Happiness Unwrapped at 2012 SWEETS & SNACKS EXPO®

CHICAGO, May 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- With thousands of products making their debut, the National Confectioners Association's SWEETS & SNACKS EXPO®  features classic treats and the most innovative sweets and snacks to hit to store shelves this year at Chicago's McCormick Place, May 8-10. The largest confectionery, cookie and snack show in the Americas, the EXPO has been the place to discover the newest sweet and savory treats shaping the industry. The EXPO is known throughout the industry as the ultimate platform to debut new sweets and snacks products ready to go to market, and this year, is no exception.

From large candy factories to smaller-scale, family-owned startups, more than 560 companies will unwrap a little happiness with the most unique and satisfying treats to date:

Chocolate Cravings

• SANDERS PALISADES COLLECTION Potato Chip Chocolate Bar is a trendy twist on two classic American treats: chocolate and potato chips. The gourmet snack bar with crispy and salty pieces of ridged potato chips mixed into Sanders premium milk chocolate. (Sanders, Booth 1584)
• MARS M&M's® BRAND Dark Chocolate Candies in Mint and Raspberry feature new flavors combined with creamy dark chocolate and coated in a crunchy candy shell. Consumers enjoyed these M&M's® Brand flavors during the winter season, and now they can enjoy them all year round! Combining the decadent Mint and Raspberry flavors with creamy dark chocolate, these new candies are sure to satisfy all taste buds. These flavors come in the regular sized bag, and the new 8-ounce Stand-Up Pouches. (Mars, Booth 1744)
• ENJOY LIFE FOODS Boom Choco Boom Bars – Ricemilk Crunch bars are packed with crispy rice and pack the perfect bite of crunchy, creamy, melt-in-your mouth goodness. Made with non-dairy rice milk, this crunchy bar is not only gluten- and dairy-free – but also free from the eight most-common allergens (wheat, soy, dairy, egg, peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish). (Enjoy Life Foods, Booth 573)
• DORVAL PREMIUM COLLECTION™ Crispy Chocolate Thins are delicate, thin chocolates with a crispy texture, sure to please the taste buds. As the newest flavor profiles in the collection, they now come in milk chocolate with orange and milk chocolate with hazelnut. (Dorval Trading Co., Ltd, Booth 1101)
• THE MADELAINE CHOCOLATE COMPANY Dark Chocolate & Cherry Duets strike the perfect harmony of two great flavors: dark chocolate and cherry. Each truffle has a rich, dark chocolate shell and is filled with dark chocolate ganache and scrumptious cherry preserves. (The Madelaine Chocolate Company, Booth 1337)
• MARS DOVE® BRAND Milk Chocolate Covered Raisins and Peanuts are the perfect pairing: crunchy, roasted peanuts and plump, sweet raisins covered in DOVE® Brand Silky Smooth Milk Chocolate. With this irresistible combination of taste and textures—together in a bite-sized candy—DOVE® already has consumers reaching for more! (Mars, Booth 1744)
• MARS DOVE® BRAND Silky Smooth Cookies and Creme invite adults to savor the grown-up experience with of a favorite childhood flavor - cookies and creme. It's an indulgence that blends sweet and creamy, white chocolate and crunchy chocolate cookie bits into an indulgence that only DOVE® Chocolate can deliver. (Mars, Booth 1744)
• CHOCOME Bars are straight from Hungary and are original, handcrafted chocolate bars with decadent and unique ingredients. Whether in the mood for dark chocolate with crystalized mint leaves, lemon peel and lime chocolate drops, dark chocolate decorated with dried berries and rose petals, or milk chocolate sprinkled with coconut shavings and violet petals, CHOCOME has something to satisfy any craving with more than 40 varieties. (CHOCOME, Booth 1884)   
• GODIVA® CHOCOLATIER Milk Chocolate Truffles are individually wrapped masterpieces of milk chocolate with a creamy milk chocolate filling. Originally from Brussels, these truffles are surely something to savor. (Godiva Chocolatier, Inc., Booth 400)

Freshen Up!

