Independent Retailer Blog

When it comes to sweet success in the confectionery arena, Bazooka Candy Brands is not just playing the game—they're winning it. With a portfolio that packs a flavorful punch, Bazooka has established itself as a heavyweight in the market, particularly with the younger candy-crushing crowd. With the latest sales data revealing that Bazooka Candy Brands represent three of the top seven and five of the top twenty SKU's in MULO +C, it’s time to take a closer look at what makes these treats a top draw for kids—and their parents.

With a knack for combining the familiar with the novel, Bazooka Candy Brands constantly introduces ground-breaking products that wow every sweet tooth. Their latest creations - Push Pop Gummy, Juicy Drop Dip N Stix, and Push Pop Gummy Pop-It's - are no exception. Today we delve into why these must-try treats are an essential addition to any convenience store's candy assortment.

Mentos mints continue to be a success in the US, ranking #1 and #2. While mint brands struggled during COVID due to the decline of usage occasions for the segment, Mentos was the only brand to outperform the category across channels. The brand continues to lead unaided awareness as #1 in the category.

Airheads has been a key contributor to non-chocolate’s steady growth – with four years of double-digit growth! All five of Airheads peg sku’s are top-half ranking in the total US. These peg bags include Airheads Gummies, Airheads Bites, Airheads Soft Filled Bites, Airheads Xtremes Bites, and Airheads Xtremes Sourfuls.

Did you know that WARHEADS is considered to be the MOST Sour Brand? In fact, WARHEADS has a high brand awareness of nearly 90%. While the brand is a nostalgic candy for Millennials, younger consumers also love it and focus on its extreme sour flavor. 3 out 4 sour candy eaters have tried the candy and it appeals to children and adults.

Bazooka Candy Brands is continuing to experience strong results and momentum for their lineup of products. Bazooka continues to outpace the category and outpace the industry in Non-Chocolate Confections. The brand is also a top 3 non-chocolate manufacturer! Much of this strong growth is due to their consistent innovation and new products. Below is an overview of this years newest and hottest products from Bazooka:

Both of the Annabelle’s Big Hunk candy bars (Peanut and Almond) are unique and original in the marketplace.  There are no other candy bars quite like them! 

Albanese Confectionery is the leading manufacturer of the World’s Best Gummies located in the heart of the Midwest! Using only high-quality ingredients found in the USA, the Gummi with the A on the tummy™ offers a softer chew that’s bursting with flavor and sour gummies that start sour and stay sour!

Perfetti Van Melle has launched Mentos Pure Fresh Gum in a paperboard bottle in the U.S.

Candy has been a critical growth driving segment for the total convenience category. Airheads innovation has proven to be mainly incremental to the category, including gum, and has proven to have more incremental innovation than the competition.