Size Cookies.

For more information on D.F. Stauffer Biscuit Company, contact Walt

Marriott at 717-476-1417 or wmarriott@stauffers.net, visit www.stauffers.net or stop by booth 1883. ®/TM

M&M’S, the letter M and the M&M’S Characters are registered trademarks of Mars, Inc. ©Mars, Inc. 2010.

Manufactured and distributed under license by D.F. Stauffer Biscuit Company.

Trion Industries Works To Meet Every Retailer’s Fixturing Needs

S&TSE: Who are your target end-users?

Rick Wildrick, Director of Sales and Business Development at Trion Industries, talks about his company.

S&TSE: Tell our readers about your trade show objectives, plans, products, promotions, etc.

S&TSE: Tell our readers a little about your company. What’s your main line of business?

RW: Trion Industries has been producing store fixtures for over 40 years. We pride ourselves on producing costeffective merchandising solutions that present products effectively, save on labor and maximize sales, while being easy to implement.

S&TSE: What would you say makes your company unique?

RW: We design and manufacture the

RW: Our target end users are brand manufacturers and retailers.

products we offer ourselves. Our long history of working with product manufacturers and retailers allow us to create products that meet everyone’s fixturing needs.

S&TSE: What products do you see as being hottest this year?

RW: Our WonderBar Merchandising system is our most popular item today.

S&TSE: What distinguishes products from the competition?

consistent look with their fixturing.

S&TSE: Compare the position of your products and their technology against the current market.

your

RW: We offer the most adaptable tray merchandising system on the market today. It is a fixture that can not only be used in the candy category, but in multiple other areas of a store, offering retailers a

RW: Our system offers tool-free installation, which speeds the time to install compared to competing systems. We can often show gains in product facings by implementing our trays do to the tight planograms that can be built using our system.

RW: We will be showing how our WonderBar Merchandising system can improve your product presentation and often gain additional facings from current merchandising methods in the candy category without adding merchandising space.

S&TSE: What is your outlook in general for this product line?

RW: We are excited about the opportunities the WonderBar Merchandising system has given us. We feel we will be Continued on Page 14

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May 2010

Sweets & Treats Show Extra

Bridge Brands Adds Cookies, Flavored Straws To Lineup

Where Were You The Last Time You Ate Jonny Almonds?

Bridge Brands Chocolate has expanded its got milk? chocolate line of products to now include cookies and flavored straws. got milk? chocolate is the only chocolate officially licensed to use the world-famous “got milk?” brand and logo. Bridge Brands’ own unique cowspotted packaging design adds to the products’ eye-catching look, and makes the collection a hit with kids.

Already featuring chocolate drops, chocolate instant drink mix, chocolate syrup and s’mores kits, Bridge Brands has recently added two new products to the line.

The got milk? chocolate cookies are crunchy, chocolate and cow-shaped. At 100 calories per bag, the cookies hit the gold standard for low-calorie snack foods. Bridge Brands’ first run of cookies sold out in only four months, and the company is looking at new ways to sell the product, including individual 100 calorie bags with hole-punches for onrack selling.

The got milk? chocolate flavored straws are Bridge Brands’ best-selling

Close your eyes and think of the last time you treated yourself to the sweet, crunchy, one-of-a-kind taste of cinnamon-roasted almonds. Were you lured in by that heavenly aroma as they were cooking at the mall?

The state fair? The ballgame? For many people, that unique flavor brings back memories as warm as the candy itself when it first comes out of the kettle.

Now you can have that same great experience every time you grab a bag of Original Jonny Almonds, sold in 10,000+ stores across the nation! The amazing Jonny Almonds are lovingly prepared by skilled cooks who follow the same recipe that originated more than a hundred years ago at the 1898 German Oktoberfest.

With more than 13 incredible flavors, the Jonny Almond Nut Company has taken that tradition a step further.

Craving the irresistible combination of salty and sweet? Jonny’s Honeysalt Cashews are the ones for you! Or maybe you’re the bold, daring type, looking for that satisfying blend of sweet and spicy?

new product. These plastic straws are filled with all-natural cocoa beads.

When milk, or any other beverage, is sipped through the perforated straw, the chocolate beads inside give the liquid a delicious chocolate flavor! Available in 10-packs and wrapped for individual sale, the got milk? chocolate flavored straws are great sellers as an on-counter impulse buy, or when placed near a convenience store’s dairy section.

Bridge Brands was created to provide chocolate lovers with gourmetquality, superbly packaged chocolate at a non-gourmet price. Since debuting in 1999, their chocolates have become a favorite with San Francisco locals and visitors alike. The business is rapidly expanding beyond the shores of the Bay area, thanks to the many visitors who brought their unique and beautiful chocolate tins home as souvenirs.

Bridge Brands uses only the finest quality cocoa beans, gathered and imported from three different continents Continued on Page 14

Get a handful of Blazin’ Buffalo Sweets and you’ll never look at peanuts the same way again! And if you just can’t decide, don’t worry. Grab a bag of the Original Cinnamon Almonds―the ones that only Jonny Almond himself can perfect―and you can’t go wrong!

If you’re looking for that straight-out-ofthe-kettle experience, they make that easy, too. Just take Jonny Almonds home, spread them out on a microwave-safe plate, and give them a good 10-15 second whirl. Now you can breathe deep the mouth-watering scent of Jonny Almonds and bring that state fair experience into your very own kitchen.

Would you like to meet Jonny Almond in person and get a look at the wide variety of tempting snacks he has to offer? Drop by booth 218 at the Sweets & Snacks Expo 2010. If you get lost, just follow your nose! They’ll have a fresh sample waiting for you. You can also visit their website at www.jonny almond.com or contact their corporate office at 877-607-NUTS (6887).

Movie Pop Illuminates A World For Kids Movie Pop is new from Kidsmania Inc. It is a hand-held miniature projector capable of projecting color images on a wall or a white sheet of paper. Included in each unit is a carousal of eight color slides featuring subjects that are of interest to kids.

Pictures are projected by a bright LED light source that comes on when the button is pushed on the hand-held unit. The projector also has a small adjustable lens for focusing purposes. A stick of fruit-flavored candy is

packed inside the handle of the unit, making it one of the most innovative candy novelty items on the market.

Movie Pop comes in three different colors, each with its own flavor and theme of pictures. The different themes of pictures are racecars, sports and wild life animals. With a SRP of $1.49, Movie Pop comes in a counter display of 12 units of assorted flavors, and ships 12 displays to a case.

For more information, visit www.kidsmania.us or stop by booth 414.

Rocky Mountain Popcorn Company Adds New Kettle Corn To Award-Winning Line-up Rocky Mountain Popcorn (RMP), the No. 1 and fastest-growing brand of CStore popcorn, has added a traditional Kettle Corn to their line-up of very popular popcorn flavors.

Critics say, “The new Kettle flavor is slightly sweet, slightly salty and absolutely perfect!” The new Kettle is available in the widely recognized “Grip’n Pour” package, a single-size offering that has become increasingly popular with C-Store, colleges and specialty customers nationwide.

Rocky Mountain Popcorn offers a wide variety of all-natural popcorn flavors including white cheddar, caramel, jalapeño,

butter and red chili with lime. “Customers notice a difference in the quality of our popcorn, and they love the price point and convenience of our Grip’n Pour packaging, and that leads to repeat sales,” said Karen Bradley, Co-owner of Rocky Mountain Popcorn.

