In the rapidly evolving confectionery industry, staying abreast of the latest formulation ideas and product launches is crucial to satisfying consumer demands and remaining competitive in the sweet treat sector. This biweekly roundup provides valuable insights into noteworthy developments from start-ups, growing confectioners, and multinational brands, offering a snapshot of what’s new in the confectionery world.
Hershey Kisses, a well-known confectionery brand, has recently unveiled a new cinnamon-flavoured candy variety in the US. This limited-edition product is part of Hershey’s strategy to cater to the increasing interest in bold and unconventional flavour combinations among consumers, particularly Gen Z and Millennials. The Hershey Kisses cinnamon toast crunch-flavoured candies feature white creme with cinnamon sugar and graham-flavoured cookie pieces, delivering a classic cinnamon toast crunch flavour in a bite-sized format. The product is available in 9oz bags at retailers across the US.
Malley’s Chocolates, a US-based confectionery company, has ventured into the realm of freeze-dried candy with its new marshmallow crunch candy. Inspired by the trend for freeze-dried snacks, Malley’s concoction combines chocolate, caramel, and marshmallow in a light and crunchy format, appealing to younger consumers. By collaborating with Uncle Crunch Freeze-Dried Candy, Malley’s has successfully developed a product that retains its flavour and texture post-freeze-drying, offering a unique snacking experience.
Speciality flavour house ITS has capitalized on the viral Dubai chocolate trend by creating a natural flavour that captures the essence of sweet chocolate, creamy pistachio, crispy textures, and warming spices. This innovative flavouring provides a convenient alternative to using real pistachios and chocolate, which have seen a significant rise in prices. Designed for broad applications, ITS’s Dubai chocolate-inspired flavour aims to cater to consumer preferences for exotic and indulgent taste experiences.
Sour Punch, a popular confectionery brand, has surprised consumers with the launch of bacon-flavoured candy bites. This unique flavour combination of sweet, sour, and savoury notes adds a twist to the brand’s line of experimental confections, such as sour cream & onion bites and pickle-flavoured straws. Part of a new range of savoury confections, the bacon bites offer a surprising and unexpected option within the sour candy category, appealing to adventurous taste buds.
Altinmarka, a Turkish confectioner, has partnered with Swiss-Ghanaian startup Koa to introduce a new product line called Cacaonly, which utilizes upcycled cocoa fruit as a natural sweetener and flavouring. By incorporating cocoa fruit into its chocolate formulations, Altinmarka aims to offer a sustainable and flavour-rich alternative, reducing environmental waste and adding texture to its products. The Cacaonly range is now available in EU and Turkish markets, catering to environmentally conscious consumers.
In a nostalgic turn, UK-based Stockley’s has launched two new confectionery products inspired by classic flavours: jam roly poly & custard and choc-scotch. These offerings aim to evoke fond memories of traditional British desserts, with jam roly poly & custard featuring a chewy raspberry centre and a red berry stripe, while choc-scotch combines crisp butterscotch with a chocolate centre. Packaged in sharing bags, these products tap into the growing trend of sharing formats, which have seen a significant increase in popularity.
In conclusion, the confectionery industry continues to innovate and surprise consumers with unique flavour combinations, sustainable practices, and nostalgic offerings. By keeping a watchful eye on the latest developments in the sector, companies can stay ahead of the curve and meet the ever-changing demands of sweet treat enthusiasts.
