Hershey highlights candy innovation at NACS 2025
New collabs, flavors, and king-size confections will be on display.
The Hershey Company is spotlighting its latest confectionery launches at the 2025 NACS Show Expo, taking place October 15–17 in Chicago, IL. The company's candy showcase, which can be found at booth #S570, includes the Reese’s Oreo Cup, as well as new and upcoming offerings from Rolo, Jolly Rancher, Shaq-A-Licious XL Gummies, and Sour Strips, among other products. These innovations reflect Hershey’s strategic focus on driving repeat purchases and increasing basket sizes in convenience retail through data-backed merchandising and promotional tactics.
Reese’s Oreo Cup leads the lineup
Combining milk chocolate and white creme peanut butter cups with OREO cookie crumbs, the Reese’s Oreo Cup merges two of America’s top brands. The product is on track to become one of Reese’s most successful product introductions, offering strong potential for growth in the convenience channel.
Expanding the sweets portfolio
Jolly Rancher Ropes Tropical Flavor adds Fruit Punch and Mango flavors, building on 30.7% category growth since 2021. Shaq-A-Licious XL Gummies, shaped like sneakers and available in Strawberry, Mango, and Lime, continue to gain traction as one of the fastest-growing sweets brands since their 2024 debut.
Sour Strips, a fast-rising sour candy brand launched in 2019, joins Hershey’s portfolio with bold flavors and vibrant branding. Available in 3.4 oz and 10.2 oz bags, Sour Strips is gaining popularity among younger consumers and expanding Hershey’s reach in the sour candy segment.
Rolo is also expanding into king-size format starting November 2025, offering its signature caramel-filled chocolate in a larger, more shareable pack. The launch includes refreshed branding and packaging to enhance shelf appeal.
Mint innovation
Ice Breakers Fruity Mix Mints introduce a fruit-forward twist, featuring Strawberry, Tangerine Citrus, and Watermelon flavors. Available in mint pucks, this launch responds to growing demand for fruity mint options in convenience retail.
Confectionery promotions drive performance
Hershey reports a 56% average unit lift from candy promotions in convenience stores, with standard-size bars outperforming king-size formats by a factor of three. These bars now account for 15% of total Candy, Mint, and Gum (CMG) sales. Bundling strategies also show strong results, with 34% of shoppers including candy in their foodservice bundles.
Executive insight
“We work hand-in-hand with our retail partners to make every shopper interaction count,” says Tiffany Menyhart, chief customer officer at The Hershey Company. “Through thoughtful pack and product innovation grounded in consumer trends and understanding, we help retailers deliver more options and help increase sales.”
The Hershey Company is on the current Candy Industry “Global Top 100 Candy Companies” list. Click here to view the current “Global Top 100” rankings.
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