The ready-to-eat popcorn segment of the salty snack category has grown double digit percentages in each of the last three years, 42 percent in 2009 and 38 percent in 2008, and is on target for continued growth this year.

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May 2010

Sweets & Treats Show Extra

Belgium’s Chocolate Source Named New U.S. Importer And Distributor Of Cote D’Or, Belgium’s No. 1 Chocolate Brand Belgium’s Chocolate Source is, since Jan. 1, 2010, the exclusive importer of Cote D’Or Chocolate, Belgium’ s No. 1 chocolate brand to the United States.

“We are honored that Kraft International has entrusted us with the world-famous Cote D’Or brand, which dates back to 1883,” said Christophe Van Riet, Owner of Belgium’s Chocolate Source. “Our company shares the Belgian heritage and commitment to quality of Cote D’Or. We look forward to expanding

distribution and introducing new generations of U.S. consumers to Belgium’s favorite chocolate brand.” Cote D’Or has had a strong appeal over the years with U.S. chocolate shoppers and offers great price points.

This introduction focuses on the seven best-selling Cote D’Or items, including the 150 gr. milk and dark chocolate connoisseur bar, milk and dark Mignonettes gift-boxes and 100 gr. tablets in 86 percent cocoa, 70 percent

cocoa and 70 percent cocoa with orange flavor varieties. In addition, an excellent-tasting new 100 gr. flavor: 70 percent with pistachio has been introduced to much interest from the trade. All 100 gr. Cote D’Or tablets are featured in new, elegant packaging with the Rainforest Alliance seal, which highlights its contribution to business practices that help conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable livelihoods.

Belgium’s Chocolate Source has been importing premium gourmet chocolates for more than 10 years and has become the premier source for gourmet Belgian chocolate for wholesalers and specialty foods stores, as well as other classes of trade. Over the years, the company has developed a strong expertise in distributing Belgian chocolates. The wide distribution presence throughout

the United States among gourmet specialty food stores and strong relations with specialty food distributors will be a key contributor to increase U.S. Cote D’Or distribution from coast to coast.

The Belgium’s Chocolate Source brand portfolio now includes the following premier Belgian chocolate brands: Cote D’Or, Nirvana Belgian Chocolates, Dolfin, Galler, Café-Tasse, Cavalier No Sugar Added Chocolates, Choc-o-lait, Gudrun and Jacques by Callebaut.

For more information on Belgium’s Chocolate Source, write to 66 Central Street, Suite 7, Wellesley, MA 02482, call 781-283-5787, e-mail christophe@nirvanachocolates.com, visit www.belgiumschocolatesource.com or stop by booth 1360. More information on the rainforest alliance can be found at www.rainforest-alliance.org.

snacking options that are affordable and deliver a unique experience too. Sensible Portions doesn’t stop at great taste, but offers great value with reasonably priced products as well. This has helped the company build a loyal consumer base at a time when buyers are particularly watchful of their shopping dollars.

With big plans for the future, owners Jason Cohen and Jerry Bello see the current snack line as just the beginning.

While many companies lock themselves

into a category with their brand name, Sensible Portions hopes to turn their trademark into a nationally recognized lifestyle brand with dips, spreads, frozen foods, beverages and more.

The duo has a great passion for food and they continue to persevere by adding new flavor profiles to the line.

“Food is a very personal thing and we know the best way to be successful is to make our products familiar and comforting. We want to be part of the healthier living trend from all angles for many years to come,” said Jason Cohen, President of Sensible Portions.

For more information, call 800-9136637, e-mail info@sensibleportions.com or stop by booth 466.

Easter Seals provides exceptional services, education, outreach and advocacy so that people living with autism and other disabilities can live, learn, work and play in their communities. The Fisher House Foundation is best known for the network of 43 comfort homes on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers and provides care of service men and woman wounded or injured in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. BreastCancer.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing the most reliable, complete and upto-date information about breast cancer.

The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens.

Each program features $1 World’s

Finest Chocolate bars wrapped with a custom label that illustrates your organizations’ support to each cause. The bars come in your choice of display-ready counter boxes, power wings or as shippers.

Based in Chicago, World’s Finest Chocolate has more than 60 years of fundraising experience and prides itself as being one of only nine companies in the United States that manufactures chocolate directly from the bean to the bar. The finest ingredients, most modern machinery and dedicated employees allow World’s Finest Chocolate to consistently deliver the perfect balance of flavor, texture and color. Dedicated to quality, it’s a tradition that is always worth indulging.

Visit booth 753 at the Sweets & Snacks Expo to enjoy World’s Finest Chocolate!

Trion Industries (Con’t. from p. 6)

Bridge Brands Chocolate (Con’t. from p. 12)

able to deeper penetrate retail market space in multiple product categories this year.

and selected for consistently superior flavor. Their chocolate drops have a smooth, silken texture that melts on the tongue and creates a rich, buttery mouth-feel. Quality chocolate possesses all the complexity and depth of flavor as a fine red wine or a dark roast coffee, and Bridge Brands are committed to instilling these qualities in each and every one of their chocolate products.

For more information, call 888-7324626, visit www.bridgebrands.com or stop by booth 1185.

The Straw That Broke The Full Fat Snack With explosive growth, exceptional product innovation and an on-trend natural product line, Sensible Portions is a triple threat in the snack category.

The brand brings a fresh, new twist to the overwhelmingly populated snack aisle with their new straw-shaped snacks. Not just your average round, square or triangle chip, the straw brings fun, originality and unique appeal to the brand.

The trend toward healthier living is growing at an unprecedented rate.

Sensible Portions helps consumers transition to a healthier lifestyle easily with great-tasting, better-for-you snacks. The lifestyle brand makes snacking fun for all ages too. “We know parents are looking for healthier snack options for their kids and if we can please the children, we’ll have consumers for life,” said Stephanie Galliano, Brand Manager for Sensible Portions.

But delicious, better-for-you snacks are just one part of the equation. Retailers and consumers alike are looking for

Always A Cause For Chocolate World’s Finest® Chocolate has helped charitable organizations raise more than $4 billion for schools, churches, synagogues, teams, clubs and communities nationwide. Now retailers and wholesalers can add this powerful fundraising tool to support their charitable drive.

Through our Four Seasons for

Fundraising Program, retailers can choose from one of four retail fundraising programs to increase their incremental sales! World’s Finest Chocolate has partnered with Easter Seals® for the spring season, Fisher House™ for the summer months, BreastCancer.org for the fall, and Toys for Tots® for the Holiday season.

S&TSE: To what do you attribute your company’s success?

RW: Our success can be attributed to the innovative products we design and the strong work ethic of the people we have producing those products.

For more information, call 800-4444665, visit www.triononline.com or stop by booth 388.

16

May 2010

Sweets & Treats Show Extra

Queen Anne® candy has been part of family gatherings, special occasions and memorable moments for over 60 years.

Today it is the No. 1 brand of cordial cherries in America.

In 1921 on the south side of Chicago, three partners, Herman Glickman, Harry Martin and Max Weiss, founded Queen

Anne. They specialized in caramel nut, marshmallow and assorted chocolates, and in 1948 added Queen Anne Cordial Cherries, which quickly became their most successful product. Every year more than three hundred million cordials are sold in the United States.

