ECRM hosted its annual Candy Planning: Christmas & Halloween event Feb. 19-22 at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.

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

However, no Christmas & Halloween event would be complete without the Kid’s Choice Awards, sponsored by Candy Industry Magazine and ECRM. Participating candy companies submitted products for young people from the Boys and Girls Club of Southern Nevada to sample. 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. A look at the winning companies and products appears below, along with other new products that caught our attention at the show.

Kid’s Choice WINNERS!

Best New Non-chocolate

Just Born, Inc.
Bethlehem, Pa. /
(610) 867-7568

Christmas Cookie Peeps

Many consumers associate Peeps, soft, sugar-sprinkled marshmallow chicks, with Easter, but they now have a Christmas-inspired cousin. These Peeps are flavored to taste like sugar cookies, and they’re dipped in white fudge to recreate the cookie and icing flavor combination.

S.R.P.:  N/A

Best New Novelty

Atlantic Candy Co.
St. Augustine, Fla.
(904) 429-7520

Toy Box

The Toy Box combines two of children’s favorite things: chocolate and surprises. A round, patented plastic capsule separates collectible toys from gluten-free, non-GMO chocolate. The Safe-Capsule design has been approved by the Federal Drug Administration. Toys include sea creatures, as well as cats and dogs under the name Pocket Pets.

S.R.P.: $2.99

Best New Chocolate

Edward Marc Brands
Pittsburgh, Pa. 
(412) 380-0888

Snappers Minis

Lightning has struck twice for Edward Marc Brands. After winning Best Chocolate last year with Peanut Butter Snappers, the Pittsburgh, Pa.-based company took the same category with Snappers Minis. These treats combine chocolate, caramel and pretzels in sweet, bite-sized pieces — perfect for kids. While Edward Marc Brands submitted the Original Milk Chocolate variety, they’re also available in Dark Chocolate Sea Salt and Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter flavors.

S.R.P.: (3 oz.) $1.29-$2.39

Check out these new products from the ECRM Show!

Atkinson Candy Co.

Lufkin, Texas
(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, Apple Caramel, Gingerbread and Chocolate Peppermint.

S.R.P.: (4-oz. peg bag) $1.29

Baron Chocolatier

Vernon Hills, Ill.
(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.: $2.99-$3.99

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.: $2.99-$3.99

Brown & Haley

Tacoma, Wash.
(253) 620-3000

Sea Salt Caramel Almond ROCA

Brown & Haley has put another twist on its classic Almond ROCA. Caramel-flavored buttercrunch toffee is combined with sea salt and almonds for an indulgent treat.

S.R.P.: (5 oz.) $4.49

CandyRific

Louisville, Ky. 
(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

Candy Treasure

Lebanon, N.J.
(201) 830-3600

Christmas Emoji Choco Treasure

A delicious milk chocolate shell hides Christmas-themed emoji surprise, making it a perfect stocking stuffer. There are 24 different emoji toys to collect.

S.R.P.: $1.50

Churchill’s Confectionery

Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
44-20-82071234

Stocking tins

These embossed tins are sure to brighten up any coffee table or mantle. Available in two holiday designs, they may come with hard candies, gummies and cookies.

S.R.P.: $9.99

Art Deco tins

With finely dressed ladies and jewel-tone embellishments, these embossed tins will take consumers back to the Jazz Age. They’re available in four designs.

S.R.P.: $16-$18

Big Wheel tins

These embossed tins invoke the character of a Victorian carnival or fair. The characters appear on the front and back of the round tin.

S.R.P.: $12

Create A Treat

Brampton, Ontario, Canada  
(905) 458-9666

Hershey’s Chocolate Cookie House kit

Put a new spin on the classic gingerbread house with these Hershey’s-themed kits. With chocolate cookies for the base and walls, the kits also come with icing, Candy Cane Hershey Kisses, Jolly Rancher Awesome Twosome Chews, Twizzlers Twists, Hershey’s Mini Bars and holly leaves and berries for decoration.

S.R.P. (425 g) $9.99 -$11.99

Delixie

Lake Forest, Calif.
(949) 394-0842

Spoonful

Perfect for the gifting season, Spoonful is a sweet treat nestled in a ceramic spoon. Flavors include Chocolate Almond, Caramel, Fruit & Nut Mix and Peppermint for the holidays.

