The 2011 National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) show, held Oct. 1-4 at McCormick Place in Chicago, offered attendees a chance to see the latetest and greatest in new products. Here, Candy Industrytakes a look at some of its favorites from the show. 



The 2011 National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) show, held Oct. 1-4 at McCormick Place in Chicago, offered attendees a chance to see the latest and greatest in new products. Here, Candy Industrytakes a look at some of its favorites from the show. 

Nature Valley Fruit Twists
General Mills, Golden Valley, Minn.
(800) 767-5404
General Mills has put a fun twist on snacking with the introduction of Natural Valley Fruit Twists, developed exclusively for the convenience channel. An ideal fit for the candy or snack aisle, Nature Valley Fruit Twists are available in cherry and strawberry varieties. Each 1.27-oz. package delivers two servings of fruit, and is 100% natural and gluten-free.

S.R.P.: (1.27-oz. stick) $1.39



Warheads Sour Twists
Impact Confections, Littleton, Colo.
www.impactconfections.com
(303) 626-2222
The latest Warheads product is pretty twisted. Sour Twists feature a twisted extruded chewy candy with a fruity center and just-right sour coating. Three delicious flavors of lemon, green apple, and watermelon are twirled in every twist, which can be eaten as one, or pulled apart and enjoyed one flavor at a time.
S.R.P.: (2 oz. package) $.99 to $1.29.


DeMets Hazelnut Turtle
DeMet’s Candy Co., Stamford, Conn.
www.demetscandy.com/
(203) 329-4545
DeMets has enhanced its signature Turtle by adding hazelnut to the mix. The result is an satisfying change to an old favorite that allows the hazelnut to shine without drastically changing the Turtle’s classic milk chocolate and caramel flavor profile. The product also is available in holiday packaging.
S.R.P.: (2.9-oz.) $2.49, (6.4-oz.) $4.79



3 Musketeers Coconut
Mars Chocolate North America, Hackettstown, N.J.
http://www.mars.com
(908) 852-1000
Following the success of its M&M’s Coconut product, Mars has introduced the flavor to another fan favorite, 3 Musketeers. Coconut lovers will experience the flavor in the signature light and fluffy chocolate nougat wrapped in rich, milk chocolate.
S.R.P.: (1.49-oz.) $1.09


Mentos UP2U
Perfetti Van Melle USA, Erlanger, Ky.
(800) 283-5988
Mentos has introduced a new gum package that allows consumers to change their mind even after they’ve already paid for their gum. The UP2U packs feature two flavors in each package, and come in four varities, including: Sweet Mint/Bubble Fresh, Daylight Mint/Midnight Mint, Berry Watermelon/ Fresh Mint and Mandarin Strawberry/Spearmint.
S.R.P.: (14 pieces) $1.49


Ice Breakers Duo
The Hershey Co., Hershey, Pa.
www.ice-breakers.com
(800) 468-1714
Ice Breakers' latest treat combines two flavor experiences in one mint, for a “fruit + cool” flavor. Specifically, one side of the mint is fruit-flavored and textured, while the other is a cooling and smooth with flavor crystals. The confection comes in either Strawberry or Raspberry flavors and will be available in April.
S.R.P.: N/A