Queen Anne was sold in 1987 and

moved east. It changed hands again in 1992 and finally came home again to Chicago when World’s Finest® Chocolate purchased it in 2006.

Based in Chicago, World’s Finest Chocolate also has more than 70 years of experience and prides itself as being one of only nine companies in the United States that manufactures chocolate directly

from the bean. The finest ingredients, most modern machinery and dedicated employees allow World’s Finest Chocolate to consistently deliver the perfect balance of flavor, texture and color.

It’s a family-owned company that’s proud to bring you Queen Anne chocolates.

Today these two great traditions have come together. Dedicated to quality, it’s a tradition that’s always worth indulging.

Visit booth 753 at the Sweets & Snacks Expo to enjoy a Queen Anne Cordial Cherry!

Flicks Candy (Con’t. from p. 1)

re-launched Flicks Candy by marketing to those original fans of Flicks.

S&TSE: To what do you attribute your success?

keeps those happy memories of a simpler time alive in their hearts.

S&TSE: Are you introducing any new products?

S&TSE: How do you plan to expand sales?

JT: Yes! In January of 2010 we introduced a line of non-pareil chocolate drops in both milk and dark chocolate flavors. We are also introducing ‘Flickettes’ Baking Chips in 12-oz. bags this summer. Flickettes are made from the same recipe as Flicks, but are chocolate chip-sized for baking cookies.

JT: Our success is due to our customers’ nostalgic love of our product, and our attention to detail. Our customers associate our product with good times and good memories of days gone by. They tell us that eating Flicks takes them right back to the Saturday matinee of their childhood at their local downtown theater [that in most cases has been torn down to make way for a strip mall].

Flicks, and its foil-covered tube package

finally solving the many technical issues on cookie and pizza printing.

uniqueness of the products themselves and our superior pricing.

in terms of economy, sales, technology and product evolution?

S&TSE: Describe to our readers your current marketing strategy.

S&TSE: Compare the position of your products and their technology against the current market and what is the nature of your distribution?

TG: Seems the economy is rebounding a bit and with our new technology, are well-positioned to move forward and provide incremental profits via the sale of our products to our client’s customers.

Our outlook for this product line is very, very optimistic!

The Story Of Queen Anne Cordial Cherries

S&TSE: Who are your target end users?

JT: Flicks had a cult following in the western half of the United States for most of the 20th century, as it was a leading movie theater candy during that time.

When the line was dropped in 1989, it left generations of Flicks fans without their favorite candy. Aware of this pentup demand, our family acquired the Flicks trademark, as well as the original Flicks production equipment, and Action Images (Con’t. from p. 1)

Furthermore, we appear to be alone in being able to meld together original compelling sports art and the licensing to provide compelling, desirable imagery that will motivate purchases by consumers of all ages.

TG: Multi-industry trade shows, advertisements and sponsorship opportunities.

S&TSE: What was your program last year?

TG: Last year, we tested the cake and cookie products in a number of different classes of trade and had success on all levels; this year we’re expanding the subjects available for the aforementioned products, but will be adding pizza and candy.

S&TSE: What was the most significant event or series of events affecting your company in the past year?

TG: Securing most of the needed licenses allowing us to provide our products with the most desirable subjects, as well as

S&TSE: What do you anticipate to be your greatest challenge in the year ahead?

TG: Securing additional licenses on a timely basis and building awareness for our very unique products.

S&TSE: Are you introducing any new products?

TG: Yes, printed pizza toppers and candies.

S&TSE: Where is your current product emphasis?

TG: We have yet to see competitive products that compare favorably with our quality art and price. We work direct with some retailers and using broker relationships for others.

S&TSE: Who are your target end-users?

TG: Supermarkets, C-Stores, club stores, specialty food retailers, concessionaires, fundraisers, political campaigns, promo agencies, almost endless end-user applications…

S&TSE: What are your trade show objectives, plans, products, etc?

JT: We have great brand recognition in the West, and are focusing on expanding our distribution eastward. We are pleased with the recognition we have developed in the East thus far, but are always looking to expand.

For more information, visit www.flicks candy.com or stop by booth 312.

S&TSE: Please assess the marketplace as it relates to your product line.

TG: There is a definite need and interest for products that are much more than just team logos on edible products!

S&TSE: To what do you attribute your company’s success?

TG: Experience, intelligence, perseverance, diligence and a desire to be fair and helpful to both clients and vendors.

TG: Printed cookies and pizza toppers.

S&TSE: What distinguishes products from the competition?

your

TG: The outstanding quality of our sports art upon our products, the Quench Gum (Con’t. from p. 1)

on teeth. In addition, Lutz explained, Xylitol raises the pH in the mouth to stimulate the healthy flow of saliva.

Long known as a high-performance sports gum, Quench Gum’s mouthwatering fruit flavors are also popular with kids. Lutz feels that the reputation of Quench Gum in sporting goods, along with the fact that kids love it too, allows the product to be successfully marketed in several aisles of the store. “We’ve been the No. 1 ranked sports gum in America for many years running,” he said. “When we introduced Sugar-Free Quench Gum we crossed over into the general candy and confection market. Quench X solidly plants us in the center of that category.”

“Quench Gum is not your ordinary

TG: We hope to build upon relationships established at last year’s show and build new ones as we introduce the new products and subjects and our various show specials.

S&TSE: How do you see the next year

For more information, please contact either Tom Green (tom@action imagesinc.net) or Chuck Taylor (chuck@ actionimagesinc.net) via e-mail or phone at 847-763-9700, visit www.action imagesinc.biz or stop by booth 2272.

gum,” Lutz explained. “We’ve got a formula that our customers expect. Yes, our gum tastes great but the key to our product is that Quench Gum fights dry mouth.

We wanted to maintain the unique benefits of the gum and bring even more benefit to our customer base.”

The launch of Quench X includes introduction of a whole new look for the product. “We designed a package that is edgy, vibrant and, we think, offers a sense of the extreme flavor experience waiting inside,” Lutz said. Quench X is available in blister packs of eight supersized pieces. Retail-ready display trays are filled with 12 blister packs.

In addition to Quench X, kids love the new Quench Pint Bottle—filled with approximately 25 chunks of Quench Gum. The reuseable BPA-free water bottle

contains an assortment of orange, fruit and lemon flavors. The Quench Pint Bottle complements Quench Gum’s merchandising displays. The unique Quench Gum water bottle sidekick/countertop dispenser, for example, lets retailers feature all three Quench Gum double flavors at once.

“This water bottle display will really catch the attention of consumers,” said Ginger Mueller-Mann, Mueller’s Western Region Vice President. “The imagery of the bottle with water drops and vivid colors tells the story of our thirst-quenching product. We never want to lose sight of the core function of our gum, we fight dry mouth with bursts of intense flavor.”

For more information, contact Mark Lutz, National Sales Manager, Quench Gum, by calling 800-356-9522 or e-mailing mark.lutz@muellersportsmed.com.

18

May 2010

World’s Finest Chocolate (Con’t. from p. 1)

S&TSE: What would you say makes your company unique?

JS: Our quality speaks for itself. We want to make every order exactly what our customers want at the same time ensuring the consumer has the opportunity to find and enjoy just what they seek. Since World’s Finest manufactures chocolate directly from the bean, we can assure the finest consumer experience.

We have a very artisanal approach from bean to bar.

S&TSE: What was your program last year?

