Page 16 - Conveniece World Magazine Nov/Dec 2020

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS 2020 PRODUCT LAUNCH HIGHLIGHTS A snapshot of innovative new products, line extensions and packaging updates from the past year, listed by the month they appeared in Convenience World. JANUARY-FEBRUARY Say Hi to Japan’s best-selling soft candy Hi-Chew fruit chews, claimed to be the most popular soft candy in Japan, become available for distribution throughout Australia. Promoted as being known for its long-lasting chewy texture and a wide variety of fruit flavours, the candy was created in 1975 by Morinaga & Co, one of Japan’s ‘big four’ confectionery companies. Hi-Chew was said to quickly become the best-selling soft candy in its home market. Since then, the fruit chews have been offered in more than 170 flavours, achieving success worldwide. A spokesperson for the brand says Hi-Chew is a top seller throughout Asia and has attracted fast sales growth in various Western markets, including the US. “Over the past five years, Hi-Chew sales have more than tripled in the US,” Morinaga Asia Pacific Co Managing Director and CEO Terry Kawabe said. “We’re in virtually every major retail chain in that market, including Costco, Walmart, Target, Kroger, Albertsons, HEB, Publix, Walgreens, CVS, 7-Eleven and AM/PM. Our candy is highly popular among young people, so we regularly exceed sales targets.” The primary distributor in Australia is Sydney based Grocery Corporation. “We look forward to launching the Hi-Chew brand in Australia through 2020,” Grocery Corp Managing Director Anthony King said. “Hi-Chew has gained a strong and loyal following over the past decade, particularly in the US and New Zealand. We look forward to tapping into this global sentiment and replicating international success with the brand locally.” Initial offerings in Australia include three 100/90g peg bags in Tropical Mix, Original Mix and Sweet & Sour variants, and 57g sticks in Strawberry, Grape, Mango and Green Apple flavours. Red Bull’s The Red Edition launched at OTR Red Bull’s newest flavour, The Red Edition, becomes available at OTR stores across South Australia. According to OTR, The Red Edition features the new taste of watermelon teamed with the original Red Bull Energy Drink. 14 CONVENIENCE WORLD NOV/DEC, 2020