Kona Ice, the mobile shaved ice franchise, announced that it will launch its first confections from Hilco Sweets and CandyRific for Valentine’s Day 2026. The strategic partnership aims to offer consumers an exciting new way to enjoy their favorite Kona Ice experience beyond the mobile trucks, the company says.

The Kona Ice Gummy Heart Box (1.76-oz) arrived on shelves December 26, 2025, just in time for Valentine's Day 2026. These specially crafted gummy candies are shaped like Kona Ice cups and aim to deliver the brand's signature tropical flavors in an innovative candy format. This partnership bridges the gap between nostalgic shaved ice memories and convenient candy enjoyment, the brands note.

Building on this launch, the brands also debuted Kona Ice Popping Splash, a multi-sensory candy experience that combines three confection elements in one package: classic lollipops (flavor), candy gel (flavor), and popping candy (flavor). The new treat will arrive at stores for Easter this year. 

The partnership brings together established confectionery expertise with a lifestyle brand, the two companies say. Hilco Sweets and CandyRific, both Kentucky-based companies, bring decades of candy manufacturing and distribution experience to the collaboration, they add.

"Kona Ice represents pure childhood joy and community connection, making it the perfect partner for our confectionery innovations," says Emily Edmondson, EVP, Hilco Sweets. "This collaboration unites two family-friendly, flavor-forward brands to create something truly special that will delight consumers across multiple generations."

The comprehensive candy line will feature Kona Ice's most popular flavors, including Tiger's Blood, Blue Raspberry, Pina Colada, Ninja Cherry, and Watermelon Wave across multiple confection formats. Products will include dual-flavored gummies, lollipops, popping candy, and seasonal sweets, marking the brand's first venture into packaged candy while maintaining the tropical taste profiles that have made Kona Ice a community favorite nationwide, it says.

“We are thrilled to bring the joy of Kona Ice to retail shelves for Valentine’s Day and Easter,” says Tony Lamb, CEO and founder, Kona Ice. “This marks our first licensed product launch and it’s a major milestone in delivering the real flavors and happiness of Kona Ice beyond the truck. We’re excited to share another Kona Ice experience with families everywhere.” 

The license agreement between Kona Ice and Hilco and Candyrific was brokered by Brandgenuity, the exclusive licensing agency for Kona Ice, which is managing the development and rollout of the Kona Ice licensing program.

Related - Video: Kona Ice on its CandyRific, Hilco Sweets candy line