JS: We have a strong offering for both brands. World’s Finest Chocolate now offers the No. 1 Fundraising bar at retail, with our in-and-out retail Fundraising program. This is the perfect compliment Abdallah Candies (Con’t. from p. 1)

tasting 0.5 ounce attractively wrapped treats come in six flavors: Butter Almond Toffee®, Sea-Salt Dark Chocolate Caramels, Alligators, Milk Chocolate Caramel, SUGAR FREE Chocolate Caramels, Mint Fudge, and soon-to-beadded Peanut Butter Caramel Crisp.

All are wrapped in a unique color that coordinates with a beautiful 36 count gravity bin for dispensing and boast process color images of each of the candies on all sides. Permanent display racks that are off-set by product Sensible Portions (Con’t. from p. 1)

Continuing to produce unique, great-tasting and healthier snacks, innovation is Sensible Portions’ middle name. Not only does the brand pride themselves on creating original snacks, but also finding creative ways of promoting their product Au’some (Con’t. from p. 4)

KT: It’s all about consumer awareness and brand establishment. We’re getting the right product alignment to the right retailer. At the same time, brand websites to drive the name into the consumers’ homes. Our Facebook fanbase has grown exponentially. Become a fan of Au’some, get candy!

Sweets & Treats Show Extra to any retailer’s philanthropic efforts.

The retailer can choose to align with one of their affiliate charities and customize the packaging to communicate the cause.

Queen Anne houses a full court from convenience items to gift packs. We continue to push new trade channels to assure our consumers find their beloved Queen Anne chocolate-covered cordial cherries when and where they want them.

S&TSE: Are you introducing any new products?

JS: We are very excited about our new Four Seasons for Fundraising. This is the perfect compliment to any seasonal set to drive incremental sales for the retailer and raise money for one of our four charitable organizations, Easter Seals®, Fisher House™, BreastCancer.Org, or Toys for Tots®. This is a turn-key approach for buyers to build awareness and generate revenue for great foundations while

growing the retailer’s bottom line.

Queen Anne is offering two new great products that are sure to increase purchase frequency and expand the consumer market. Queen Anne Chocolate Covered Cherries have been America’s No. 1 selling chocolate-covered cherry since World’s Finest Chocolate acquired the brand. We are looking to grow that market with a new Eat-Now pack that contains three individually foil-wrapped chocolate covered cherry cordials.

Additionally, Queen Anne fans and blueberry lovers alike will find Chocolate Covered Blueberry Cordials for the first time this fall. Queen Anne is beginning to have something for everyone.

products because they inevitably seek out our chocolate.

S&TSE: To what do you attribute your company’s success?

JS: World’s Finest Chocolate and Queen Anne are unique brands with a long history of great quality and great value. Each brand has over a half-century of tradition that spans generations.

The loyalties built early have carried the brands and continue to grow the markets by forging a new following through shared experiences with our brands. Our consumers have a strong emotional link to our brands. Much the same, we strive to bring our consumers great quality and value.

That is one of the great things about our brands, World’s Finest Chocolate and Queen Anne. We span every age group and ethnicity. We just have to make sure our consumers can find our

For more information, call 888-8218452, visit www.queenannecandy.com or www.worldsfinestchocolate.com or stop by booth 753.

give all flavors a perfect presentation without giving up very much space.

“The best part is, when we hear from customers over and over how well the product turns, we know we’re on to something,” Hegedus stated. The chocolate singles complement Abdallah Candies’ already successful line of individually wrapped caramels and larger impulse chocolates that merchandise together on one fixture.

There are so many positives to the line, its success is not surprising.

Abdallah Candies always tries to educate consumers that the products they

make are high-end, so the fact that satisfaction is guaranteed lays a great foundation for the program. The surprising part is their price. At suggested retail, they rival what we would be used to be paying for an everyday candy bar. Additionally, both the Chocolate Singles and the Wrapped Caramel and Impulse Chocolates are a great introduction to Abdallah’s immense full product line, including boxed chocolates from sampler size and up, bulk chocolates, sugar-free and bulk caramel.

Abdallah Candies, founded in

Minneapolis in 1909, is now its fourth generation of family ownership. They produce chocolates, caramels, toffees, truffles and sugar-free candy both packaged under the Abdallah brand, bulk and private label. Abdallah’s 65,000 square foot plant employs more than 100 with two shifts. Manufacturing capabilities include shell molding, continuous cooking, extruding, enrobing and bar forming.

For more information, please stop by booth 1350 at the Sweets and Snacks Expo, or contact Abdallah Candies by calling 800-348-7328 or visiting www.abdallahcandies.com.

to consumers. “Segwaying” to healthier snacking has become a signature sampling routine for Sensible Portions.

Another all-natural snack that mom can feel good about giving the kids too, Cinnamon Apple Straws have 30 percent less fat than the leading potato chip. Their single-serve bags are

perfect for lunch boxes and snacking on-the-go too!

In the months ahead, Sensible Portions will be launching additional innovative SKUs using the straw platform. “We’re always trying to stay ahead of the snacking curve. We pride ourselves on listening to our

consumers’ questions, concerns and product development ideas. We strive to build a community and sensible lifestyle for our consumers,” said Jerry Bello, Sensible Portions CEO. For more information, call 800-9136637, e-mail info@sensibleportions.com or stop by booth 466.

come in sour flavors. Also look out for Dreamworks 3-Dees.

Back.’ Our 3-Dees are full-shaped gummies. No flat backsides.

general for 3-Dees?

S&TSE: Where is your current product emphasis?

S&TSE: What is the nature of your company’s distribution?

KT: Our two biggest drives are Florida’s Natural Healthy Treats and 3Dees gummies. Both have their own unique campaign.

KT: We target it all: Mass retail, drug, convenience, you name it. It’s all about the right packaging for the right retailer.

S&TSE: How do you handle sales?

KT: 3-Dees is the most outrageous in the gummy category, but it still conforms to all the requirements that retailers and consumers need. We’re not looking to re-think the Gummy Bear, just offer something better.

S&TSE: What is your outlook in general for Florida’s Natural Nuggets?

S&TSE: What do you anticipate to be your greatest challenge in the year ahead?

S&TSE: What products do you see as being hottest this year?

KT: Less retail space to compete for.

Every licensor wants us to make 3-Dees for them, we just can’t create them all for the market.

KT: 3-Dees gummies…more characters/more shapes. The brand name just plays too well with the 3-D trend in entertainment technology.

S&TSE: Are you introducing any new products?

S&TSE: What distinguishes your products from the competition?

KT: Anybody with a sweet tooth. We try to make it better for everybody.

Better ingredients, better product = happy customers.

KT: SOUR!!! 3-Dees and Nuggets will

KT: To quote Sir Mix-A-Lot, ‘Baby Got

S&TSE: What is your outlook in

For more information, visit www .3-dees.com or stop by booth 1109.

Rocky Mountain Popcorn (Con’t. from p. 12)

further with an all-natural, gluten-free and nut-free product.” Bradley added, “We have the experience and knowledge to know how to partner with you to maximize your opportunity.”

RMP is the “popcorn of choice” to

retailers and distributors throughout the nation. RMP offers convenient merchandising options, strong support programs, and innovative, award-winning packaging like Grip ‘n Pour convenience packs. RMP uses the latest in packing

technology and methodology to achieve nine months of shelf life.

