Gummy worms have traditionally been celebrated for their soft texture, but candy manufacturer Ferrara is aiming to reinvent this classic treat. Introduced under the Trolli brand, Crunchy Crawlers are being marketed as the first gummy worms with a crunchy shell. Part of the Ferrero family, which is known for Nutella, Ferrara claims that the candy-coated crunchy exterior offers consumers a distinct sensory experience unlike anything else available. Each bag of these vibrant gummy worms features dual flavors, including Strawberry-Watermelon, Raspberry-Orange, and Lime-Cherry.
Ferrara, which also owns popular snack brands like Keebler, Famous Amos, and SweeTarts, is actively innovating its product lineup to appeal to consumers overwhelmed by choices. This strategy is common in the candy industry, where rivals such as Mars Wrigley and Hershey frequently unveil new flavors or unique twists on existing products. For Ferrara, this minor alteration to their gummy worms might be just what they need to entice shoppers who haven’t indulged in these candies for years, thanks to its fresh and innovative approach.
In another realm of the food industry, Angostura is leveraging chocolate’s unique attributes with a new mixer that incorporates cocoa. Known for its bitters, the company is introducing a cocoa product, marking its first permanent addition to the lineup since orange bitters were launched in 2007. The cocoa flavor comes from Trinidad and Tobago’s Trinitario variety, renowned for its rich taste. Angostura reports that this new offering is the culmination of years of effort by master blenders seeking the perfect balance of cocoa flavor with a hint of bitterness, and it has already surpassed sales forecasts.
Bitters, aromatic blends of alcohol and botanicals, were originally created for medicinal purposes centuries ago. Founded in the Caribbean in 1824 by Dr. Johann Siegert, Angostura bitters gained popularity in mixed drinks not long after their introduction. For over a hundred years, bitters have been essential in bars worldwide, enhancing the flavor profiles of cocktails like martinis, old-fashioneds, and negronis. According to Angostura, their cocoa bitters pair wonderfully with sweet vermouth, whiskey, rum, cognac, and tequila, particularly enhancing the flavors of an espresso martini.
With many bars closed or operating at limited capacity, the timing for the release of these new bitters is ideal, as consumers are increasingly interested in crafting their own cocktails at home. This trend has been amplified by the pandemic, which has led to a significant rise in spirits sales, up 75% in March compared to 2019. As the U.S. continues to navigate these challenging times, consumers are becoming more experimental with their drink combinations, making it an opportune moment for a fresh line of bitters featuring the beloved flavor of chocolate.
In response to consumer preferences, One Brands is introducing smaller versions of its popular protein bars, called One Minis. Each bar contains 7 grams of protein, 80 calories, and less than one gram of sugar, with flavors including Maple Glazed Doughnut and Birthday Cake. Currently, One Minis are available on Amazon in 30-count packs and will soon be distributed in 10-count packs at Walmart.
Hershey acquired One Brands for $397 million last year, aiming to expand into the bar market and capitalize on the growing protein trend. Hershey already offers a range of miniature chocolate products and is applying a similar approach to its protein bar line. Peter Burns, president of One Brands, noted that Birthday Cake and Maple Glazed Doughnut were selected due to their popularity among consumers. He believes that introducing mini versions will allow these bars to integrate seamlessly into various snacking occasions throughout the day.
The popularity of mini foods has surged in recent years as they provide consumers with a convenient way to indulge without overdoing it. One Brands is not the first protein bar company to adopt this trend; Kind launched its own 100-calorie Kind Minis in 2018. During the pandemic, One Protein Bars’ Blueberry Cobbler has emerged as one of Amazon’s best-selling protein bars. Despite an overall decline in snack bar sales during quarantine, analysts predict long-term growth will remain stable. If the mini versions continue to resonate with consumers, Hershey may consider downsizing more of its products in the future.
In the context of nutritional discussions, the choice between calcium citrate vs calcium phosphate is also worth noting, especially as consumers become more health-conscious and seek products that support their dietary needs. By incorporating this dialogue into their marketing strategies, brands like One Brands could further appeal to health-focused consumers looking for convenient yet nutritious snack options.