The Sweets & Snacks Expo, hosted by the National Confectioners Assn. (NCA), kicked off in Indianapolis today, and among the first announcements by the show was the list of winners of the 2024 Most Innovative New Product Awards, given to candy and snacks processors in 13 categories annually.
The winning products present a laundry list of the flavor and product development trends that are driving the industry now and in the near future, explained John Downs, president & CEO of the NCA. “With the Most Innovative New Product Awards, we celebrate the innovation that sets flavor and product trends for the confectionery and snack categories, and, in many ways, carries heavy influence across the entire food industry,” he said.
The annual competition sees more than 300 entries each year, and the products are judged by retail leaders specializing in each of the categories. Products are on display during the show as well.
This year’s Most Innovative New Product Awards are:
- Chocolate: Skippy – Milk Chocolate PB Minis
- Meat Snacks: Chyler’s – Hawaiian Beef Chips – Original with Roasted Garlic
- Savory Snacks: For the first time in MINPA history…a TIE!
- Our Home, YOU NEED THIS – Hot Cheddar Fries
- PepsiCo Foods – Doritos Dinamita Smoky Chile Queso
- Seasonal: Crazy Candy, Anderson's Crazy Candy – Peanut Brittle
- Gum & Mints: Mars Wrigley North America, Hubba Bubba – Mini Gum in Skittles Original Flavors
- Gourmet/Premium | Candy: Lakrids by Bulow – Passionfruit Chocolate-Coated Licorice
- Baked Goods: Simply Good Foods Company, Quest – Strawberry Cake Frosted Cookies
- Novelty/Licensed: Amos Sweets Inc., Amos Peelerz – Gummy Banana
- Non-Chocolate Candy: Amos Sweets Inc., Amos Peelerz – Gummy Mango
- Salty Snacks: Nomad Snacks – Ramen Popcorn
- Sweet Snacks: Nerdy Nuts – Banana Cream Pie Peanut Butter Treat
- Small Business Innovator: Issei – Dark Chocolate Covered Strawberry Mochi Gummies
- Best in Show: Nerdy Nuts – Avalanche Peanut Butter Treat