S.R.P.: $6.99-$9.99

Schlagers Craft Brew Nuts

With a mix of salty, spicy and sweet flavors, these snacks pair with any beer. They’re available in seven varieties:

• Balsamic Habanero Mixed Nuts
• Bourbon Flavored Pistachios
• Smoked Jerky Almonds
• Zesty Party Mix
• Bacon Cheddar Peanuts
• Chili and Lime Peanuts
• Whole Cranberry Pops

S.R.P.: $3.29-$6.29 (flavor dependent)

Divine Chocolate

Washington, D.C.  
(202) 332-8913

Dark Chocolate with Toffee and Sea Salt

Seriously smooth 70 percent dark chocolate is paired with a dash of sea salt, perfectly balancing the sweet crunch of toffee.

S.R.P.: (3.5 oz) $3.69

Dark Chocolate with Pink Himalayan Salt

Smooth, rich dark chocolate is blended with the satisfying flavor of pink Himalayan salt.

S.R.P.: (3.5 oz) $3.69

Enstrom Candies

Grand Junction, Colo.  
(970) 242-1655

Peppermint Cookie Belles

For the holidays, Enstrom Candies has combined gluten-free vanilla cookie pieces, peppermint oil and dark chocolate to form the Peppermint Cookie Belles. Each piece is individually wrapped. New holiday packaging features a Colorado mountain range that lines up with mountains on packages of Enstrom’s other items.

S.R.P.: (4.75 oz.) $4.99

Mint Meltaways

Creamy spearmint is layered in milk chocolate for a sweet that melts in your mouth. Gift these individually-wrapped chocolates or enjoy them yourself as an indulgent after-dinner treat.

S.R.P.: (4.75 oz.) $4.99

Peppermint Cookie Bark

Like the Peppermint Cookie Belles, the bark features gluten-free cookies, peppermint oil and dark chocolate, but this is formed into a 3-oz. bar with eight breakable pieces.

S.R.P.: (3 oz.) $3.49

Everton Toffee Co.

El Segundo, Calif.
(630) 699-7210

Toffee-covered Pretzels

Crunchy pretzels are covered in signature Everton butter toffee for a sweet and salty treat. They’re also available with toasted pecans.

S.R.P. (4 oz.) $3.99-$4.99

Butter toffee caramels

These individually-wrapped caramels are soft and creamy and have the flavor of rich butter toffee.

S.R.P. (4 oz.) $3.99-$4.99

Ferrara Candy Co.

Oakbrook Terrace, Ill.
(708) 366-0500

Trolli Sour Brite Dip’n Crawlers

Not for the faint at heart, Dip’n Crawlers include Trolli’s classic, colorful gummy worms and a sour gel for dipping.

S.R.P.: N/A

Brach’s Cookies and Cream Candy Corn

Known for putting new spins on candy corn, Brach’s now has a Cookies and Cream variety. Flavors include Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal, Cookies and Cream and Butter Cookies.

S.R.P.: N/A

Brach’s marshmallow characters

Add some holiday cheer to your Christmas stockings with these colorful, sugar-sprinkled marshmallow characters, available in Jolly Santa and Merry Penguin.

S.R.P.: N/A

Red Hot, Now and Later Candy Canes

Mix it up with this holiday season with these sweet and spicy candy canes. Available in a 6-count box, the Now and Later canes are cherry-flavored. Like their round counterparts, the Red Hot candy canes are cinnamon-flavored. They come in a 12-count box.

S.R.P.: N/A

G. Debbas Chocolatier

Fresno, Calif.
(559) 294-2071

Cocoa Crate 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

Cocoa Crate Pairing Chocolate Bark

With salty, sweet and crunchy inclusions, these chocolate barks are designed to pair with your favorite adult beverages. Flavors include:

• Bourbon: 60 percent dark chocolate with flavored smoked bacon bits.
• Beer: 42 percent chocolate blend with pretzels and potato chips.
• Wine: 60 percent dark chocolate with dark chocolate chips.
• Whiskey: 55 percent dark chocolate with English toffee topping.

S.R.P.: N/A

Cocoa Crate Almond Collection

Crunchy almonds are paired with chocolate coatings inspired by classic cocktails and beverages. Flavors include:

• Whiskey Old Fashioned Cherry
• Chocolate Lemon Drop
• Chocolate Piña Colada
• Chocolate Margarita
• Pumpkin Spice Harvest

S.R.P.: N/A

Gerrit J. Verburg Co.

Fenton, Mich.  
(810) 750-9779

Chanukah Gelt, Fort Knox Tower Box

Gerrit’s signature Chanukah gelt and Fort Knox gold coins are now available in a 1-lb. tower. The Belgian chocolate is non-GMO, gluten-free and kosher-certified.

S.R.P.: $7.99-$9.99

Imaginings 3 - Flix Candy

Niles, Ill.  
(847) 647-1370

Sugar Skull Lip Pops

Turning Sugar Skulls into candy lip pops adds something sweet and fun to any Day of the Dead celebration. They’re available in Strawberry and Blueberry flavors.