Visit them at booth 1778 at the Sweets & Snacks Expo, on the Web at www.rmpopcorn.com or by phone at 888-744-8850.

“Americans, regardless of where they shop, are reaching for healthier, convenient snacks—popcorn is on trend as a light alternative and we have aligned even

KT: I take it by the horns and wrestle it to the ground. We’re aggressive like that.

S&TSE: Who are your target end-users?

KT: Nuggets have some staying power.

The marketing campaign, ‘Healthy Treats,’ says it all. It’s not a trend, it’s a lifestyle change that America has been working so hard for. It’s better for you and is no BS. It bridges the gap between the natural food demographic and the heavily processed food products out there.

news briefs 7-ELEVEN OFFERS VALUE VIDEO GAMES The retailer ramps up home entertainment section with games priced under $20.

7-Eleven Inc., which began selling major new-release video games just over a year ago, now offers gamers a way to save a little green.

Available in 3,000 U.S. 7-Eleven stores, the new “Gamers Factory” selection of pre-owned games features the hottest titles at a fraction of their original retail price. For the first time, the retailer also will carry games for handheld devices in addition to console system. All games are priced under $20 at $9.99, $14.99 or $19.99.

“Most of our game titles will be best-sellers that were released in the previous six months to a year,” said Michael Jester, 7-Eleven Category Manager for home entertainment, in a press release.

“The concept was tested in 600 stores last November, and the universally enthusiastic response was a strong indicator that

value-priced video games would be a hit with our customers nationwide.”

While currently available in half of the 7-Eleven stores franchised or operated in the United States, Jester said the company is adding the new value video game section to approximately 100 stores each week and hopes to have it in most stores before the end of the year.

Stores will carry up to 96 games for Sony PlayStation 2 and 3, Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii, as well as Nintendo DS and Sony PSP handheld devices. Pricing will be competitive and determined by the game’s original cost, how long the game has been available and its popularity.

7-Eleven has partnered with Game Trading Technologies Inc., a publicly traded, industry-leading game-trading service provider that acquires the games from other retailers and manufacturers, and then tests them before repackaging and distributing to 7-Eleven stores. All games are guaranteed to run on their

AMERICAN LICORICE ANNOUNCES SOUR PUNCH ‘PUNCH UP THE VIDEO’ CONTEST Contestants recreate and film scenes from their favorite TV show or movie and submit to sour punch site for a chance to win prizes.

American Licorice Company has announced the launch of the Sour Punch “Punch Up the Video Contest,” where contestants are asked to create a parody of their favorite TV show or movie by recreating a scene and incorporating Sour Punch into the dialogue or action.

Developed by Big Rig Interactive, a division of DMI Music & Media Solutions, the video contest adds another layer to the interactive elements on the Sour Punch website where registered visitors can play games, watch videos and download wallpapers in order to earn points and prizes.

“We’ve always felt that the funny and quirky videos our customers have made are the best representation of the Sour Punch brand,” explained Mariam Worsham, Brand Portfolio Manager for

American Licorice Company. “Rather than make our own commercial, we thought it would be a lot more fun to let Sour Punch fans make the videos and welcome the public to help select the winners each week. We’re looking forward to seeing what the community comes up with.”

“Given our long-standing relationship, DMI and Big Rig Interactive are honored to once again collaborate with American Licorice to invite talented consumers to express their creativity,” added DMI’s Tracey Matchett, Vice President, Strategy and New Business. “The video contest gives people a chance to have fun, authentically expressing their passion around the Sour Punch brand, and win great prizes.”

Limiting their video submissions to three minutes in length, contestants can incorporate Sour Punch into the scene however they choose, whether it’s into the dialogue or used on set as props. One winner will be selected each week based

NEW ULTRA SOUR TOXIC WASTE PRODUCT INTRODUCES NEW BITE-SIZED SOUR BUBBLE GUM Toxic Waste Short Circuits Bubble Gum is sure to make sour candy and gum lovers pucker with delight. Presented in bite-sized gum pieces, each is filled with ultra-sour powder inner core and offers more than twenty pieces of delicious bubble gum in each individual package; kids will be struck

by the intense souricity when they reach the shockingly sour core.

Each pack includes three different yummy sour flavors: Amp’d Apple, Black Out Blue Raspberry and Surgin’ Strawberry, and is sealed in high impact packaging. Each case packs 12 displays

respective gaming systems.

The video game section ramps up 7-Eleven stores’ home entertainment offerings that already include new and previously viewed DVD movies as well as new CD compilations of favorite artists.

“7-Eleven’s franchisees have been very receptive to our program—they understand the unique opportunity that value-priced video games offer their customers,” said Todd Hays, President and CEO of Game Trading Technologies.

“We have seen demand for these games increase from both the consumer and the retailer, creating a new marketplace that allows us to offer excellent value.”

GTT, a company focused on technology, supply and services in the fastgrowing, pre-owned video game market, also provides regular replenishment of 7-Eleven stores to ensure that they remain well stocked with a broad selection of games at value prices.

“We partnered with GTT because of their expertise as a third-party provider of video games and the terrific selection they offer to our customers,” Jester said.

“More consumers are searching for convenient ways to stretch their

entertainment dollar in this challenging economy. The selection of 7-Eleven home entertainment products does just that, with the added convenience of snacks and beverages for a fun-for-thewhole-family evening in.”

7 Eleven Inc. is the premier name and largest chain in the convenience retailing industry. Based in Dallas, Texas, 7-Eleven operates franchises or licenses more than 8,200 7-Eleven stores in North America. Globally, 7-Eleven operates franchises or licenses more than 38,000 stores in 16 countries. During 2008, 7Eleven stores worldwide generated total sales of more than $53.7 billion.

Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Hunt Valley, Md., Game Trading Technologies Inc. is a leading video game trading services provider focused on valuation, procurement, refurbishment and redistribution of pre-owned video games.

Game Trading Technologies Inc. currently offers unique services, supported by innovative technologies to an array of national firms, allowing them to better serve customers who want to trade their games for store credit or purchase pre-owned games.

on a combination of creativity and public votes/views. At the end of the contest submission period on July 25, one of the weekly winners will be selected as the Grand Prize winner. Each weekly winner will take home a $100 Visa gift card. The Grand Prize Winner will take home a Flip HD Ultra Video Camcorder and a $1,500 Visa gift card. There is no limit to the number of videos an entrant can submit.

For complete contest rules, visit www.sourpunch.com.

back-end database capabilities. Big Rig’s solutions also return the invaluable metrics that let you analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of your media.

About Big Rig Interactive Big Rig Interactive’s services empower brands to connect through today’s hottest, most engaging mediums, including the Web, mobile, Enhanced-CDs, games and more. The team delivers stunning interactive design and sophisticated

About DMI Music & Media Solutions Formed in 1997, DMI Music & Media Solutions is located in Pasadena, Calif., and is the premier music-branding agency whose clients include General Mills, Nestle, Delta Air Lines, Kohl’s, Build-ABear Workshop, AARP, amongst other Fortune 1000 brands. As pioneers and innovators of music branding, DMI crafts campaigns played across multiple platforms that forge strong emotional connections between brands, consumers and music. DMI’s tightly integrated divisions deliver clients the only complete “360degree” set of music branding capabilities including music branding strategies (DMI Music Branding Group), in-venue audio and video programming (DMI Music & Media Networks), full-service recording and audio post facilities (Firehouse Recording Studios), a 25,000-song library of production music for television, film and commercials (5 Alarm Music), an award-winning interactive design studio (Big Rig Interactive), and promotional music CDs (Disc Marketing). For more information, visit www.dmimusic.com.

per master case with 12 individual hanging bags per display. The bags can be featured in their display box or pegged. These hanging bags are also available on a clip strip, and pack four clip strips per master case with 12 to a clip strip.

