Bazooka Candy Brands, a division of The Topps Co., Inc., is returning to its roots by launching the Bazooka Throwback pack. 

Inspired by Ring Pop’s signature gem shape, this candy features a sweet gummy exterior and a drop of sour gel on the inside. 

During the National Confectioners Association (NCA)’s State of the Industry conference held in Miami Beach earlier this week, several industry leaders were honored. Yesterday, Tony Jacobs, president of Bazooka Candy Brands, a division of New York City-based Topps, received the Advocate of the Year award. On Monday, Krisanne Flamini, category manager for Wawa, Inc., and Barry Phillips, category manager for SpartanNash, were recipients of the NCA’s 2018 Confectionery Leadership Award.

A good reminder of the experiences we create, sell and promote came in the form of the Kids Choice Awards, held this week during ECRM’s Candy Planning: Christmas & Halloween event at the Hilton Chicago.

ECRM hosted its annual Candy Planning: Everyday & Summer Seasonal event Aug. 13-17 at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Fla., where new and previously attending manufacturers showcased more than 100 new, innovative products.

New York City-based The Topps Co. Inc., a leading creator of confectionery, sports cards and entertainment products, has promoted Tony Jacobs to president of Topps’ Global Confectionary Brands Division. 

No Everyday & Summer Seasonal event would be complete without the Buyer’s Choice Awards, sponsored by Candy Industry Magazine and ECRM. Participating candy companies submitted new products for retail buyers to taste. The buyers also voted for their favorite in each of three categories: Chocolate, Non-Chocolate and Novelty.