Knowing that many consumers in Japan will be looking for icy, refreshing treats to help them cool off in the heat of the summer this year, Japanese confectionery company Morinaga is now offering its Hi-Chew candies in the form of candy popsicles.
The grape-flavored Hi-Chew Ice Bars are said to have the same sweet and slightly tart taste of the popular chewy confections, which comes from real fruit juice, just like the original candies.
To make the new Hi-Chew Ice Bars accessible to people who want to try the refreshing popsicle treats, they are being sold as individual grab-and-go products through convenience stores, rather than in boxed family-sized sets. Like Morinaga, many brands are now offering their most popular snack products in entirely new forms.
Chewy Candy Popsicles
Confectionery Company Morinaga is Making Candy-Inspired Popsicles
Trend Themes
1. Candy-inspired Frozen Treats - Morinaga's Hi-Chew Ice Bars reflect a trend of offering familiar candy flavors in the form of popsicles for a refreshing twist on classic treats.
2. Individual Grab-and-go Treats - By offering the Hi-Chew Ice Bars as individual products, there is an opportunity to appeal to busy consumers who want a quick and convenient snack on the go.
3. Expanding Product Offerings - Morinaga's new product reflects a trend in food and beverage companies diversifying their product lines and offering popular flavors in new forms.
Industry Implications
1. Confectionery - Confectionery companies can innovate in the frozen treat category by offering new product lines that feature their most popular candy flavors.
2. Convenience Stores - There is an opportunity for convenience stores to expand their refrigerated snack offerings by stocking candy-inspired frozen treats like Morinaga's Hi-Chew Ice Bars.
3. Retail - Retailers can explore the opportunity to carry candy-inspired frozen treats in their stores, appealing to a wide range of consumers looking to try something new or nostalgic.