Kids who can't afford a toy treat may be able to buy a candy one. Gross, sour and otherwise novel are the types of candies that most retailers say kids go for, while adults like to anti-oxidize in dark-chocolate luxury. Here are a few choices you could try out in your store:
Jelly Belly Theater Boxes by JELLY BELLY CANDY COMPANY
Perfect as party favors, these oversized movie-type “theater” boxes are available in five varieties: 20 Assorted Flavors, Jelly Belly Sours, Soda Pop Shoppe, Buttered Popcorn and Smoothie Blend. The four-ounce boxes are packed in 12-count shelf displays. Launch date: June 2007.
This kit allows kids to create their very own masterpiece and then celebrate by eating it. All the chocolate necessary to create the chocolate house is included in the box. Launch date: June 1, 2007.
Authentic Beaver Gumball Machine by BEAVER MACHINE CORPORATION
Beaver Machine Corporation has been producing quality commercial bulk vending equipment for more than 40 years and currently exports to more than 100 countries. They have just introduced the Beaver Gumball Machine, the first of their new retail products. The Beaver Gumball Machine is a unique product, unlike the imported gumball machines on the market. This high-quality North American-made machine, with a shatterproof polycarbonate globe and coin acceptor for all coins, is now available for home use. Launch date: January 1, 2007. — “This is the only gumball machine on the market that is made to the same specs as the commercial machines,” pointed out Heidi Schwarzli of the Beaver Machine Corporation. “It is the same machine that has been commercially in use for almost 45 years. It features die-cast metal components and will last a lifetime.”
Toxic Waste Nuclear Sludge® Chew Bars by CANDY DYNAMICS
Available in three ultra-sour flavors — Apple, Blue Raspberry, and Cherry — the delicious double action sour Toxic Waste Nuclear Sludge Chew Bars are guaranteed to make kids of all ages pucker with delight! Toxic Waste Nuclear Sludge Chew Bars are packaged in either a 75-count or 48-count display with six displays per case. Launch date: Original Apple, September 2006; New Flavors (Blue Raspberry & Cherry), Q3 2007. — “To grab the attention of kids everywhere, Toxic Waste Nuclear Sludge Chew Bars come in high-impact packaging featuring a bright yellow and black DANGER design to emphasize the sour taste and toxic green color,” said Jeffrey Assisi, public relations rep for Candy Dynamics. He pointed out that the candy is best placed at the front of the store or at the checkout counter to maximize impulse purchases.
Toxic Waste Sour Dip & Lick Lollipop® by CANDY DYNAMICS
A truly exciting new concept, Toxic Waste Sour Dip & Lick Lollipops® combine a delicious sour lollipop with intense Toxic Waste sour powder for an ultra sour taste confectionary treat. As an added bonus, each pouch comes with one of six collectible stylish temporary tattoos, featuring colorful images of popular Toxic Waste characters Professor Sauernoggin (The inventor of Toxic Waste Candy), Mr. Toxie Head (Professor Sauernoggin’s Alter Ego), Hazmat Rat (Professor Sauernoggin’s faithful pet rat), and other fun designs. Toxic Waste Sour Dip & Lick Lollipops are packaged in an 18ct. display with 6 displays per case. Launch Date: June 2007.
POP ROCKS® Chocolate is packaged in an 18-count display with 20 displays per case. America’s favorite popping candy has combined the patented popping properties that only POP ROCKS possess with rich milk chocolate. Giving the chocolate a real kick, POP ROCKS Chocolate is sure to be a hit with young and old candy lovers alike. Launch date: November 2006. —“POP ROCKS, one of the most popular and energy-packed candy brands for more than three decades, has once again created a distinctive confection that offers both a scrumptious candy treat and the promise of a unique experience with tons of enjoyment,” stated Jeffrey Assisi, public relations rep for Pop Rocks.
A truly innovative new concept in lollipops, Build Your Own SKELETON POP comes in a yummy strawberry swirl flavor with lollipop sticks shaped like skeleton bones! These unique treats are available in seven different individually wrapped collectible bone styles, skull, rib cage, arms (2), legs (2), and hip, that snap together into a free-standing 20 inch skeleton play figure. Launch Date: April 2007. — “Build Your Own SKELETON POPS feature fact-filled packaging that encourages kids to learn all about the human skeletal system,” pointed out Jeffrey Assisi, public relations for Candy Dynamics.
