Mars, Ferrero and Jelly Belly among Sweets & Snacks Expo 2017 Most Innovative Award winners

The product evaluation was conducted the day before the show (May 22) by a selected panel based on four criteria: Taste, packaging, innovation, and sale-ability/go–to-market potential. The panel featured a range of experts including leading candy and snack buyers, NCA said. It consisted of a mix of retailers, wholesalers, trade media and food industry experts. Some of the judges included IRI analysts, Sally Wyatt and Larry Levin, as well as CEO and founder of It’s Sugar, Jeff Rubin. NCA also added a Small Business Innovator Award this year to honor companies and products that represent innovation and entrepreneurship. It was awarded to Montreal-based Buddha Brands Company for Hungry Buddha Probiotic Coconut Chips in Cheeky Chocolate. Reese’s Crunchers made by Hershey won this year’s Best in Show Award. This year’s winners are: Chocolate winner: Mars Chocolate North America - M&Ms, Caramel Chocolate Candies Nominees Non-chocolate winner: Jelly Belly Candy Company - Jelly Belly Krispy Kreme Gift Box Nominees Sweet Snacks winner: Nes tlé USA – Nerds Lucha Grande - Mango Chile and Guava Nominees Salty Snacks winner: The Daily Crave – Gouda & Romano Cheese Nominees Savory Snacks winner: Snyder's-Lance, Inc. – WholeyCheese! / Mild Cheddar Nominees Novelty/Licensed winner: Ferrara Candy Co. Trolli Sour Brite Dip N Crawlers Nominees Seasonal winner: Ghirardelli Chocolate Company - Ghirardelli Chocolate Strawberry Bark Nominees Gourmet winner: Las Olas Confections and Snacks –Anastasia Coconut Cashew Crunch Dark Chocolate Drizzle Nominees Gum & Mints winner: Ferrero USA – Tic Tac Gum Freshmint Nominees

Mars, Ferrero and Jelly Belly among Sweets & Snacks Expo 2017 Most Innovative Award winners

The National Confectionery Association (NCA) has announced the Most Innovative Award winners from nine major candy and snack categories, including chocolate, seasonal, gum and mints, at the Sweets & Snacks Expo this year in Chicago.

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