S.R.P.: $1

Bump ‘N Blink

Available in a grinning jack-o-lantern and a sheepish mummy, the Bump ‘N Blink toys light up with a light tap. They also include 0.42 oz. of orange, yellow and black jelly beans.

S.R.P.: $2.49

Halloween Tattoo Lollipops

These lollipops will leave spooky shapes on candy lovers’ tongues. Flavors include Orange, Blue Raspberry, Green Apple and Strawberry, while tattoo shapes include Frankenstein, Scream, a vampire, a skull and a hockey mask character.

S.R.P.: (75-ct. bag) $4.99

Kathy Kaye Foods

Logan, Utah  
(435) 563-0204

EnJoy Popcorn

Known for popcorn-based treats, Kathy Kaye has put a festive twist on the classic caramel corn. Available in giftable gable boxes, EnJoy comes in two flavors: Chocolatey Cherry and Perfectly Peppermint.

S.R.P.: (3 oz.) $3.49-$3.99

Liberty Orchards Co.

Cashmere, Wa.  
(509) 782-2191

Fruitlets

Originally inspired by Liberty Orchards’ Fruit & Nut candies, the soft, juicy Fruitlets come without nuts and punched-up flavor. These fat- and gluten-free treats are available in three assortments: Orchard Rave, Tropical Frolic and Berry Fiesta.

S.R.P.: (4.5 oz.) $3.99

Little Secrets

Boulder, Colo.
(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 FairTrade-certified and made without artificial colors and flavorings.

S.R.P.: (5 oz.) $4.99

Loc Maria Biscuits

Philadelphia, Pa.
1-610-613-3056

Gavottes Crispy Crepes

New to the United States, Gavottes Crispy Crepe biscuits are rolled eight times for the perfect crunch. They’re available in a variety of flavors, including Milk and Dark Chocolate. The Gavottes range also features filled, bite-sized crepes, available in four flavors: Caramel, Cocoa and Hazelnut; Basil Pesto; and Boursin Cheese, Garlic and Fine Herbs.

S.R.P.: $2.99-$3.99

Mondelez/Cadbury

Birmingham, Scotland, United Kingdom
44-151-676-2352

Cadbury Snowy Fingers

These thin biscuits have a festive twist. They’re dipped in Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate and white chocolate to mimic snow. Characters on the packaging are wearing hats and scarves, adding to the winter motif.

S.R.P.: (8.1 oz.) $4.99

Animals Mini Biscuits Festive Edition

Like their animal-shaped counterparts, these biscuits are half-covered with milk chocolate. For the holidays, they’re shaped like reindeer, snowmen and Santa.

S.R.P.: (5.3 oz.) $2.99

NECCO

Revere, Mass.
(781) 485-4500

Haviland Thin Mints

NECCO’s classic Haviland Thin Mints are now available in holiday packaging featuring a red bow. While the packages occupy the same shelf space, they now contain 3.9 oz or 5.5 oz. of product. The thin mints are available in Original, Orange and Raspberry.

S.R.P.: (5.5 oz.) $1.69

Niche Gourmet

Grand Rapids, Mich.
(616) 698-0666

Choc’Tales Christmas characters

Single-origin Belgian chocolate is used for these holiday characters, which include Santa, reindeer and gingerbread men in a variety of sizes.

S.R.P.: N/A

Original Gourmet Food Co.

Salem, N.H.
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

Peppermint snowflake stirrers

Topped with a snowflake these peppermint-flavored stirrers will add festive flair to any cup of hot chocolate.

S.R.P.: $0.99-$1.49

Holiday Taffy

Original Gourmet has put a holiday spin on the company’s Taffy Wheels. Three feet of swirled taffy is shaped into red and green Christmas trees and a Blue Raspberry snowman.

S.R.P.: (3.1 oz.) $0.99-$1.49

Pearson’s Candy Co.

St. Paul, Minn.
(651) 698-0356

7th Street Confections Chocolate Thins

Under 7th Street Confections, Pearson’s first brand introduction since 1933, the company has launched Chocolate Thins — crunchy, sweet and fruity inclusions pressed into non-GMO chocolate. For the holidays, Pearson’s has created three flavors: Milk Chocolate Sugar Cookie & Sprinkles, Dark Chocolate Pretzel & Peppermint, and White Chocolate Raspberry & Dark Chocolate Chips.

S.R.P.: (4.7 oz) $3.99-$5.99

Perfetti Van Melle

Erlanger, Ky.
(859) 283-1234

Airheads gum

The newest Airheads creation is a soft, sugar-free gum that includes a strip of Airheads micro-candies, providing a burst of flavor. The gum is available in three flavors: Blue Raspberry, Watermelon and Cherry.