Additionally, new to the show includes Toxic Waste Short Circuits Bubble Gum in bulk. This item makes a great bulk product for bulk retailers! Each case contains four bags of 750 pieces of the most sour bubble gum on the planet.

“Candy Dynamics has flipped the switch and will be sending a jolt of sour

power through the existing gum industry, with the upcoming release of our highly anticipated Toxic Waste Short Circuits Bubble Gum,” stated Laura King, Vice President of Candy Dynamics. “Building on the enormous popularity of our recent product line extensions, and having already conquered the sour candy markets, this is the natural next step in the continued growth of the Toxic Waste Sour Candy brand.”

For more information, visit www .toxicwastecandy.com or stop by booth 2309 at the Sweets & Snacks Expo.

About American Licorice Co. American Licorice Company, headquartered in Bend, Ore., maintains candy manufacturing facilities in Union City, Calif. and La Porte, Ind. where it has been producing Red Vines, Sour Punch®, Extinguisher®, Super Ropes® and Snaps® candy for more than 96 years. Visit www.americanlicorice.com to see the company’s product offerings or for additional information.

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news briefs THE COCA-COLA COMPANY ANNOUNCES NEXT STEP IN CREATION OF COCA-COLA REFRESHMENTS Steve Cahillane To Lead Coca-Cola Refreshments Inc. Upon Completion of Company’s Acquisition Of Coca-Cola Enterprises North America The Coca-Cola Company recently announced its intention to name Steve Cahillane, currently President of the North American Business Unit for CocaCola Enterprises (CCE), as President and Chief Executive Officer of Coca-Cola Refreshments, Inc. (CCR), once the Company’s acquisition of CCE North America has been successfully completed. The Coca-Cola Company and CCE recently announced that they entered into definitive agreements enabling the Company to acquire CCE’s North American bottling business, and for CCE to acquire the Company’s bottling operations in Norway and Sweden.

Additionally, CCE will have the right to acquire The Coca-Cola Company’s majority interest in its German bottler.

Cahillane will lead Coca-Cola Refreshments Inc., which will integrate four business components into a 21st century bottling and customer service

operation in both the United States and Canada. The four components are: (1) CCE North America; (2) CCNA Foodservice; (3) the MinuteMaid/Odwalla Juice business; and (4) CCNA Supply Chain Operations.

The closing of the transactions is expected to occur in the fourth quarter of this year and is subject to, among other things, regulatory and CCE shareholder approvals.

“I have every confidence that Steve has the right experience, capability and leadership qualities to fully leverage the opportunity offered by Coca-Cola Refreshments,” said The Coca-Cola Company Chairman and CEO Muhtar Kent. “Under his leadership, it is our intention for CCR to serve every one of our North American customers with greater passion, speed and flexibility so we can continue to gain profitable share. Additionally, we will generate $350 million in synergies and create sustainable growth in the dynamic U.S. beverage market.”

While Cahillane will not assume his new role until the successful completion

THE MOUNTAIN DEW DEWMOCRACY 2 CAMPAIGN EMPOWERS BRAND LOYALISTS NATIONWIDE TO CREATE AND LAUNCH THE NEXT NEW DEW PepsiCo’s Mountain Dew is once again tapping the collective intelligence of its most passionate consumers to help write a new chapter in the beverage’s history and elevate the premier lifestyle brand to new heights. Mountain Dew launched nationwide three new DEW flavor innovations— Mountain Dew® Distortion™, Mountain Dew White Out™ and Mountain Dew Typhoon™—that were developed in partnership with consumers during the brand’s DEWmocracy 2 campaign: • Mountain Dew Distortion—DEW blasted with lime.

• Mountain Dew Typhoon—DEW with a punch of tropical flavors.

• Mountain Dew White Out—DEW infused with a smooth citrus taste.

DEWmocracy 2, a seven-stage, 12-month, consumer-driven campaign launched in July 2009, enabled more than 4,000 of the DEW brand’s most loyal fans, referred to as DEW Labs’ members, to co-create three new DEW beverages. Leveraging a variety of social media networks and tools, including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, the brand and consumers collaborated on all areas of product development including flavor, color, name, and package design.

DEW fans remain engaged as the three new DEW products begin hitting store

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shelves nationwide this month. In addition to having a role in creating the TV ads and online media planning and buying process, fans will lead the charge in grassroots initiatives that will drive awareness and trial of the new DEW products.

“DEWmocracy 2 has re-affirmed our belief that DEW consumers want a voice in and want to help shape the future of the Mountain Dew franchise,” said Frank Cooper, Senior Vice President, Chief Consumer Engagement Officer, PepsiCo Americas Beverages. “By maintaining an open dialogue with our consumers through an intense, year-long collaborative project, we’ve offered them an opportunity to leave their imprint on a brand they truly love and have solidified an even stronger relationship with fans who matter most.”

Let The Voting Begin: Three New Flavors Vie For A Place In History As The Next New DEW The three contending Mountain Dew beverages will be on shelves through June 14, providing fans with the opportunity to taste each of the flavors and cast a vote for their favorite at www.dewmocracy.com. The winning flavor will become a member of the DEW family on Labor Day 2010.

During the voting phase, “Flavor

of the transaction, he will work closely with the recently announced North America Business Integration (NABI) team, led by Brian Kelley, in developing a comprehensive plan that can be implemented immediately once the acquisition is approved and closed.

Cahillane has more than 20 years of successful international beverage sales, marketing and distribution experience.

He joined CCE in 2007 after serving in leadership roles at several other leading beverage companies.

Sandy Douglas will continue as President of Coca-Cola North America (CCNA), and both executives will report to Kent. Douglas will also serve on the integration steering committee and provide franchise leadership for the North American business and ensure world class consumer marketing for the Company’s flagship operation. He has been president of Coca-Cola North America since 2006.

“Under Sandy’s leadership, North America has remained focused on strengthening brands and customer relationships, continuing to gain volume and value share in the non-alcoholic readyto-drink beverage segment in a challenging environment. I am confident that under Steve’s and Sandy’s leadership, Coca-Cola Refreshments and Coca-Cola North America will be powerful forces in achieving our 2020 Vision, ushering in a

new era of winning for our Coca-Cola system,” said Kent.

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world’s largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands.

Along with Coca-Cola®, recognized as the world’s most valuable brand, the Company’s portfolio includes 12 other billion dollar brands, including Diet Coke®, Fanta®, Sprite®, Coca-Cola Zero®, vitaminwater, Powerade®, Minute Maid®, Simply® and Georgia® Coffee.

Globally, they are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, juices and juice drinks and ready-to-drink teas and coffees. Through the world’s largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company’s beverages at a rate of 1.6 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, their company is focused on initiatives that protect the environment, conserve resources and enhance the economic development of the communities where they operate. For more information about their company, please visit their website at www .thecoca-colacompany.com.

