Eight products I loved at the 2026 ECRM show
The Christmas and Halloween conference showcased trending flavors and more.
ECRM recently hosted its annual Candy Planning: Christmas & Halloween program from Feb. 16–18, at the Hyatt Regency DFW in Dallas, TX.
The organization brings together manufacturers and candy buyers for video meetings that last 10 or 20 minutes. Candy Industry met with more than 25 manufacturers to learn more about the products they debuted or showcased during the three-day session.
Below are the products I saw and thought were interesting during the program.
Alpine Net Corp.
Courtesy of Alpine Net Corp.
Alpine Net Corp., a wholesaler distributor, showcased many products at the show, including Molly Bz cookies, chocolate bars, and BreathRox. The candy is a sugar-free popping breath mint with zinc, and the manufacturer is the only sugar-free popping candy manufacturer in the world it says. BreathRox originally debuted in 2012 and relaunched with new flavors in Dec. 2023 and 2024, and was named Most Innovative New Product in the Gums & Mints category at last year's Sweets & Snacks Expo. Last December, the brand also launched a fourth flavor, Chili Lime Mango, in a proprietary "shake shot" bottle, the company says.
Design International Group, Inc. (DIG)
Courtesy of DIGDesign International Group (DIG) also showed a variety of products at the conference. The company primarily is private label-focused, and it has the license for Squishmallows, the #1 toy brand for girls up to age 18, it says. The Original Squishmallows Gummy Bento Box includes multiple gummy candies in one shareable container, with Squishmallows holiday character designs inside and out. The premium packaging is ideal for gifting and seasonal displays, the company notes, and there is a mystery jumbo creme-fluff candy in the center of the box. The suggested retail price for the candy is $7.49.
Durukan Confectionery Inc.
Courtesy of Durukan Confectionery
Durukan Confectionery's Magical Moods brand just announced the U.S. launch of the brand, with Organic Liquid Candy in an interactive spray format and Cloudy Bites, an organic freeze-dried hard candy. Magical Moods Organic Liquid Candy offers a bold, fruit-forward taste experience in Strawberry and Pineapple flavors, packaged in a bottle designed for impulse-driven retail environments, the brand says. Cloudy Bites aims to modernize the traditional hard candy format through advanced freeze-drying technology, creating an airy crunch that intensifies fruit flavor while delivering a lighter, crispy eating experience. The line is available in Strawberry, Watermelon, and Orange flavors.
Galerie
Courtesy of Liz Parker Kuhn
Galerie exhibited many different flavors of truffles and other chocolates, saying that it will be expanding its collection of global flavors such as its matcha line. The producer also is focusing on Dubai chocolate truffles and bars. Its Ube-style tgtruffles (not yet released) include coconut, mango, and rice crisps.
Hammond's (Ampersand)
Courtesy of Hammond's
Hammond's, now united with Lolli & Pops under one company name, Ampersand, showcased its chocolate bar flavors at the show, as well as its private-label items, Dubai Pistachio Candy Cane with chocolate filling, and ]caramels. Hammond's Holiday Chocolate Bar Collection will be released for Christmas this year and includes three new flavors and refreshed packaging. Varieties include Candy Cane Crunch (returning), Cherry Cordial, Gingerbread, and Mexican Hot Cocoa. The brand also now makes marshmallows, with innovative flavors such as Cinnamon Churro, Peppermint, Cinnamon Roll, and Mint Chocolate Chip.
Happy Yummies
Courtesy of Happy Yummies
Gummy producer Happy Yummies is set to launch its Minecraft Gummy Blocks in retail stores on April 1, with expansion to Amazon on May 1. The brand aims to include bold flavors, imaginative shapes, and eye-catching packaging with all of its products, it says. Its Sour Gummy Minecraft Blocks are sour, sugar-coated gummies formulated with natural colors and available in 12 flavors. Each cube delivers a distinct flavor experience, turning every bite into a new adventure inspired by the world of Minecraft, the brand adds.
Maud Borup
Courtesy of Maud Borup
Maud Borup had many novelty items on display at ECRM this year, including its 10-lb. Easter bunny plus its Shirley Temple-flavored Cotton Candy Glitter Drink Bombs. The Easter Bunny (SRP: $139.99 at Costco) was released in early February, and is handcrafted in the U.S. using dark, milk, and white Fair Trade-certified chocolate; it stands 22 inches tall out of the box. The glitter bomb (aka edible glitter) will be shipped out starting in September for the holiday season, and it is nut-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, and fat-free, with 10 calories per serving. The company was also showing its Pistachio gift collection, which includes cookies, brittle, a Dubai chocolate bar, and socks, plus a chocolate Nutcracker and a 1-lb. milk chocolate egg for Easter.
