The annual Candy Planning: Everyday & Non-Seasonal ECRM event offers buyers a chance to see what’s in store for the coming year. This year, candy makers set up shop in a hotel or conference room at the Marriott New Orleans, Sept. 15-Sept. 18, while buyers went from room to room to get a personal look at the all the delicious new candy slated to debut in the coming months.

Candy Industry Magazine and ECRM also hosted a Buyer’s Choice award again this year. Manufacturers supplied 100 samples of their favorite new items, and the buyers had a chance to vote for their favorite New Chocolate, New Non-Chocolate and New Novelty items. The winners received free advertising in the November issue as well as digital ads online.Candy Industry would like to thank everyone who participated in the event and offer all of the winners our sincerest congratulations! 

Also, be sure to check out the Buyer’s Roundtable discussion held during the ECRM event. It’s full of candid insights and enlightening conversation!

Buyer’s Choice Winners

Best New Non-Chocolate:

Eatwhatever

Eatwhatever, New York, N.Y. / (646) 403-7636

Eatwhateveris a revolutionary breath freshener that works in your stomach and your mouth. So, if someone eats garlic or onion, they can take Eatwhatever, and have perfectly kissable breath. When swallowed, the gel caps’ organic peppermint and parsley seed oils work from inside to make breath kissable and calm the stomach. And, the sugar-free mint gives you instant minty breath while you wait for the gel cap to dissolve in your stomach.

S.R.P.:$3.20-$3.99

Best New Novelty:

Bazooka Gummi Rings

Bazooka Candy Brands, New York / (866) 949-1666

Get ready to see Ring Pop’s softer side.  Bazooka Candy Brands is extending their best-selling Ring Pop lollipop brand with the debut ofRing Pop Gummies. The new, gummy version of Ring Pop makes gummy candy wearable, shareable, and more fun to consume than ever before. Available in four classic Ring Pop flavors: Strawberry, Cherry, Watermelon and Blue Raspberry.

S.R.P.:N/A

Best New Chocolate:

Klondike Candy

Imaginings 3, Inc. – Flix Candy, Niles, Ill. / (847) 647-1370

This new treat is sure to melt in your mouth! It comes in two delicious flavors. Mint Chocolate Chip features a refreshing mint center filled with mint chocolate chips and is covered in a dark chocolate-flavored coating. Meanwhile, Klondike Caramel has a creamy caramel center covered in milk chocolate flavored coating.

 S.R.P.:$1