Fruity flavors are a big part of what defines a gummy or a jelly. Therefore, keeping flavors up to date is important for consumers and manufacturers. But don’t forget about what attracts the consumer’s eye in the first place – the packaging.

Last month, Just Born not only introduced vintage packaging nationally for its MIKE AND IKE brand, but it also added new flavors to its MIKE AND IKE Berry Blast variety. The new flavors are Strawberry, Peach Berry, Wild Berry, Blueberry and Blue Raspberry. The brand’s new retro packaging applies to MIKE AND IKE Original Fruits 6-oz. boxes.

Also last month, Sunrise Confections extended its laydown bag line by introducing six new lower weight products, including 12-oz. bags of Orange Slices, Fruit Slices and Spice Drops; 10-oz. bags of Gummi Bears and Gummi Worms; and 8-oz. bags of Sour Neon Worms.

For 2009, Tootsie Roll introduces new flavors and packaging for Dots for Valentine’s Day, Easter, Halloween and Christmas. Additionally, it plans to launch Original Dots in a 9.5-oz. extra large box and Mini Dots in a 13.5-oz. bag. Each bag holds 17 boxes of Mini Dots for portion control or snacking on the go.