In the Innovation Gallery, seven suppliers featured 10 new products to celebrate the creativity within the c-store supplier community. Based on judging by retailers and consultants, Mars Chocolate North [image-nocss] America's SNICKERS Peanut Butter Squared candies were dubbed the winners in a close competition.
Judges' comments, among others, about the winning products included: "Great item!" "Well done. Capitalizes on SNICKERS name and love of peanut butter." "Love the combo and the marketing (squared)."
With everything there is to love about SNICKERS--peanuts, caramel, nougat and milk chocolate--consumers will be nuts with the addition of peanut butter in new SNICKERS Brand Peanut Butter Squared. Originally made available in December 2010, each singles pack has two square-shaped bars in an optimal size to please consumers, according to the company.
Mars Chocolate North America is the North American chocolate operations of Mars Inc., a private, family-owned company founded in 1911 and employing more than 65,000 associates at over 230 sites, including 135 factories, in 68 countries worldwide.
Headquartered in McLean, Va., Mars, Incorporated is one of the world's largest food companies, generating global revenues of more than $30 billion annually and operating in six business segments: Chocolate, Petcare, Wrigley Gum & Confections, Food, Drinks and Symbioscience.
Other products in the Innovation Gallery included: Fresh Loc Foil pouches from Altadis U.S.A. Muscle Milk Light Ready-to-Drink from CytoSport Inc. Forgiven-Alcohol Metabolizer from Forgiven Bottling Group Inc. Fresh Concepts' Bulk Merchandisers from Fresh Concepts Sales Solutions. Keebler Fudge Shoppe Jumbo Fudge Sticks from Kellogg's Co. Re-source from Nestl a a' a' a' Waters North America. M&M'S Pretzel Chocolate Candies, MILKY WAY Simply Caramel and TWIX. Coconut Cookie Bars from Mars Chocolate North America.
CRU also hosted its second-annual "CRU's Got Talent" contest in which John Schaninger of Quick Chek, Whitehouse Station, N.J., took home the $500 first-place prize for singing and performing an original song on acoustic guitar. Second-place winner was David Long from Flora Maramart, Flora, Ind., who performed an original Christian rap song. Other contestants included Mike Roach of Anheuser-Busch and James Rogers of CSP Information Group. The contest was judged by a three-person panel, including American Idol finalist Bo Bice.
Other winners during the conference, which wrapped up February 3, included retailers NOCO Express, Maverik Inc. and PS Food Marts, each of which earned a CRU Award for their contributions to the industry and their markets.Click here to read more about those awards.
Click herefor information about CRU 2012.
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