
The 2024 show saw consumer trends reign in new snacking products.
On the saltier side, the Hershey Co. also introduced several new products to its more savory-geared brands, like:
Kellanova debuted Pringles Mingles, the brand’s first-ever puffed offering. The puffed snack, which is crispy on the outside and airy on the inside, is available in three flavors: cheddar and sour cream, sharp white cheddar and ranch and dill pickle and ranch.
“Our iconic Pringles can is part of our identity — and it’s not going anywhere — but we’re always looking for new ways to innovate and satisfy our fans’ latest cravings,” said Mauricio Jenkins, US marketing lead for Pringles. “This puffy, airy snack not only gives fans a new way to experience Pringles, but its easy-to-share packaging creates a new way to enjoy their favorite snack with friends and family, whether munching at home for movie night, at a party or on-the-go.”
For innovation on the sweeter side, the Hershey Co. introduced several new products across its various brands, including:
Hi-Chew, a brand from Morinaga America, Inc., added new gummies to its portfolio in regular and sour varieties. The Hi-Chew gummies and sour gummies “reimagine the brand’s iconic chewlets and flavor in a new gummy form,” according to the company. Included in the Hi-Chew gummies are peach, mango and strawberry flavors, and included in the Hi-Chew gummies sour are green apple, pineapple and watermelon flavors.
“The launch of Hi-Chew gummies and Hi-Chew gummies sour is an exciting next step for us in expanding our texture offerings,” said Teruhiro Kawabe (Terry), chief representative for the USA and president, chief executive officer of Morinaga America, Inc. “This addition in texture offerings furthers our goal of showcasing our brand innovation to cater to the US market, and the Sweets & Snacks Expo is the perfect setting to debut it. Now, consumers with both gummy and chewy candy preferences can indulge in the world of Hi-Chew.”
Conagra Brands, Inc. added to its snacking portfolio with several introductions across its brands. New introductions from the show include:
“The Sweets & Snacks Expo is the perfect venue to showcase our diverse collection of snack brands and innovation,” said Lucy Brady, president, grocery and snacks for Conagra Brands. “Across meat snacks, salty snacks, seeds and sweet treats, few companies can match the breadth of our offerings. We’re excited to share our brands with customers and attendees.”
Ferrero North America added several new products across its portfolio during the show, including Tic Tac Chewy, the brand’s first entrance into the sugar candy category.
The new Tic Tac product features a crunchy exterior with a chewy inside, and will be available in cherry, apply, orange, lemon and grape flavors. The introduction of Tic Tac Chewy marks Ferrero’s first innovation exclusive to the US market, according to the company.
“Ferrero has supercharged investment in our North American presence in recent years, with expanded manufacturing and R&D capabilities, additional world-class talent, and more and more product innovation,” said Jim Klein, chief customer officer of Ferrero USA. “With exciting new products like Tic Tac Chewy, we are well positioned to continue driving growth in the category and delivering value for our retail partners.”
Frankford Candy expanded its licensing agreement with ice cream chain Baskin-Robbins to launch ice cream-inspired chocolates, which are making their debut in August. The ice cream-inspired chocolates include mint chocolate chip and chocolate chip cookie dough flavors.
“Our innovation lineup at this year’s Sweets & Snacks Expo is one of our best and we can’t wait to show it off,” said Molly Jacobson, director of business development at Frankford Candy. “From the unexpected flavors to the imaginative packaging, these collaborations are worth a visit to Frankford Candy's booth on the show floor.”
Utz Brands added multiple new products at this year’s show, including Utz’s Mike’s Hot Honey Extra Hot potato chips, and Zapp’s Sinfully Seasoned pretzel stix, which features Zapp’s signature Cajun seasoning.
More than 400 products were introduced at the annual event.
Launches over the last year include white chocolate cookies, Pop’ums pretzel snacks and more.