ICYMI: 2021 Sweets and Snacks Expo

 
 

The return of the 2021 Sweets and Snacks Expo was the sugar rush we all needed and it did not disappoint. During the pandemic, consumers turned to snacking as a source of comfort and entertainment. The boredom of stay-at-home life led to a huge boost in consumer desire to try new options when the cravings hit. Snack and candy brands answered the call with a feast of new product launches certain to captivate consumer attention. From stand-out product innovations to surprising (and mouthwatering) trends, here are four key takeaways from this year’s delicious event.

 
 
 

1. Healthy Snacks Are Here to Stay

Consumers are snacking more since the pandemic but that doesn’t mean they want to sacrifice their health goals. Brands responded in kind to consumers desire for healthier options with a host of healthy, yet delicious snacks. From crunchy fruit snacks, like Bella San Luci’s plant-based Tomato Jerky, to Bush’s Beans bean chips.

 
 
 
 
jelly-belly-sparkling-water-xl.png

2. Here Comes Cross-Category Innovation 

Jelly Belly… seltzer? That’s right. As the lines continue to blur across CPG categories, snack and confectionary brands are taking notice and looking to capture un-tapped market share outside of their usual wheelhouses.

 
 
 
 
pineapple.png

3. Tropical Flavor Take-Over

We all missed out on vacation travel during 2020, so candy companies are soothing our tastebuds and thwarted wanderlust with new tropical flavor palettes. Pineapple and coconut take centerstage, making these sweets the perfect stand-in for those poolside piña coladas.

 
 
 
 

4. And the Winner is… NERDS!

Confectionary giant and Brandshare Connected Sampling™ partner, Ferrara, took home two big wins. Best in show went to NERDS gummy clusters’ transformational dual-texture and flavor profile, while their new product, NERDS Candy Corn, received top accolades in the “Seasonal – Candy & Snack” category.



 
 

If your confectionary brand is looking to make an impact with new product innovation or shore up engagement among existing consumers, Brandshare’s Connected Sampling™ solutions are the easy and effective way to sample at scale and drive sales among your target consumer.

 

Sources: Brandshare Pandemic Snacking White Paper, Food Business News, Delish, The Takeout, Confectionary News

 
 
 
Brandshare Marketing