Candy Makers Roll Out Seasonal, Nostalgic and Co-Branded Chocolate Innovations
Mars, Hershey, Lindt, Ferrero and others debut new offerings from Halloween-themed launches to PB&J and snickerdoodle flavors, highlighting collaborations and flavor-driven limited editions
Celebrating “Summerween”
Mars Incorporated, Newark, N.J., said it was going all in on “Summerween” and introducing its 2025 Halloween candies line-up in late July to retailers. New offerings include M&M’S Milk Chocolate Pumpkin Pie and a M&M’S Halloween Blend, Snickers Pumpkins, Twix and Snickers “Ghoulish Green” candies and Skittles Shriekers.
“Summerween is a movement and Mars is matching that energy—making sure your favorite Halloween products are on shelf whenever you’re ready to celebrate,” said Tim LeBel, Mars chief Halloween officer and president of sales. “We’re inspired by the fans reshaping tradition and we’re ready to celebrate alongside them with more than 90 products in our 2025 Halloween line-up.”
Candy and Cookie
The Hershey Company collaborated with Mondelēz International, Inc. for two crunchy, creamy treats combining the companies’ Reese’s and Oreo brands. One offering is the Reese’s Oreo Cup, which combines milk chocolate and white creme peanut butter cups with Oreo cookie crumbs.
"At REESE'S, we're obsessed with pushing the boundaries of what chocolate and peanut butter can become — and our fans fuel that fire," said Dan Mohnshine, vice president, U.S. Confection Marketing, The Hershey Company. "This isn't just another product launch — it's two legendary brands coming together to create something absolutely unprecedented that'll blow minds and taste buds everywhere."
New Way to PB&J
Mars, Incorporated, Newark, N.J., tapped the nostalgic flavor of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for its latest product offering: M&M'S PB&J chocolate candies. The company closed July with a lunch special promotion including the candies, a collectible, limited-edition lunch box and a promotion featuring popular TV mom actress Kim Rhodes.
"Fun is what makes M&M'S such a beloved brand, and sometimes that means taking a trip down memory lane to relive the simpler times that made us all smile," said Martin Terwilliger, vice president of marketing, Mars Wrigley North America.
M&M'S Peanut Butter & Jelly is available at retailers nationwide and online at MMS.com in Single (1.63oz.), Share (2.83oz.) and Sharing Stand Up Pouch (8.6oz) sizes.
Fashionable Flavor!
After a limited-edition launch last year, Lindt & Sprüngli (USA) came back this July with its Lindt Dubai Chocolate Bar. The offering combines Lindt milk chocolate with a filling made from pistachio paste containing 45% pistachios, crunchy kadayif, almonds and hazelnuts. Bars are available at Walmart, Target, Walgreens, Kroger, Albertson's, Meijer, Publix, Stop & Shop, Hannaford, Hy-Vee and other retailers.
“After our handmade limited-edition bars sold out in a matter of days in December 2024, it was our mission to create a refined recipe using state-of-the-art technology,” said Ann Czaja, Lindt master chocolatier. “We keep a close eye on flavor trends and are proud to invite consumers across America to taste our newest luxurious creation!”
Sweet and Salty
Late spring saw Ferrero North America, Parsippany, N.J., extend its Butterfinger line with a limited-edition Salted Caramel variety. Butterfinger enthusiasts found Salted Caramel Butterfinger at major retailers nationwide through June 2025.
"With Salted Caramel Butterfinger, we're blending two of America's favorite flavors in a way that celebrates our classic Butterfinger bar while delivering something new," said Neal Finkler, vice president of marketing for the Ferrero Mainstream Chocolate portfolio. "This is the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Butterfinger, with even more innovation coming soon. We look forward to delivering more unique flavor experiences."
Nostalgic Flavor
Mars Inc., Newark N.J., extended its popular TWIX line with new nostalgic flavor: snickerdoodle cookie. TWIX Snickerdoodle offers crunchy cookie, gooey caramel and smooth milk chocolate along with a cinnamon-sugar swirl of snickerdoodle-flavored caramel, the company says. TWIX Snickerdoodle hits shelves nationwide in July in Single (1.4oz) and Share (2.8oz) sizes.
"Because TWIX is the iconic brand of two, we're always looking for ways to double down on flavor," said Martin Terwilliger, marketing vice president, Mars Wrigley North America. "TWIX Snickerdoodle gives fans a new twist on the layers they already love. It's the perfect balance of familiar and trendy flavors, and we know it's going to be a fan favorite."
Chocolate—Plus
The Hershey Company, Hershey, Pa., greeted summer with a new, limited-time Hershey’s Milk Chocolate with Caramel bar with a caramel center.
"The combination of our signature milk chocolate with golden caramel transforms the classic Heshey’s bar into something extraordinary – it's tradition reimagined with just the right touch of indulgence," said Kyle Webster, senior associate brand manager, at The Hershey Company. "We're delighting s'mores lovers everywhere with a delicious twist to nights by the campfire and the addition of melty caramel to HERSHEY'S Milk Chocolate."
Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!
