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Brach's® Crunchy Chewy Jelly Beans: A Resounding Success

The 2026 Sweets & Snacks Expo, organized by the National Confectioners Association, has made waves in the candy industry by recognizing Brach's® Crunchy Chewy Jelly Beans as the Most Innovative New Product in the Seasonal Category. This significant accolade highlights the creativity and determination that Ferrara, a leading confectioner, has infused into its new offering, a delightful twist on a classic Easter treat.

Each year, the Sweets & Snacks Expo gathers a panel of esteemed retail and category experts who meticulously assess products for their taste, innovation, packaging, and marketability. Brach's® groundbreaking dual-texture jelly beans stood out among the various entries, featuring a uniquely crunchy outer shell paired with a soft, gummy center, delivering an extraordinary tasting experience that appeals to consumers craving novelty in their candy choices.

According to Matt Escalante, Vice President of Seasonal Brands at Ferrara, the inspiration behind these jelly beans was to rejuvenate traditional holiday favorites by merging them with modern texture and flavor experiences. "At Ferrara, our aim is to create products that stand out and push the confectionery category forward," he explained. This commitment to forward-thinking innovation is evident in each bite of the Brach's® Crunchy Chewy Jelly Beans, further bolstered by a range of bold fruity flavors that resonate with consumers.

This recognition isn't Ferrara's first foray into innovative candy products. Just last year, the company garnered significant attention with its NERDS® Juicy Gummy Clusters®, which won in the Gummy Candy category. This previous award underscored Ferrara's reputation for creating unique offerings by combining crunchy NERDS® candy with a sweet gummy base, enhanced by an exciting Strawberry Punch center. Other products by Ferrara, including NERDS® Gummy Clusters® Very Berry, also enjoyed success, winning accolades for their remarkable dual-texture experience.

An array of standout innovations featured at this year's Sweets & Snacks Expo not only included Brach's® creation but also exciting additions like NERDS Gummy Clusters Cherry Lemonade, which has now become a permanent flavor due to high demand. In addition, NERDS Juicy Gummy Clusters made a splash with a limited-edition Valentine's Day version boasting larger pieces for a more satisfying experience. Other notable innovations include:

• - SweeTARTS® Double Takes: A chewy candy offering the mastery of dual flavors by combining Sweet Strawberry and Tart Blue Punch.
• - SweeTARTS® Cherry Punch Ropes: These ropes present the classic flavor fusion in a soft and bendable format.
• - Jelly Belly® Signature Collection: A curated selection of flavors such as Sizzling Cinnamon and Blueberry that showcases Jelly Belly's rich history of candy innovation.
• - Black Forest® Organic Forest Friends: The brand's venture into organic gummies, made with high-quality ingredients.

Ferrara, with its long-standing goal to produce sweet moments of celebration, has proven to be a titan in the industry. With over 115 years of heritage, the company employs over 8,100 passionate individuals who are dedicated to crafting exciting candy products enjoyed by consumers across 40 countries. Its range of iconic brands, which includes Brach's®, Jelly Belly®, NERDS®, SweeTARTS®, and Trolli®, captures the hearts of more than 67 million households in the U.S. alone.

This year, Ferrara's booth #1647 at the Sweets & Snacks Expo will showcase these remarkable innovations and its commitment to delighting consumers with each sweet bite. For those interested in exploring more about Ferrara's exquisite offerings and innovative spirit, visit their official website.

In conclusion, the recognition of Brach's® Crunchy Chewy Jelly Beans as the Most Innovative New Product adds to Ferrara's growing legacy as a leader in the confectionery landscape. It not only emphasizes the brand's persistence in delighting candy lovers but also sets the stage for future innovations that will continue to reshape the candy industry.