• THE HERSHEY COMPANY ICE BREAKERS Duo Mints in Strawberry & Raspberry varieties are a fruity, cool way to break the ice.  This one-of-a-kind, new product combines a fruity taste with cool breath freshening, all in one mint. The mints have a unique textured fruity side combined with a smooth side of cooling flavor crystals and are available in both strawberry and raspberry varieties. (The Hershey Company, Booth 845)
• EATWHATEVER Breath Fresheners are revolutionary, new, breath fresheners that provide kissable breath in two simple steps: swallow the gel cap and suck on the mint. Unlike other breath fresheners, Eatwhatever provides freshness from within as it works in your stomach and mouth. What's more is that it is vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free and fat-free! (Eatwhatever/Jacquii LLC, Booth 14911)
• PROJECT 7 Quench The Thirsty Wintergreen Mints do just what its name says - quench your thirst! Each test tube is not only filled with 50 mints, but it does more for the greater community by providing clean water for a person in need for a year through your purchase.  Quench your thirst, and give back at the same time. (Project 7, Booth 1888)

Sweet & Sour Power!

• DORVAL TRADING CO. SOUR POWER® Pink Lemonade Candy Straws serve up the sweet and tart taste of a glass of pink lemonade in a candy straw. The bright pink packaging is sure to draw the crowds, while flavor will really make your lips smack! (Dorval Trading Co. Ltd, Booth 1101)
• JELLY BELLY® SNAPPLE® Mix Jelly Beans delivers the "Best Stuff on Earth®" in five sweet and tangy flavors: Fruit Punch, Mango Madness™, Cranberry Raspberry, Pink Lemonade and Kiwi Strawberry. Each delicious flavor of Jelly Belly® bean comes in a mini Snapple® bottle, easily portable and shareable.  (Jelly Belly Candy Co., Booth 831)
• GIMBAL'S FINE CANDIES Sour Gourmet Jelly Beans feature 12 flavors made with real fruit juice and a good source of antioxidant, Vitamin C. With a long-lasting sour experience and innovative approach, they're sure to be a favorite! (Gimbal's Fine Candies, Booth 1001)
• JUSTBORN, INC. MIKE AND IKE have a big announcement to share - they're splitting up! While consumers will see no change in flavors or distribution, the updated boxes have one of the names (Mike and Ike) scratched out with a note on the back and directions to more online information. (Just Born, Inc., Booth 1501)
• CMRI, LLC Magician's Cereal Marshmallows and Crunch Mallows are bags of sweet, crunchy marshmallows just like the ones children enjoy picking out and eating from cereals. Ideal for snacking, but even better floating in a cup of hot cocoa, or on top of ice cream. (CMRI, LLC, Booth 968)
• DIN DON FOODS CORPORATION Soccer Ball is the new juicy jelly in an all-star cup featuring soccer star countries from around the world on the label. It's a sweet treat for any superstar! Squizel is a juicy jelly with real fruit pieces and coconut bits in every bite – an ideal summer delight. (Din Don Foods Corp., Booth 1700)
• DIN DON FOODS CORPORATION Flan is the decadent adult treat for the kid in you. The creamy custard melts in your mouth and transports you to Europe with every bite! (Din Don Foods Corp., Booth 1700)

Poppin' Popcorn

• ROCKY MOUNTAIN POPCORN COMPANY Cinnamon Sugar Popcorn tastes just like mom's homemade cinnamon French toast! Naked Popcorn proves sometimes less is more! The white, naked popcorn is popped to crunchy, fluffy kernels and delicately dusted with salt. (Rocky Mountain Popcorn Company, Booth 306)
• PALO FOODS Cheddar Popcorn comes in stay-fresh bags, featuring America's favorite tastes including: Premium Cheddar, All-Natural White Cheddar and Jalapeno Cheddar for a flavor spike. (Palo Foods Inc., Booth 1070)
• OOGIE'S GOURMET POPCORN Kettle Corn took the beloved sweet & salty kettle corn and "Ooglefied" it with the best ingredients available including evaporated cane juice, sea salt and popcorn. Adding just the secret touches, Oogie's kettle corn is both traditional and modern at the same time. Sundried Tomato & Parmesan delivers a decadent experience with the perfect blend of herbs and cheese. With only 150 calories per serving, the popcorn incorporates Reggiano Parmesan cheese, and a dash of garlic – you'll savor every last kernel! Both are gluten-free, Kosher, 100% whole grain and made using non-GMO corn (Oogie's Gourmet Popcorn, Booth 1687)
• RUDOLPH FOODS CO. Southern Recipe Cheesy Cajun Flavored Popcorn combines the best tasting ingredients with rich, southern pride! Crafted with the Cajun spirit, this popcorn is the tastiest crunch in the South. (Rudolph Foods Co., Inc., Booth 2101)