For more information about The Coca-Cola Company-Coca-Cola Enterprises transaction, please access their transaction-specific website at www.kosystemevolution.com.

Nations,” comprised of DEW Labs members who are divided into three Nations supporting each of the new flavor innovation, will be campaigning for their favorite flavor to win the permanent spot. Members of each Flavor Nation, working with MTV Networks, begin cross-country road tours, organizing skateboarding competitions, art exhibits inspired by DEW and samplings at concerts and sporting events, among other activities. Their goal: to rally friends, family and all DEW lovers to show their support by participating and posting photos and video content online, going online to vote for their favorite flavor, and engaging others to sample and vote.

again remaining true to the DEW brand’s DNA of collaboration between brand and consumer. Online outlets, including The Onion, CollegeHumor, CraveOnline and Funny or Die, put together media proposals and videos for each Flavor Nation that showcased the culture of each online partner. The online DEWmocracy campaign will debut April 19, 2010.

Fan-Driven Ad And Marketing Campaigns In the fall of 2009, Mountain Dew invited ad agencies and individuals from across the country to submit 12-second video ads.

Consumers voted on the spots they felt best captured the essence of the DEW brand, and the DEW Labs communities then selected their three winners: Crashtest Productions (Typhoon), Dewdadew (White Out) and Animaticmedia (Distortion).

Since January 2010, the advertising finalists have collaborated with the brand and individual Flavor Nations to develop the three 15-second television ad spots that launch to support the three flavors.

For the first time in company history, consumers also have played an active role in shaping and influencing the paid media planning and buying process. Potential media partners, including some that were introduced to the brand by consumers, were required to pitch their proposals to DEW Labs members alongside the brand,

Decision 2010 All three Mountain Dew flavors are available through June 14, 2010, at mass, drug and retail outlets nationwide. This year’s DEWmocracy 2 winner will join Mountain Dew Voltage, the latest addition to the Mountain Dew family.

Mountain Dew Voltage won the DEWmocracy 1 campaign in 2008 that relied on an immersive story-based online game to develop a unique Mountain Dew beverage and saw more than 1 million people participate in the product creation and selection process.

Please visit www.dewmocracy.com to vote on your favorite DEWmocracy 2 flavor. The power is in your hands; let your voice be heard.

For more information on DEWmocracy 2, details on each stage of the campaign, videos and photos please visit: www.dewmocracymediahub.com.

About Mountain Dew Mountain Dew is a product of PepsiCo Beverages Americas (PBA). In addition to the Mountain Dew trademark, the PBA portfolio includes the Pepsi, Sierra Mist and Mug trademarks in the carbonated soft drink category. PBA is a division of PepsiCo Inc.

top news MAXIMIZE CANDY SALES WITH MARS24SEVEN.COM Mars Chocolate North America launches website for C-Store operators.

Now, with the click of a mouse, convenience store operators can find everything they need to build a successful candy program. In April, Mars Chocolate North America launched Mars24seven.com, a resource center dedicated to helping CStore operators create, enhance and maintain a thriving candy aisle.

“We want C-Stores to utilize Mars24seven.com as a business tool that will help them make informed decisions and increase category sales,” explained Larry Lupo, Vice President of Sales for Mars Chocolate North America. “Mars is a global leader in chocolate, selling seven of the world’s 20 best-selling chocolate snacks, so we’re committed to helping our C-Store partners build their business.”

Mars24Seven.com features seven robust sections: Home: Content on the homepage is fresh, scrolling through several timely topics, such as new products, the company’s sustainability initiatives, and national ad campaigns—such as the SNICKERS® Brand commercial featuring Betty White. Mars’ iconic brand logos scroll across the bottom of the page, enabling the user to easily link to each product website.

Sweets & Snacks Expo (Con’t. from p. 1)

wouldn’t normally get to see,” Craft said.

“Everyone comes together under one roof, which is really cost-effective.”

The benefits are particularly noticeable for smaller companies, or for relatively new ones, he said. “You’re recognized a little bit more as a legitimate manufacturer by participating in the show.”

As its new name suggests, the expo has evolved over the last few years into a broader type of show, encompassing all

Chateau D’Lanz (Con’t. from p. 1)

company, adding new flavors of licorice and a special brand of licorice treats for dogs as well as the new candy line. “We decided to spend the money this time and go into the show and see if other people like our candy.”

In 1995, Love was a successful stockbroker with 15 years’ experience under his belt. But that year, a heart attack and stroke brought his career to a sudden, stunning end. “It took me a number of years to speak again,” Love remembered. “I was looking for something else to do.”

In 2003, Love and his family found the answer in his friend Howard Lanz’s candy company Chateau D’Lanz. Lanz created Chateau D’Lanz licorice in the 1980s because he was dissatisfied with the licorice available

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a wide variety of methods to reach consumers and convert them into fans of its iconic brands. Since social media is an important information source that affects consumers’ purchase decisions, Mars is incorporating it into every brand communication plan to attract, engage and retain candy fans.

For example, Mars’ M&M’S Most Colorful Fan® of ® NASCAR is in its third year as a successful social media program.

The promotion includes traditional marketing—special packaging, in-store displays and digital ads—as well as Facebook and Twitter pages. A multitude of candy fans flock to the sites: facebook.com/mms racing has more than 8,000 fans and facebook.com/mms has nearly 600,000.

Products: This section features a variety of information about popular Mars Chocolate products. Enter the New Product Showcase to learn about Mars’ new offerings, such as M&M’S® Pretzel Chocolate Candies, or visit the Mars C-store Core Products area to see which top Mars Chocolate products will optimize your category. Accounting for just 16 percent of the top 150 candy SKUs, Mars’ “Core 24” products command 32 percent of candy dollar sales while offering the breadth of top brands consumers want, including SNICKERS, M&M’S, TWIX®, 3 MUSKETEERS®, MILKY WAY® and DOVE®.

This section also offers product specifications, Mars TV commercials and an image library, designed to help C-Store retailers with their marketing efforts.

In-Store Activity: As a one-stop shop to in-store activation, this section includes displays to drive impulse purchases at the point of interruption, along with creative Shopper Marketing that drives shopper consumption via unique retailer in-store programming. View Mars’ promotional calendar, in-store displays, sponsorship information and shopper marketing materials.

Category and Industry Insights: CStore operators can access category management information, the latest in

consumer shopping behavior and how the latest economic trends will continue to influence their behavior. Mars’ Sweet Source offers customer solutions for growing the entire confection category, including planograms, best category assortment and category management best practices to maximize confectionary sales.

Market Performance: Access industry sales data with one click. Users can view total U.S. Convenience Chocolate Category Sales for the latest 12 weeks, or they can click on different areas of a U.S. map to view sales performance in certain states or regions.

Contact Mars: An easy-to-use feedback tool enables users to e-mail questions, comments and suggestions to Mars Chocolate North America.

Community: Here users will find links to Mars’ social media initiatives.

Consumers are getting their news and information online, so Mars Chocolate North America is leading the charge with

aisles of the proverbial convenience store. Many snack companies, however, said the show’s reputation had more to do with their decision to attend than the name change.

“We had heard that (the show) was a perfect venue for us and our product, to spread the word about our company and what we have to offer, and to get in front of as many new customers as possible,” said Karen Bradley, Co-owner of Rocky Mountain Popcorn, which is attending the show this year for the first time. “I

think the show will bring us some exposure that we haven’t had before.”