S.R.P.: (14 sticks) $1-$1.29

PEZ Candy

Orange, Conn.
(203) 795-0531

Snow globe dispenser

This festive PEZ dispenser will be at home in any Christmas stocking. It features a snow globe with a snowman and Christmas trees.

S.R.P.: $1.69-$2.19

Ornaments with miniature dispensers

These ornaments will dress up the Christmas tree of your favorite PEZ lover. Each comes with a single miniature dispenser. Available characters include an elf, an angel and Santa.

S.R.P.: $2.49-$3.69

Piedmont Candy Co.

Lexington, N.C.
(336) 248-5878

Holiday, Harvest Candy Puffs

Piedmont’s classic Red Bird soft mints have gotten a seasonal twist. The new Harvest Mix features flavors such as Maple, Caramel Apple and Cranberry Orange. The Holiday Assortment includes flavors such as Snickerdoodle, Gingerbread and Sugar Plum. Both are in packaging featuring a cut-out of the Red Bird.

S.R.P.: (4 oz.) $1

Scripture Candy

Birmingham, Ala.
(205) 798-0701

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

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

Shenzen Amos Sweets & Foods Co.

Shenzen, China
86-755-3391-6888

4D Gummy Blocks

These colorful gummies are shaped like popular building blocks, but these are edible. Their texture is stiffer than traditional gummies for easier stacking and building. Flavors include Strawberry, Apple, Blueberry and Lemon.

S.R.P.: (228 g) $2

Splendid Chocolates

Montreal, Quebec, Canada
(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

Star Brands North America

Stanford, Conn.
(203) 329-4545

Godiva Masterpieces

Godiva’s newest creation proves that simplicity and craft make a winning combination. These individually-wrapped chocolates are available in single-flavor bags and an assortment for the holidays. Varieties include Milk Chocolate Caramel Lion of Belgium, Milk Chocolate Hazelnut Oyster and Dark Chocolate Ganache Heart.

S.R.P.: (5 oz.) $3.99

Godiva assortments

Featuring the most popular chocolate pieces at Godiva boutiques, these red and gold holiday boxes are sure to stand out. They’re available in four sizes: 5 pieces, 9 pieces, 15 pieces and 22 pieces.

S.R.P.: (22 pieces) $19.99

DeMets Turtles Penguins

DeMets has reintroduced the signature Turtles Eggs as penguins and polar bears for the holidays. Each milk chocolate egg is filled with caramel and pecans and is wrapped in foil featuring a friendly penguin or polar bear.

S.R.P.: (1.2 oz.) $1

Storck USA

Chicago
(312) 467-5700

Werther’s Original assorted caramels

This holiday assortment is sure to please any caramel lover. It includes Werther’s Original favorites such as soft caramels, hard caramels and the brand’s newest creation, the Cocoa Crème Soft Caramels, in a festive box.

S.R.P.: $4.99-$5.99

Merci gift card box

The Merci gift card box makes showing loved ones a little sweetness even easier. The box, which features eight Merci chocolate flavors, has a slot for a gift card and “to” and “from” spaces to write names of the recipient and gifter.

S.R.P.: $7.99

Taste of Nature/Shari Candies

Santa Monica, Calif.
(310) 396-4433

Muddy Bears coffin box

These chocolate-covered gummy bears are available in a spooky coffin-shaped box for Halloween. The box includes 12 0.5-oz. packages. Flavors include Apple, Strawberry and Pineapple.

S.R.P.: (6 oz.) $5.99

Yves Thuries

Marssac-sur-Tarn, France
33-5-63-53-05-05

Dark Chocolate Peppermint Macarons

Peppermint essential oil freshens these macarons, which also have unique shape, texture (smooth inside and crunchy outside) and color (natural).               

S.R.P.: (177 g) $4.99

Chocolate bars

Made with Salpa cocoa from Ecuador, these chocolate bars feature unique fillings and inclusions. New flavors include Dark Chocolate Peppermint (with essential peppermint oil); Blond Chocolate Dulce de Leche; Blond Chocolate with Matcha, Milk Chocolate Mango and Milk Chocolate Banana.

S.R.P.: (85 g) $3.99

Chocolate Fondue

Rich, melty chocolate is ready for dipping after two minutes in the microwave. Perfect for fruit, cookies or even ice cream, the three-pack comes with 8.81-oz. tubs of 54 percent Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate and Milk Chocolate with Wafers.

S.R.P.: (26.45 oz.) $14.99