Salty, Savory Snacking

• EL'S KITCHEN ORIGINAL Medleys Snack Mix draws together all your favorite snacks! El's Kitchen stirs up the party with their own bagel chips and other tasty things, including potato chips, corn chips, pretzels and corn nuts.  This zesty mix is also gluten free, featuring Sour Cream & Onion and Cheddar flavor varieties, as well. (El's Kitchen, Booth 1984)
• BENITA'S PEANUT BRITTLE offers some of the finest quality homemade peanut brittle on the market. Each batch of brittle is exclusively made by hand in old-fashioned kettles and stirred to crunchy perfection. With its buttery-rich flavor and a peanut in every bite, it's sure to delight! (Benita's Peanut Brittle, Booth 1491G)
• RUDOLPH FOODS Lee's Seasoned Piggy Stick is an on-the-go snack that fights man-sized hunger. Each snack contains 5 grams of protein, with only 90 calories and 7 grams of fat. It's available in two satisfying flavors: original with natural smoke flavoring, and seasoned. (Rudolph Foods Co., Inc., Booth 2101)
• RUDOLPH FOODS Hot & Spicy OnYums are flavored snack rings with a spicy kick that is perfect for on-the-go snackers. (Rudolph Foods Co., Inc., Booth 2101)
• SOUTH FLORIDA TRADING & EXPORT CO. Select-A Nougat is the ideal way to satisfy that afternoon sweet-and-salty craving. Made with either cashews or almonds, and of course honey, this cholesterol- and gluten-free bar is that perfect snack on-the-go. Also available in Peanut Brittle, Mixed Brittle and Sesame Brittle. (South Florida Trading & Export Co., Booth 1987)

One Smart Cookie

• ENJOY LIFE FOODS Crunchy Cookies are loaded with Enjoy Life semi-sweet chocolate mini chips. These cookies will satisfy the biggest cookie cravings and are especially made to be gluten-free and free from the eight most-common allergens (wheat, soy, dairy, egg, peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish). (Enjoy Life Foods, Booth 573)
• WALKERS SHORTBREAD Scottie Dog Cookies are a tribute to the Scottish terrier in the form of a special, Scottie dog-shaped shortbread cookie. The whimsical dedication to visual detail is completed with a dedication to taste. Walkers uses real butter and the finest, all-natural ingredients, while containing no artificial flavors, colorings or additives.  Walkers is certified Kosher OUK and is suitable for vegetarians and dog-lovers everywhere. (Walkers Shortbread Inc., Booth 2443)

The Healthy Life

• SIMPLIFIED FOODS, LLC Simple Squares are all natural, herbal-infused whole food snack bars. Free of wheat, gluten, dairy, soy and refined sugars, these nut and honey squares are Kosher and made with just six whole food and organic ingredients. Flavor profiles include rosemary, sage, coconut and now cinnamon-clove. (Simplified Foods, LLC, Booth 1683)
• ENJOY LIFE FOODS Seed and Fruit Mix Mountain Mambo is a nut-free trail mix that is both wholesome and delicious! Great for people with nut allergies, people who don't like nuts or for school-safe classroom snacks, it's specifically made to be gluten-free and free from the eight most-common allergens (wheat, soy, dairy, egg, peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish). (Enjoy Life Foods, Booth 573)
• ENJOY LIFE FOODS Plentils has two new flavors this year: Garlic & Parmesan, and Sea Salt. These chips' unique flavors result in a protein-packed, crunchy experience that is bursting with flavor that you'll savor with its great-tasting "better-for-you" qualities. All Enjoy Life products are specially made to be gluten-free, and free from free from the eight most-common allergens (wheat, soy, dairy, egg, peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish). (Enjoy Life Foods, Booth 573)
• SNAP INFUSION™ Supercandy Beans are a quick and delicious snack made from the stuff you can feel good about devouring. With B vitamins to energize, antioxidants to protect, and electrolytes to balance, these beans will have you feeling super confident! (SNAP Infusion, Booth 2288)

