NEWARK, N.J., USA – Mars Wrigley, a leader in the snacks and treats category, had an impressive showing at the 25th annual Sweets & Snacks Expo in Chicago. The company’s Extra brand was honored with a Most Innovative New Product Award (MINPA) in the Gum & Mints category for its new Extra Refreshers Fruity Mix Chewing Gum – a refreshingly fruity mix pack of strawberry freeze, tropical mist, and lemonade chill flavored gum
Mars Wrigley’s M&M’S, Twix, and Starburst brands were also recognized as 2022 MINPA Finalists. Both M&M’S Crunchy Cookie Chocolate Candy and Twix Salted Caramel Bars were recognized in the chocolate category while new Starburst Airs Gummies were a finalist in the non-chocolate category.
“Gum has seen significant growth over the past two years and winning the Most Innovative New Product Award in this category speaks to our ability to pinpoint consumer trends and shifting preferences. Mars Wrigley has been an innovator in the snacks and treats category for more than 100 years, and being recognized for our chocolate and fruity products in addition to gum shows the breadth of our cutting edge portfolio,” said Tim LeBel, President of Sales at Mars Wrigley.
“As always, the Sweets & Snacks Expo was an amazing experience, and we want to give a huge thank you to the National Confectioners Association for putting on an incredible show – we can’t wait to see what is to come in the year ahead.”
The MINPA winners were selected from more than 300 product award entries across candy and snack categories, including chocolate; non-chocolate; sweet; salty; savory; novelty; gourmet/premium; and gum & mints. Product submissions were judged on the following criteria: taste, packaging, innovation and go-to market feasibility.
Mars also showcased their family of brands including Ethel M Chocolates, Lucas, and Turin at the Sweets & Snacks Expo, which offer everything from gourmet chocolate to gummies:
- Ethel M Chocolates super premium chocolates made fresh daily in small batches with the finest ingredients and no artificial preservatives, showcased its 4-Piece Genuine Sampler Collection; Milk Chocolate and Dark Chocolate Duos; and Handcrafted Gourmet Chocolate Bars available in Dark Chocolate Lemon Satin Crème, Milk Chocolate Macadamia Coconut Carmel, Milk Chocolate Pecan Caramel Sea Salt and Dark Chocolate Kona Espresso Ganache flavors.
- Lucas Mexican Spicy Candy makes unique, wildly tasty treats combining fruity flavors with different spicy product textures to offer a distinctive yet delicious flavor. At the show, the Brand shared its Lucas Muecas, Gusano, Polvos and Pelucas products in addition to Lucas Skwinkles and Lucas Salsaghetti.
- Turin Chocolates offers a range of premium everyday gifting chocolates and featured its Turin Sugar Free chocolates, Turin™ Conejos, and Turin filled chocolates.
