J&J Snack Foods Acquires Thinsters Cookies
J&J Snack Foods Corp., a leader and innovator in the snack food industry, has acquired Thinsters, a crunchy cookie made with real, simple ingredients. This strategic move strengthens J&J Snack Foods’ position as a leader in providing America’s favorite delicious and fun snacks.
Thinsters are thin, crunchy, bite-size cookies with simple ingredients and bursts of flavor. Oven-baked with real butter and real sugar, the deliciously crunchy cookies deliver big taste with less guilt. Thinsters is a popular and growing brand with best in category product quality.
“We are thrilled to add Thinsters to our growing portfolio of fun brands,” said Dan Fachner, president & CEO at J&J Snack Foods. “This acquisition is a natural fit for us, complementing our already vast offering of cookies and baked goods. Thinsters’ dedication to using high-quality, wholesome ingredients resonates perfectly with our growing customer base. We look forward to leveraging our strengths to expand distribution and introduce Thinsters cookies to a wider audience.”
Founded in 1971, J&J Snack Foods has completed over 30 value-building transactions throughout the Company’s history. The Company has a proven track record of successfully integrating and scaling niche brands into some of America’s most beloved snacks, including SUPERPRETZEL, ICEE, and most recently, DIPPIN’ DOTS, which the company acquired in June 2022.
“We look forward to bringing J&J Snack Foods’ sales, marketing, and innovation capabilities to the already popular Thinsters brand,” added Fachner. “This acquisition represents a significant step forward in our strategic vision to offer the widest variety of delicious and fun snacks under one roof.”
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Bell Flavors & Fragrances Heads to ‘Big & Bold’ Sweet & Snacks Expo
The 2024 Sweet & Snacks Expo, hosted by the National Confectioners Association, returns with a theme that’s more “Big & Bold” than ever before. The trade show will take place at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis from May 14-16, bringing together thousands of manufacturers, retailers and suppliers in the confectionery and snack industry for unique insights, cutting-edge product innovations, and powerful connections.
Bell Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. will join nearly 200 exhibitors at the Supplier Showcase from May 13-14 and hit the Trends & Innovation stage alongside presenters during eight must-see education sessions.
Join Vice President of Marketing & Industry Affairs Kelli Heinz and Senior Director of Marketing David Banks as they hit the Trends & Innovation Stage on May 15 at 1 pm ET and May 16 at 11 am ET to reveal Flavor Trends in Confections. This discussion will explore novel and soon-to-be-big trends in confectionery, with a focus on global and regional consumer behaviors influencing these trends and how different generations respond to new flavors in the marketplace.
Trends we are seeing this year encompass products that play off popular culture fads and a return to the classics,” Banks said. “These provide consumers a small indulgence or sense of security that comes from enjoying the regional and nostalgic treats from their youth.
“At the heart of confectionery trends lie two core elements – renovation and innovation. Whether it’s renovation of the classics to make products better for you with cleaner label ingredients, colors, and added benefits or innovation by adding a modern twist or brand partnership, the industry has the key ingredients to drive consumer engagement.”
For more information on this must-see session, click here.
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in five tastings, each spotlighting one of Bell’s five global consumer Macro Trends as part of the Spark–Ignites Creativity, Inspires Senses Platform:
t’s always a treat to present Bell’s Spark Trends to the attendees of the Sweets & Snacks Expo.” Heinz said. “Our Spark Trends platform not only identifies what’s up and coming for flavor trends, but identifies what’s at the root of Macro and Micro trends impacting the confectionery industry as a collective whole. Each Macro trend presented will be supported by a unique tasting, so be sure to catch one of the presentations!”
Bell joins nearly 200 exhibitors at the Supplier Showcase on May 13 from 1-5 pm ET and May 14 from 9 am – 1 pm ET. Attendees can visit Bell Flavors & Fragrances at booth #3405 to explore innovative flavor trends and discover taste technology solutions (e.g., sugar reduction, flavor masking) that elevate confectionery, bakery, ice cream and savory snack portfolios. Bell’s cross-functional experts, including Sales, Sweet Applications and Marketing, will be onsite to discuss a tailored approach to pushing product development boundaries with taste.
To schedule an in-person appointment with our experts in advance of the show, reach out to info@bellff.com.
Bell Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. is a leading supplier of flavors, fragrances, botanical extracts and ingredient specialties to the food and beverage industry, as well as the household care and personal care industries, offering over 110 years of exceptional customer service and experience. Bell has 11 manufacturing plants worldwide including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Germany, India, Singapore, and China, with sales offices in more than 90 countries. Bell’s global presence allows flexibility in the world marketplace while constantly responding to emerging industry trends with solutions that bring added value and business opportunities to our customers.
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Harry Potter Kinder Joy Collection Available for Limited Time
Kinder Joy
Ferrero North America, the makers of Kinder Joy, the delicious treat plus toy made to help parents create everyday surprises for their children, is partnering with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products and Funko, for a of Harry Potter Kinder Joy Eggs. The assortment features 16 Funko toys specially designed to bring families together to create magical memories. This limited-edition lineup includes two pencil toppers, two sticky notes, two bookmarks and 10 Funko figurines that include Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Draco Malfoy, Professor Dumbledore, Hagrid and more.
In celebration of this new collection, Kinder Joy is partnering with the beloved Harry Potter film actor and everyone’s favorite Slytherin, Tom Felton.
