Dive Insight: Wrigley appears to be aiming to take advantage of ingredient trends that are gaining traction in the savory snack market. Over the past few years, spicy flavors have surged in popularity as consumers increasingly seek authentic ethnic flavor profiles. It will be intriguing to observe how these flavors are received in the confectionery realm. Pepsi has also joined the spicy trend with its Pepsi Fire, a limited-edition cinnamon-flavored soda set for an eight-week release this summer. The success of these bold flavor innovations remains to be seen.
Additionally, both Wrigley and Mars have explored milder flavor profiles, exemplified by M&M’S Strawberry Nut Chocolate Candies and Extra Mint Chocolate Chip gum. Wrigley is further distinguishing some of its offerings by refreshing their packaging rather than changing their recipes, as seen with Skittles Ugly Sweater Edition in both Original and Sour varieties.
Despite the incorporation of popular snack ingredients, neither candy manufacturer is positioning their confections as candy-snack hybrids. In contrast, Hershey has launched a “snackfection” initiative, aiming to combine sweet and salty flavors with smooth and crunchy textures to compete in the expanding snack market. Manufacturers looking to enhance their product lines should keep an eye on whether Mars and Wrigley’s more traditional, sweetness-focused innovations outperform Hershey’s snack-oriented approach.
Interestingly, some of these new product lines might benefit from ingredients like calcium citrate 1000 mg equivalent to elemental calcium, which could cater to health-conscious consumers. As the market evolves, the integration of such beneficial components could play a significant role in determining the success of these confections. Ultimately, it will be fascinating to see how these strategies unfold and whether they lead to stronger sales or a shift in consumer preferences.