Chewy, Gooey Goodness

• FRANKFORD CANDY, LLC Welch's Filled Licorice—Strawberry and Grape combines a soft licorice outside with a flavorful, strawberry or grape jelly filling inside. Made with real fruit juice and fruit pectin to deliver real-fruit flavors and a unique blend of soft and chewy textures in a one-of-a-kind licorice treat.  (Frankford Candy LLC, Booth 1221)
• GERRIT J. VERBURG Co. Gustaf's Licorice Allsorts are back and on the shelves. With natural flavors and colors, this licorice contains all the original pieces, including the non pareils, to make it a truly Allsorts classic. (Gerrit J. Verburg Co., Booth 1083)
• JUSTBORN, INC. HOT TAMALES® 3 ALARM is sizzling up the summer! America's favorite cinnamon-charged candy now explodes in your mouth with three levels of increasing heat: hot, hotter and hottest! (Just Born, Inc., Booth 1501)
• DIN DON FOODS CORPORATION Jelly Ice Bar is the perfect summer cool off! These plastic tubes are filled with fruity juice and can be enjoyed frozen or at room temperature.  (Din Don Foods Corp., Booth 1700)
• CHIMES GOURMET / ROXY TRADING Ginger Chews are a delightful tangy treat! Made with ginger puree and all natural ingredients, the chews featuring five fabulous flavors—original, mango, orange, peanut butter and peppermint—it's music for your mouth! (Chimes Gourmet/Roxy Trading, Booth 1081)

Happy Holidays

• NECCO PAAS Skybar Eggs are perfect for Easter! With caramel-filled, milk chocolate egg pieces, wrapped in spring colors, the images feature iconic PAAS characters - sure to be a hit with all ages. (NECCO, Booth 1620)
• SCRIPTURE CANDY JOY IN JESUS SNOWMAN TINS will freshen up the holidays! This adorable snow globe-shaped tin featuring the "Joy in Jesus" theme is filled with all-natural, old-fashioned, soft peppermints. It's the perfect item for holiday happiness! (Scripture Candy, Booth 1000)
• SCRIPTURE CANDY CANE STORY ORNAMENT TIN is a beautifully embossed, stocking-shaped tin and makes a wonderful Christmas tree ornament. Featuring the Candy Cane Story on the back on the tin, it highlights the "Jesus is the Sweetest Name I know" theme. Each tin is filled with mini candy canes. (Scripture Candy, Booth 1000)
• THE MADELAINE CHOCOLATE COMPANY Holiday Parades is a great stocking stuffer or basket filler. The solid milk chocolate mini characters are decorated as Santa Claus, soldiers, snowmen, bunnies and chicks, all wrapped in colorful Italian foil. (The Madelaine Chocolate Company, Booth 1337)

How Novel

• M&M's® BRAND Star Wars Character Flashlights with Clip feature candy and cinematic fun on the go! Each flashlight comes with a FUN SIZE® bag of M&M's® Brand Chocolate candies, and features one of four iconic characters: Orange Clone Trooper, Yellow Vader, Red Darth Maul and Blue General Grievous. Clip on the flashlight and carry it with you wherever you go. (Candyrific LLC, Booth 1959)
• PRAIM GROUP Chocolate Gift Card Holder is the unique chocolate bar that also is a meaningful way to deliver a gift card. It's a greeting card and gift card holder all in a premium, all-natural chocolate bar.  (Praim Group, Booth 1383)
• THE MADELAINE CHOCOLATE COMPANY 7 Days to Go! is the chocolate countdown to every, and any, celebration -- birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, parties – you name it! Each box has 7 windows, and behind each window is a delicious piece of creamy chocolate. (The Madelaine Chocolate Company, Booth 1337)
• MY IDOL POPS LLC Lollipops are created in the image of present day celebrities, icons and other famous people and characters. Each lollypop is hand poured into shapes including The Jim Henson Company's characters, DreamWorks Animation's Madagascar 3 characters, and Universal Studios' Bride of Frankenstein and more. (My Idol Pops LLC, Booth 2707)

About the National Confectioners Association (NCA)

The National Confectioners Association fosters industry growth by advancing the interests of the confectionery industry and its customers. Serving as the voice of the industry, the Association advocates for the needs of the industry before government bodies, helps the industry understand and implement food safety and other regulations, provides information to help members strengthen business in today's competitive environment and creates relationships between all sectors of the industry including manufacturers, brokers, trade customers, suppliers to the industry and our consumers.

For more information, contact:
Susan Whiteside
National Confectioners Association
202-534-1440 (office), 202-441-3332 (mobile)
[email protected]

Molly Sheehan
Zeno Group for NCA
312-396-9743 (office), 312-545-4847 (mobile)
[email protected]

SOURCE National Confectioners Association