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NCA Names Innovative Product Award Winners at Sweets & Snacks Expo
Hostess Brands, Nestle and Hershey were among those honored. Hostess Brands, Nestle and Hershey were among those honored.
2 Min Read
The National Confectioners Association (NCA) named its Most Innovative New Product Award winners at the 2018 Sweets & Snacks Expo in Chicago.
The winners were selected from more than 300 new product award entries across nine candy and snack categories, and Hostess Brands took home the top prize of Best in Show for its Double Chocolate Cake Delights.
NCA President and CEO John Downs said innovation and new products are "key drivers of treating and snacking," and the awards "celebrate creative product development by category innovators. The competition is fierce, and the companies that have been recognized should be very proud of the contributions they make to advancing the fun and enjoyment of the category.”
The awards were sponsored by IRI. Larry Levin, the company's EVP of consumer and shopper marketing, said historically, innovation has driven about 7% of growth in confections.
“New products spark excitement for the consumer and generate more opportunities for treating," he said.
IRI EVP and Practice Leader Sally Lyons Wyatt said winning the NCA's Most Innovative Product Award is the "pinnacle of accomplishments," and that "retailers are advocates for consumers, and they see the value these products will bring to their shoppers.”
In addition to Hostess' win, the judges presented the Small Business Innovator award to Vosges Haut-Chocolat for its Hazelnut Cocoa Toast. The award recognizes companies with net sales of less than $500,000, giving them the opportunity to gain recognition among well-established peers.
This year’s nominees and winners are:
Chocolate Winner: The Hershey Co., Hershey’s Gold Standard Bar
Nominees:
Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc., Junior Mint Minis
Seattle Chocolate, Strawberry Shortcake Truffle Bar
R.M. Palmer Co,, Football FANtasy
Tru Fru LLC, Coconut Melts Freeze-Dried & Immersed in Dark Chocolate
Non-Chocolate Winner: Nestle USA/Ferrara Candy Co., Big Chewy Nerds
Nominees:
Ferrara Candy Co., Sour Brite Sneaks
The Hershey Co., Jolly Rancher Misfits
Impact Confections Inc., Hotheads Scorching Heat Twists
Hammond's Brands, Vanilla Caramel Marshmallow
Sweet Snacks Winner: Justin's, Organic White Chocolate Mini Peanut Butter Cups
Nominees:
That's How We Roll, Cinnamon Crumb Cake Thins
Edward Marc Brands Inc., Cookie Butter Snappers
Vidal Candies USA Inc, Spicy Mangos
The Promotion In Motion Cos. Inc., Superfruit Mix
Salty Snacks Winner: Sahale Snacks, Tangerine Vanilla Cashew-Macadamia Glazed Mix
Nominees:
From the Ground Up, Cauliflower Pretzel Sticks
Perfect Snax, Butterfinger
Made in Nature LLC, Veggie Pops/Salt and Pepper
Rudolph Foods Co. Inc., Oven Baked Pork Rinds/Blackberry Habanero
Savory Snacks Winner: Alli & Rose, Trail Mix Crackers
Nominees:
Cheesewich Factory, Bacon and Eggs
Kellogg's, Cheez-It Duoz Caramel Popcorn & Cheddar
Land O'Frost, High Protein Chips
Clever Cookie, Baked Cheddar Protein Crisps
Novelty/Licensed Winner: Impact Confections Inc., Warheads Dippin’ Ring
Nominees:
Ferrero U.S.A. Inc., Frozen & Jurassic World Limited Editions
Bazooka Candy Brands, a division of The Topps Co., Baby Bottle Popping Powder
Pez Candy Inc., Jurassic World Click & Play Gift Tin
Jelly Belly Candy Co., Jelly Belly Krispy Kreme Doughnut Tin
Seasonal Winner: Ferrero USA Inc., Golden Heart for You & Me
Nominees:
Nestle USA, Big Chewy Nerds Reindeer Stocking Hanger
Jelly Belly Candy Co., Jelly Belly Love Beans Valentine's Gift Box
Mars Wrigley Confectionery US LLC, Mars Wrigley Chocolate Variety mix party bowl
The Hershey Co., - Hershey’s Kisses Hot Cocoa
Gourmet Winner: That's How We Roll, Trios/Original
Nominees:
Chuao Chocolatier, Ravishing Rocky Road Joy-Filled Caramels
Kiwa, Native Andean Potato Chip Mix
Hammond's Brands, Chocolate Chocolate-Chip Marshmallows
Mars Wrigley Confectionery US LLC, Dove Chocolate cashews dipped in milk chocolate
Gum & Mints Winner: Ferrero USA Inc., Cool Tropical
Nominees:
Perfetti Van Melle USA Inc., Mentos CleanBreath
Mars Wrigley Confectionery US LLC, Juicy Fruit Gum Collisions Strawberry Watermelon
The Hershey Co., Ice Breakers Deep Freeze Peppermint
Simply Gum, Cleanse
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