'Tis the season for candy eating
Confectionery producers are working hard this holiday season to release LTOs.
Courtesy of Tony's Chocolonely
We're officially in the "circle back" season, as some Instagram memes about emails teasingly say: as in, the throes of the holidays, including Thanksgiving next week and Christmas, Hanukkah, and others next month.
Candy producers, however, are not taking a break (except maybe Kit Kat): there have been a slew of seasonal products released as early as August this year, aimed at making consumers' holidays even merrier.
Recent press releases that have crossed my desk include:
- Haribo holiday-edition gummies, such as a train, candy cane and reindeer shapes, and gifting pieces
- Aldi seasonal confectionery items
- YumEarth better-for-you candy canes
- Hershey holiday LTOs (Sugar Cookie Reese's, anyone?)
- Mars LTOs (Holiday Toasted Peanut M&M's—yes, please)
We also can't forget Advent calendars. I was at Aldi the other day and they had some pretty interesting ones, like wine- and cheese-themed varieties, but confectionery manufacturers have consumers covered with:
- Harry Potter Marauder's Map Trivia Advent Calendar, from Jelly Belly
- Sour Patch Kids' Advent calendar
- Tony's Chocolonely Countdown Calendar
Holiday gatherings also provide an opportunity to share one's favorite snacks and candies with family and friends. According to NCA, 95% of Americans say they plan to share chocolate and candy with friends and family for the winter holidays. NCA also shares that "there's no wrong way to eat a candy cane": 54% of people say they start with the straight end, while 30% of respondents enjoy the curved end first and 16% of people break it into pieces before they eat it.
Candy Industry would like to wish all of its readers a happy holiday season—feel free to email me at ParkerKuhnE@bnpmedia.com with your favorite treat to enjoy or share during these months.
