With spring around the corner, it may be difficult to think about Halloween and Christmas 2017, but it’s already time to start planning seasonal merchandise. ECRM's upcoming Candy Planning: Christmas & Halloween EPPS is just the place to find out what treats and trends will be hot this holiday season.
The event, slated for Feb. 19-22 at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nev., will pair manufacturers with retail buyers in brief, speed-dating-style business meetings.
Candy Industry Magazine will also host the Kid’s Choice Awards during the show, partnering with a local youth group to see which new products the kids enjoy. Be sure to check out the April issue for a full list of all the winners.
Below is a look at some of the products debuting at the show, listed alphabetically by company name. See you in Vegas!
Atkinson Candy Co.
Lufkin, Texas / atkinsoncandy.com / (936) 639-2333
Chick-O-Stick Ghosts
Classic Chick-O-Stick nuggets are dressed up as ghosts for the Halloween season. They’re made with simple ingredients and the unique flavor combination of toasted coconut and fresh peanut butter.
S.R.P: (4-oz. peg bag) $1.29
Peanut Butter Bar Bones
Crunchy Peanut Butter Bar skeleton bones come in a fun Halloween motif. They’re also made with simple ingredients, as well as Atkinson Candy Co.'s signature peanut butter.
S.R.P.: (4-oz. peg bag) $1.29
Peanut Butter Eyeballs
Crunchy Peanut Butter Balls are available in a flow-wrap eyeball motif perfect for trick-or-treating.
S.R.P.: (4-oz. peg bag) $1.29
Caramels
Atkinson will introduce new range of caramels made with simple ingredients. Each bite-size caramel is soft and chewy, available in flavors including Classic Vanilla, Pumpkin Spice and Apple Caramel.
S.R.P.: (4-oz. peg bag) $1.29
Baron Chocolatier
Vernon Hills, Ill. / baronchocolatier.com / (847) 520-2215
Holiday truffles
Baron Chocolatier will introduce its signature chocolate truffles in three Christmas-inspired flavors. The Candy Cane Crunch truffles, available in milk and dark chocolate, contain a peppermint creme filling with candy cane pieces. The Milk Chocolate Gingerbread truffles have a chocolate creme filling with gingerbread pieces.
S.R.P.: N/A
Holiday chocolate sticks
Baron Chocolatier will also introduce its signature sticks in Christmas flavors. They will be available in Dark Chocolate Peppermint and Milk Chocolate Gingerbread. Each 3.5-oz./100-gram package comes with eight individually-wrapped sticks.
S.R.P.: N/A
CandyRific
Louisville, Ky. / candyrific.com / (502) 893-3626
Halloween Light Up Wand
Perfect for trick or treating, this Halloween Light Up Wand has a breakaway lanyard and an on/off switch for added safety. They come with 0.53 ounces of microbites candy.
S.R.P.: $3.99
Zombie Talkers
Consumers may choose one or more of these frightfully fun zombie talkers that moan and scream. Their eyes light up at the push of a button. Each includes 0.53 ounces of microbites candy.
S.R.P.: $4.99
G. Debbas Chocolatier
Fresno, Calif. / ownbrandchocolate.com / (559) 294-2071
Tartini
A crispy and creamy delight, these teeny tarts are filled with premium ganache and chocolate. These hand-crafted tarts are offered in both Cheesecake and Pie collections. Flavors include: Apple Pie, Pumpkin Pie, and Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake.
S.R.P.: N/A
SodaPops!
SodaPops! capture the flavors and complete experience of classic sodas in chocolate. Now available in Halloween-themed packaging, SodaPops! come in several flavors: Lemon-Lime, Root Beer, Vanilla Cream, Cola, Grape, and Orange.
S.R.P.: N/A
Chocolate Cluster Bombs
G. Debbas’ delicious concept blends chocolate with indulgent ingredients. Available in Halloween-themed packaging, Cluster Bombs burst with popping crystals and explode in fun flavors such as Cookies & Cream, Peanut Butter & Jelly, and Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake with Marshmallows.
S.R.P.: N/A
Little Secrets
Boulder, Colo. / sharelittlesecrets.com / (303) 396-0541
Limited-Edition Gingerbread Cookie flavor
Little Secrets has introduced its signature, candy-coated dark chocolate pieces in a gingerbread cookie flavor. The red and green candies are Fair Trade-certified and made without artificial colors and flavorings.
S.R.P.: (5 oz.) $4.99
Original Gourmet Food Company
Salem, N.H. / ogfc.net / (603) 894-1200
Christmas lollipop tins
Original Gourmet has created the perfect stocking stuffer with its Christmas lollipop tins. Each contains two 10.5-gram lollipops, available in several flavors: Candy Cane and Wild Cherry; Cotton Candy and Candy Cane; and Candy Cane and Bubble Gum.
S.R.P.: $1
Scripture Candy
Birmingham, Ala. / scripturecandy.com / (205) 798-0701
Jesus Star Pop & Bookmark Set
Each set includes a cherry-flavored swirl star lollipop and a “Jesus” bookmark with scripture. The pop and card display the “Jesus, Our Shining Hope” theme. “The Wise Men Seek Jesus” story and a star maze are featured on the inside of the card.
S.R.P: $1.50
Jesus Star Tin with Milk Chocolate
This embossed star-shaped tin features "Jesus Our Shining Hope." The tin is filled with 10 milk chocolate squares
S.R.P: $6.99
Fruit of the Spirit Fruit Snacks
These fruit-flavored snacks are made with real fruit juice. Each individual packet features Galatians 5:22-23 and three “Fruit of the Spirit” scriptures. There are 17 individual packets in a bag.
S.R.P: $3.99
Jesus Harvest Seeds
This award-winning candy corn is made with real honey. Each individual packet features a scripture. There are approximately 17 individual packets inside a bag.
S.R.P: $3.99
Splendid Chocolates
Montreal, Quebec, Canada / splendidchocolates.com / (514) 737-1105
Chocolate Hollow Skull
Spook your friends, family and guests with these realistic, hand-decorated chocolate skulls, made with premium milk chocolate. They’re perfect as a hosting gift, table décor and a conversation piece.
S.R.P.: $4.99
Christmas Elf with Ugly Sweater
This elf loves his ugly sweater, and so will consumers. He’s made with premium milk chocolate and is hand decorated. The packaging also includes ‘To:’ and ‘From:’ spaces and room to write holiday greetings.
S.R.P.: $2.99
