Happy National Taffy Day to all who celebrate! This week's Fun Friday is kicking off with some fun facts from Ferrara's Laffy Taffy, the brand known for jokes on every wrapper. 

Fun facts:

• Loads of Laffy: Did you know Laffy Taffy produces over 18 million pounds of taffy each year? That includes more than 450 million Laffy Taffy Mini Bars, one of the brand’s most popular treats.
• Jokes for days: Laffy Taffy is known for the “dad jokes” on every wrapper. Since 1971, Laffy Taffy has been bringing little bites of delight, and these puns have been a consumer-favorite since the 1980s when they were added to the wrapper to provide entertainment. Decades later, Laffy Taffy features family-friendly consumer submissions from taffy lovers across the country along with crowd-sourced puns. 
• All the flavors: We’re in peak taffy season – there’s an uptick of Laffy Taffy sales in the spring, summer, and of course fall for Halloween. Laffy Taffy’s best-selling product is the assorted Mini Bar variety bag featuring Strawberry, Banana, Sour Apple, and Grape. 
• Top taffy states: The top five states where the most Laffy Taffy is sold are Alabama, South Carolina, Mississippi, Georgia, and Illinois.  

Catalina Snacks launches first national advertising campaign

Catalina Snacks, purveyor of better-for-you snacks and cereals, is lighting up the aisles with the launch of its first-ever national advertising campaign: "The Bright Side of Better." The multi-media campaign includes streaming video and curated graphics produced by the brand’s creative agency, Nomadic, and will be rolling out across national platforms with the help of media agency, Icon International. This high-impact initiative marks a major milestone for the brand as it aims to redefine what better-for-you snacking looks—and tastes—like. 

At the heart of the campaign are two products: Catalina Crunch Cereal and Catalina Crunch Snack Mix. The cereal includes 11 g of protein—five times more than the leading sugary counterpart—and 0 g of sugar. Catalina Crunch Snack Mix includes 10 g of protein and a good source of fiber in every serving.

Supported with meaningful investment to drive awareness and invite new consumers to try Catalina Crunch, “The Bright Side of Better” campaign will run May through October. Consumers and newcomers to the brand can purchase Catalina Crunch at catalinacrunch.com and Amazon, or at major retailers including Walmart, Costco, Whole Foods, Target, Sprouts, and Kroger.

The Cookie Department expands partnership with United Airlines

The Cookie Department has announced an expanded partnership with United Airlines, elevating its mission to combine snacking with meaningful philanthropy. Building on the success of its Crispy Double Chocolate Chip cookies as a snack for purchase onboard, United Airlines will now offer Buy a Bar, Give a Bar as a complimentary treat for First Class passengers on domestic flights.

Buy a Bar, Give a Bar is more than a snack—it’s a commitment. With every bar provided to travelers, The Cookie Department donates bars to support food equity and combat food insecurity. This initiative reflects the company’s dedication to promoting nutritious options while making a tangible difference in communities nationwide. The collaboration highlights United Airlines’ commitment to enhancing passenger experiences while supporting impactful initiatives. 

The Buy a Bar, Give a Bar line includes four flavors: Comforting Apple Cinnamon, Wholesome Oatmeal Chocolate Chip, Zesty Blueberry Pomegranate, and Off-the-Vine Strawberry. Travelers will be able to enjoy these bars on United Airlines, while others can purchase them through The Cookie Department’s website.

Esther Price invites consumers to hit the "Candy Trail" this summer

Esther Price Candies, the Ohio-based chocolatier, is inviting everyone to celebrate the upcoming summer moments with a sweet twist honoring life’s special moment such as graduations, Father’s Day, and more, with handcrafted chocolates.

The Candy Passport Trail is a three-month adventure spanning from May, June, and July, encouraging customers to visit retail locations and earn rewards. Shoppers can currently pick up a Candy Passport booklet at any Esther Price retail store. They can also earn discounts by collecting stickers at every location in Cincinnati and Dayton and have until July 31 to complete the trail for discounts.

Each visit unlocks a new level of reward:

• Complete the Dayton Trail: Visit all participating stores in the Dayton area to receive 15% off your next purchase.
• Complete the Cincinnati Trail: Visit all participating stores in the Cincinnati area to receive 15% off your next purchase.
• Conquer Both Trails: Visit all participating stores in both Dayton and Cincinnati areas to receive 40% off your next purchase.

Patrons can bring their completed passport by July 31 to any Esther Price retail location to claim their reward.

Consumers are encouraged to share their journey on social media using the branded hashtag #EPCandyPassport for a chance to win additional prizes, and a special Father’s Day giveaway will be available exclusively on the brand's website until June 9.

Cheez-It Snap'd teams up with reality TV royalty to introduce snack-inspired accessory

Prepare to dial up your snack and style game with a partnership that's serving looks and flavor. Kellanova's Cheez-It Snap'd—the chip baked with 100% real cheese and reportedly known for its crispy bite—is teaming up with reality TV icon (The Real Housewives of Atlanta) and queen of snap backs, Phaedra Parks, to unveil the Cheez-It Snap'd Back Bag. Designed for consumers who live for drama and demand a snack that matches their energy, this limited-edition snack-inspired accessory is made to dial up the drama and satisfy cravings, on screen and off.

Drawing inspiration from Parks' most unforgettable one-liners, this first-of-its-kind Snap'd Back Bag is made with 100% real shade and styled with reality TV flair. A playful twist on the classic Cheez-It Snap'd bag, the roll-top bag features a secure snap closure—perfect for keeping your drama (and snacks) in check. Decked out in signature Cheez-It red and gold and stamped with one of Parks' iconic quotes, this accessory is designed to pair perfectly with Cheez-It Snap'd chips. 

Just in time for Parks' highly anticipated return to reality TV, the Cheez-It Snap'd Back Bag will debut on May 25 at 9 pm ET, exclusively at CheezIt.com, for $16 with free shipping. Available while supplies last, this limited-edition bag ensures consumers' snacking game is as sharp and snap-worthy as their personalities—because nothing bites back quite like a Cheez-It Snap'd.