12 Champagne Mini Truffles by JOSEPH SCHMIDT CONFECTIONS
As seen on "Unwrapped" on the Food Channel, this collection of signature Champagne Belgian Chocolate Truffles is for connoisseurs who relish rich Belgian Milk Chocolate and exquisite champagne truffle fillings. Each clear-topped box contains 12 mini Champagne truffles and weighs 7.8 oz. — “When you do anything, you gotta make a statement,” advised Fred Rosenberg, owner since 1992 of On the Park in Kingwood, Texas. “So we actually put a candy store inside a toy store. But you can’t just do candy for kids; we’re also a candy store for adults.” Joseph Schmidt chocolates are his best seller for the grown-up crowd, he told TDmonthly.
Handstand Kids Italian Cookbook and Chef's Hat in a Pizza Box by HANDSTAND KIDS
The first book in the Handstand Kids cookbook series journeys to Italy and comes complete with a chef's hat. The Handstand Kids books are illustrated with a diverse group of characters who help kid chefs learn a new language. The series translates the ingredients and utensils from English into Italian, and provides kids opportunities to give back to their communities by using their cooking skills to volunteer with charities. The “illustrated cookbook … introduces kids to other countries and encourages community service,” Founder Yvette Garfield of Handstand Kids told TDmonthly. Launch date: April 25, 2007.
These hot chocolate mixes taste even better than they look. They come in green totes with “snow”-filled snow globe pop-out labels, and make a fabulous gift for all ages. Flavors include Toffee Crunch with Marshmallows, Raspberry Truffle with Marshmallows and Peppermint Crunch with Marshmallows. “These items are delicious and a perfect gift for everyone to enjoy during the holiday season,” Jim Valone of Pelican Bay told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 15, 2007.
An innovative liquid sour-candy-and-toy-in-one, each .24-fl. oz. Toxic Waste Sour Candy Spray features one of three collectible Toxic Waste character finger puppets: Professor Saurnoggin (The inventor of Toxic Waste Candy), Mr. Toxie Head (Professor Saurnoggin’s Alter Ego) or Hazmat Rat (Professor Saurnoggin’s faithful pet rat). The spray is available in four yummy ultra-sour flavors: Blue Raspberry, Cherry, Green Apple and Strawberry. Candy Dynamics, an environmentally conscious company, and Toxic Waste support a cleaner planet through the use of recycled material in product packaging and through sponsorship and participation in environmental awareness programs. Launch date: April 2007.
These 1-oz. hard candy pops have the signature bean shape right down to the embossed Jelly Belly logo, and come in 10 flavors: Very Cherry, Watermelon, Sizzling Cinnamon, Strawberry Cheesecake, Cotton Candy, Blueberry, Tangerine, Bubblegum, Grape and Lemon. “LolliBeans taste great and are fun to eat for kids as well as the kid in all of us,” said John Pola, vice president of sales for the Jelly Belly Candy Company.
Heart and Flower design temperature insulating bottles… For hot and cold drinks… These bottles are very colorful, attractive and functional. You can bring it anywhere you go.
The LEGO Cake Kit includes two figures with articulated arms and a banner showing a construction site. The jackhammer and shovel are removable, and little boys will love playing with the figures after the cake is gone.
S'more Campout Treat Bar Kit by SASSAFRAS ENTERPRISES INC.
The combination of rich chocolate and gooey marshmallow in a graham cracker sandwich evokes the warm memory of cool summer nights spent sitting around a campfire with the family. That same memory can be made in the kitchen with the high-quality S’more Campout Treat Bar Kit, which includes mix, a wooden spoon, three unique baking trays, a baking hat and a rhyming recipe. Launch date: January 2007.
Writer's Bio: ALISON MAREK is an award-winning writer, director and cartoonist whose work has been published by Fairchild Publications and DC Comics (Piranha Press), broadcast on Showtime and other cable networks, and viewed worldwide in film festivals. See her short films and print work on www.alisonmarek.com. Watch her nefarious villains in the web series www.MuggsMovers.com. Get inspired by her cartoons "Daily ARFFirmations to Unleash Your Inner Fido" at www.ARFFirmations.com. Phew! And then ... Read more articles by this author
Writer's Bio: ALISON MAREK is an award-winning writer, director and cartoonist whose work has been published by Fairchild Publications and DC Comics (Piranha Press), broadcast on Showtime and other cable networks, and viewed worldwide in film festivals. See her short films and print work on www.alisonmarek.com. Watch her nefarious villains in the web series www.MuggsMovers.com. Get inspired by her cartoons "Daily ARFFirmations to Unleash Your Inner Fido" at www.ARFFirmations.com. Phew! And then ... Read more articles by this author
