CANDY COUNTER
"Customers seem to be an adventurous lot, willing to try pretty much any
candy we bring in," says Amelia Rappaport,
market partner and grocery manager for
Woodstock Farmers Market in Vermont.
"Chocolate may be a new food group, but
candy is still a treat in an increasingly creative category. It's a strong seller for us."
When asked about the flavors and
"Whether it's organic,
—Amelia Rappaport,
Woodstock Farmers Market
Cleaner, Healthier,
Natural Ingredients
According to the 2013 "State of the
Specialty Food Industry" report, compiled
by the Specialty Food Association and
Mintel International, purity remains a focus
in premium product launches. Claims such
as kosher, all natural and no additives or preservatives were all prevalent in new product
introductions in the three years covered by
the report, 2010 to 2012.
The trend holds up in confections as
well, where retailers and consumers are
paying much more attention to products
with health claims or boasting "cleaner"
ingredients. "Whether it's organic, real cane
CANDY TRENDS
TO WATCH
• Cake-flavored taffy
• Chai caramels
• Salty licorice
• Sour gummies
PHOTO: BIGSTOCK
sugar, real fruit
favor, real vanilla, it's
being mentioned. Real might
be the buzzword du jour."
real cane
ingredients that are gaining traction in sales,
retailers emphasize two big trends that are
paving the way for candy innovation.
sugar, real fruit flavor, real vanilla, it's being
mentioned. Real might be the buzzword du
jour," says Rappaport, adding that stevia and
Let the
Creativity
Begin
800.525.7873 (PURE)
www.NielsenMassey.com
Like us on Facebook
NielsenMasseyVanillas
@ NielsenMassey
Summer Fancy Food Show Booth 736
30 ❘ SPECIALTY FOOD MAGAZINE ❘ specialtyfood.com