ECRM hosted its annual Candy Planning: Christmas & Halloween program Feb. 16-19 at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

For those unfamiliar, ECRM brings together manufacturers and candy buyers for meetings that resemble speed dating, since they have just 10 or 20 minutes at each appointment.

However, no Christmas & Halloween program would be complete without the Kid’s Choice Awards, sponsored by Candy Industry and ECRM. Participating candy companies submitted products for young people from the Boys & Girls Club from Southern Nevada to sample and judge. The kids cast ballots for their favorite in each of three categories: Chocolate, Non-Chocolate and Novelty. 

Candy Industry extends its congratulations to the winners. Check back for full coverage of the session!

Best Chocolate

Meiji America
York, Pa. / meijiamerica.com / (717) 654-8173
Hello Panda Chocolate
Packaged in single-serve pouches perfect for Halloween buckets or holiday stockings, these treats include a chocolate creme center with a crunchy shell. Each piece features a panda design, with festive ones available for Halloween and wintertime.
S.R.P. (20-ct. 0.5-oz. pouches): $3.99

Best Non-Chocolate

American Licorice Co.
LaPort, Ind. / americanlicorice.com / (510) 487-5500
Sour Punch Christmas Trees
These chewy tree shapes are packed in small pouches, perfect for stocking stuffers. Available in Cherry and Lime flavors, they come as half trees for fun pairing options. The winter-themed packaging features a to/from tag. 
S.R.P. (2.5 oz.): $1

Best Novelty

Bazooka Candy Brands
New York, N.Y. / topps.com / (212) 376-0300
Push Pop Gummy Roll
Push Pop Gummy Roll features a patent-pending dispenser that lets consumers push out and tear off their ideal piece of sanded gummy candy and then save the rest for later. Push Pop Gummy Roll is available in four flavors: Strawberry, Watermelon, Blue Raspberry and Berry Blast. 
S.R.P.: $1.79-$1.99