“Kinder Joy’s ability to capture some of the magic of the franchise gives fans a new way to experience its excitement and allows its legacy to be passed along to an all-new generation of witches, wizards and Muggles,” said Felton. “Through playing Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films I have seen firsthand how connected the fans are and I can’t wait to see how much they enjoy the Harry Potter Kinder Joy eggs.”
Fans, parents and children alike will be able to discover the full Harry Potter collection which includes the iconic Kinder Joy treat featuring delicious layers of cocoa and sweet-cream and topped with crispy wafer bites filled with cocoa cream. All 16 toys can also be scanned and brought to life in Applaydu, an app that uses augmented reality to extend playtime. The free app is available for download on the App Store and Google Play.
“We are excited to bring the new Harry Potter collection to families and have Kinder Joy be a part of those special moments of wonder shared between parents and children,” said Amber Hansinger, vice president of marketing for Kinder Joy. “Harry Potter is a franchise loved by people of all ages, and through this collection, we are hoping to play a small part in how parents introduce their kids to the iconic Harry Potter films.”
The Kinder Joy Harry Potter toy collection is available nationwide while supplies last. For more information on the Kinder brand and where to find Kinder Joy eggs in retail, please visit www.Kinder.com as well as the pages for Kinder US on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Kinder Joy is part of the portfolio of brands by Ferrero U.S.A., Inc., the confectionery company known also for Ferrero Rocher, Tic Tac and Nutella The Original Hazelnut Spread. Kinder Joy first broke onto the U.S. confectionery scene in 2018, quickly winning over American consumers with its delicious creamy layers, chocolate-covered wafer bites and exciting surprise toy. It has quickly become a beloved treat and toy, earning the title of “2019 Product of the Year” within the Kids Novelty Snack category by Product of the Year USA. For more information on the Kinder® brand and where to find Kinder Joy® eggs in retail, please visit www.Kinder.com, Kinder US Facebook, X, and Instagram.
Ferrero began its journey in the small town of Alba in Piedmont, Italy, in 1946. Today, it is one of the world’s largest sweet-packaged food companies, with over 35 iconic brands sold in more than 170 countries. The Ferrero Group brings joy to people around the world with much-loved treats and snacks including Nutella, Kinder, Tic Tac, and Ferrero Rocher. More than 38,000 employees are passionate about helping people celebrate life’s special moments. The Ferrero Group’s family culture, now in its generation, is based on dedication to quality and excellence, heritage and a commitment to the planet and communities in which we operate.
Ferrero entered the North American market in 1969 and has grown to more than 5,100 employees in 15 plants and warehouses, and eight offices in North America across the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. It has expanded its presence and portfolio with the addition of iconic brands such as Butterfinger®, CRUNCH®, Keebler®, Famous Amos®, Mother’s Cookies®, and other distinctive cookie and chocolate brands. Follow @FerreroNACorp on Twitter and Instagram. www.ferreronorthamerica.com.
From the moment 11-year-old Harry Potter met Rubeus Hagrid, Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, his adventures have left an indelible mark on popular culture. Today, over 25 years later, the Harry Potter phenomenon thrives as one of the most successful and best-loved entertainment properties in history.
J.K. Rowling’s best-selling Harry Potter novels have been brought to life in an ever-evolving, interconnected universe which is loved by millions of fans worldwide. Eight blockbuster Harry Potter films and three epic Fantastic Beasts films bring the spellbinding action to life on screen, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child mesmerizes on stage, and state-of-the-art video and mobile games from Portkey Games allow players to experience the wizarding world like never before. Fans can proudly showcase their passion through innovative consumer products, and thrill at spectacular location-based experiences – including five theme park lands at Universal Studios locations around the world.
This expanding portfolio of Warner Bros. Discovery-owned Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts offerings includes ground-breaking touring experiences and events, each developed to celebrate special moments and locations that fans cherish, as well as the Platform 9 3⁄4 retail shops and iconic flagship store – Harry Potter New York. Wizards, Witches and Muggles alike can also discover something new as they explore behind-the-scenes secrets at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter and Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter.
With a new Max Original TV series based on the Harry Potter books on the way, this extended world continues to provide the community with fresh and exciting ways to interact. For its global fans, and for generations to come, it invites everyone in to find the magic for themselves.
For the latest Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts news and features, visit www.wizardingworld.com.
Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products, part of Warner Bros. Discovery Global Brands, Franchises and Experiences, extends the company’s powerful portfolio of entertainment brands and franchises into the lives of fans around the world. WBDGCP partners with best-in-class licensees globally on award-winning toy, fashion, home décor and publishing programs inspired by the biggest franchises from Warner Bros.’ film, television, animation, and games studios, HBO, Discovery, DC, Cartoon Network, HGTV, Eurosport, Adult Swim, and more. With innovative global licensing and merchandising programs, retail initiatives, and promotional partnerships, WBDGCP is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.
Headquartered in Everett, Wash., Funko is a leading pop culture lifestyle brand. Funko designs, sources and distributes licensed pop culture products across multiple categories, including vinyl figures, board games, action toys, plush, apparel, housewares and accessories for consumers who seek tangible ways to connect with their favorite pop culture brands and characters. Learn more at https://funko.com/, and follow us on X (@OriginalFunko) and Instagram (@OriginalFunko). Loungefly™ are registered trademarks of Funko, LLC.
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