“We’ve had a good experience at the show,” said Karen Riley, Corporate Sales and Marketing Manager at Walkers Shortbread, which manufactures Scottish foods from cookies to mincemeats.

Walkers has been attending the expo for more than five years.

Luke vanVliet, Sales and Marketing Manager at Big Sky Brands, which produces mints, smoothies and Jones Soda, said the decision to begin

emphasizing snacks as much as candy was a smart one, and would appeal to more potential exhibitors.

“It makes the show probably better attended just because it’s going to have a more wide range of products,” vanVliet said. “I think trade shows have been having a harder time getting attendees. So it’s important to diversify and to try to pull in a wide audience.”

For more information and a complete schedule of events, visit www.sweetsandsnacksexpo.com.

on the market, feeling it lacked the bite of the real thing. Lanz’s solution was a strong black licorice made with beet sugar, tapioca, gum arabic, anise and real licorice root.

When Lanz decided to retire, Love decided to take on a new career as a licorice manufacturer. “I thought, this is a good way of generating an income—and this is candy, it’ll survive the worst of times,” he said.

Love said that beginning candy companies face a number of obstacles, both financial and strategic. “Banks don’t generally like to loan money to candy companies because there‘s no collateral,” he said.

For young companies, he added, the temptation to expand faster than they can handle is a dangerous one. “Some companies try to get really big too fast, and they sell more than they can produce,” he

said. Love’s attitude was that “we should start out small and pay for things as we go,” he said.

Indeed, even as the company has expanded its line of products, its sphere of operation has gotten smaller. Two years ago, dissatisfied with the inconsistent quality of their product, Love and his family decided to start making the licorice themselves.

Several nights a week, Love and his family and a few volunteers come together to mix up the licorice, pour it into molds, shake it out and package and ship it. He and his wife split the duties; she handles bookkeeping and heads the kitchen while he goes out on the road to talk to buyers. Every session yields about 20,000 pieces of candy; with new equipment in place, Love said they hope to increase their production cycle to 75,000 pieces a week.

Unlike most commercial licorices, these pieces are not bright and colorful.

Long before licorice was modernized and turned into a confectionary, Love said, it was strong enough to be used as medicine, and his licorice is a throwback to those days.

“When you make an all-natural candy, they tend to be less attractive than artificial colors,” Love said. “If I just wanted to make a sugar candy, I could do it—it’d be cheap. But (our licorice) is better for you and it’s better-tasting.”

Love said one hurdle every licorice manufacturer faces is that so many American consumers do not like the taste of licorice, particularly the strong kind.

“Only about 35 percent of Americans like licorice—but we live in that 35 percent,” he said, laughing.

For more information, visit www.chateaudlanz.com or stop by

Whether a C-Store is looking for the latest social media campaign, a new Mars product or industry trends, they’ll find it at Mars24seven.com, a resource center designed exclusively to help C-Stores maximize confectionary sales.

new products

Welcome to Krunchers! A kettle chip breakthrough that explodes with flavor and crunchy texture. Say Goodbye to wimpy chips and bite into a Krunchers!

Your mouth will say what your ears already heard…nothing out-Krunches Krunchers Kettle Cooked Potato Chips!

2-oz. bags available in Original, Mesquite Barbeque, Jalapeño, Kosher Dill and Hot Buffalo Wing flavors.

Sahale Snacks is pleased to debut Seasoned Nuts, a new line featuring allnatural herbs and spices and made using a slow, oven-roasting process. Seasoned Nuts take classic flavors and add a Sahale Snacks twist. Now available in three bold new varieties: Barbecue Almonds with Mild Chipotle & Ranch, Southwest Cashews with Chile & Cheddar, and Tuscan Almonds with Parmesan & Herbs.

Pita Pretzel Squares are the newest member of The Bachman Company’s Brick Oven Flame-Baked ® pretzel line. Unlike any other pretzels, Pita Pretzel Squares are puffed to make them extra crispy and crunchy. Lightly seasoned with sea salt and then slowbaked to perfection in their classic brick ovens, they’re great for snacking and dipping.

The Madelaine Chocolate Company is pleased to finally announce the launch of Duets, the first double-filled chocolate truffles! Using a state-of-the-art technique, Madelaine created four flavor combinations: Peanut Butter & Caramel, Milk Truffle & White Truffle, Raspberry & Peanut Butter, and Raspberry & White Truffle. All within the finest milk chocolate shell.

Snyder’s of Hanover www.snydersofhanover.com 800-233-7125 Booth 2027

Sahale Snacks www.sahalesnacks.com 206-624-7244 Booth 1782

The Bachman Company www.bachmansnax.com 610-320-7851 Booth 346

The Madelaine Chocolate Company www.madelainechocolate.com 718-945-1500 Booth 1345

Roland Foods introduces Susanna’s Natural Gourmet, all-natural Shortbread Cookies. These deliciously buttery cookies are made in small batches using only natural ingredients and contain no additives, preservatives or fillers. They contain tasty little bites of candy for the perfect crunch and are finished by hand-rolling them in powdered sugar. Flavors include strawberry, key lime, lemon and butterscotch.

American Roland Food Co. www.rolandfood.com 800-221-4030 Booth 666

ICEE Fizzing Lollipops: Sweet ICEE-flavored hard candy lollipops with a fun fizzing center.

They are available in a 12-count peg bag or a 48count display box. Flavors include cherry, blue raspberry, green apple and lemonade.

Koko’s Confectionary and Novelty www.kokos.com 800-638-6000 Booth 767

OhYeah! just released its seventh and best-tasting bar to date, Cookie Caramel Crunch. Available in the original 85g and Good Grab 45g size, the OhYeah!

Cookie Caramel crunch bar packs protein, real cookie pieces, little sugar and zero trans fat into a blue wrapper just waiting to be torn into.

The original pretzel-shaped fruit snack, Fruitzels® are a delicious alternative to traditional snack options. They’re made with 100 percent apple juice, enriched with Vitamins C and E, and contain no preservatives. Even more impressive, they’re fat-free! A great snack choice for kids and adults at home, school or the office.

Japan’s No. 1 selling soft candy, HiChew delights with an extra-juicy and fruity taste sensation. One chew and you’ll know why it's been a favorite of millions of people in Japan and throughout Asia for decades. Hi-Chew treats your taste buds with the fruity flavors of strawberry, green apple, mango, orange and melon.

Slush Puppie Slush Bars are now available in a 10 count, 1-oz. size. These bars have a slushy texture, just like the frozen drink, and includes two popular flavors, Blue Raspberry and Cherry. These bars provide flexible merchandising opportunities and are great for end cap or seasonal displays. Slush Puppie Slush Bars are also perfect for mix-and-match promotions and cross-merchandising opportunities. Slush Puppie Slush Bars are part of a licensing agreement between The Jel Sert Company and The ICEE Company.

OhYeah! www.ohyeahnutrition.com 704-948-4345 Booth 778

Waymouth Farms Inc. www.goodsensesnacks.com 763-533-5300 Booth 1278

Morinaga & Co. Ltd. www.hi-chew.com 949-732-1155 Booth 1077

The Jel Sert Company www.jelsert.com 630-231-7590 Booth 809

Launching a new C-Store product?

Email editor@oser.com with “Convenience Retailer: New Product” in the subject line for a list of what to include and deadlines.

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