NPD Names Sweets and Snacks Expo Consumer Award Winners
The NPD Group announced the winners of its inaugural consumer awards during the Sweets and Snacks Expo, hosted by the National Confectioners Association in Chicago, May 24-25. The awards, presented by NPD’s food and beverage practice to the winning sweets and snacks manufacturers, were based on the highest share of eatings together with needs, motivations, mood, situations, or occasions that influenced the snack or treat selection, according to the company’s SnackTrack service, which continually tracks treat and snack consumption attitudes and behaviors.
“The sweets and snacks industry plays an essential role in meeting various consumer needs, like on-the-go convenience, a morning boost, or a ‘happy’ treat,” says Darren Seifer, NPD food and beverage industry analyst. “Through our consumer awards, we wanted to recognize how the industry focuses on their consumers in multiple ways, giving them just what they need and want.”
The NPD Group Sweets and Snacks Expo Consumer Awards
Happy Consumer Award – Top snack cake consumed when happy:
Hostess Cupcakes/Company: Hostess
Take It With Me Award – Top snack cake consumed on the go:
Little Debbie Chocolate Cupcakes/Company: McKee Foods
Morning Boost Award – Top diet bars consumed during morning occasions:
Atkins Bars/Company: The Simply Good Foods Company
Premium Chocolate Choice Award — Top premium chocolate candy brand consumed:
Godiva/Company: Godiva Chocolate
Holiday Ace Award – Non-Chocolate Candy — Top chewy candy consumed on major holidays:
Haribo Goldbears/Company: Haribo
Can’t Put It Down Award — Top brand consumed more than 3x in the same day:
Tic Tac/Company: Ferrero
Healthy Lunch Box Award — Top better-for-you snack food consumed at school:
Mott’s Applesauce/Company: Keurig Dr Pepper
Mom, I Want It Award – Top candy requested by kids:
Snickers/Company: Mars
Favorite Savory Snack Award – Top savory snack consumed as a “favorite snack”:
Lay’s Classic/Company: Frito-Lay
Favorite Sweet Snack Award – Top sweet snack consumed as a “favorite snack”:
Oreo/Company: Mondelēz International
Holiday Ace for Chocolate Candy Award – Top chocolate brand consumed on major holidays:
Hershey’s Kisses/Company: The Hershey Company
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Alden’s Giving Away 10,000 Scoops of Organic Ice Cream
To celebrate National Ice Cream Month in July, Alden’s Organic is giving away 10,000 scoops throughout the month. Consumers will have ample opportunity to win via seven giveaways hosted on the Alden’s OrganiWc Instagram and Facebook accounts. To complete each prize pack, the family-owned brand Edward & Sons, will also be providing organic cones to winners.
The largest giveaway will be hosted on National Ice Cream Day (July 17) when 20 winners will be selected to each receive 100 scoops in the form of free coupons, which can be redeemed for any Alden’s Organic product. Alden’s Organic has something for everyone. Product options range from 48-ounce sqrounds, to 14-ounce pints, sammies in various shapes, and stick bars in a variety of classic flavors with a unique-to-Alden’s twist or swirl. Alden’s Organic frozen desserts include favorites such as Chocolate Chocolate Chip, New School Orange Cream, Dairy Free Double Strawberry and a new Gluten Free Dairy Free Vanilla Bean Sammie.
“National Ice Cream Month is in the heart of summer ice cream season and is the perfect time to celebrate this beloved sweet treat that brings people together. Our brand has always been about sparking joy and we want to share with as many people as we can through these giveaways,” said SVP of Sales and Marketing Joelle Simmons.
On Alden’s Organic’s social channels, the brand is leaning into summer’s most nostalgic moments with a vintage collection of imagery throughout the month to inspire everyone to share their fondest ice cream memories.
To promote the campaign, Alden’s Organic is partnering with popular influencers to create shareable creations using the hashtag #AldensFam to view the creations as they are shared.
For consumers looking to stock up for summer ice cream season, Alden’s Organic is also offering a $1.00 off coupon.
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Barry Callebaut Adds Dairy-Free Organic Chocolate
Barry Callebaut, a leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products, is expanding its plant-based Plant Craft portfolio by adding dairy-free organic chocolate to its North American line.
Eighty-one percent of consumers are seeking chocolates that not only taste great but are also “good for me and good for the planet,” according to Barry Callebaut’s new report, “The Future of Indulgence,” which was unveiled at the Sweets & Snacks Show May 24.
Dairy-free organic chocolate joins the Plant Craft portfolio including the recently launched dairy-free compound, classic dairy-free chocolates, and cocoa powders. The portfolio also includes nut solutions and Cacaofruit Experiences – the pulp, juice and concentrate directly from the Cacaofruit. The Plant Craft range includes solutions for confectionery, bakery, ice cream applications and beyond.
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