Foodie News
Ferrero debuts new Tic Tac® Chewy at Sweets & Snacks Expo
New products from Ferrero Rocher, Kinder, Keebler, and other brands also revealed by America’s fastest-growing confections company
PARSIPPANY, N.J., May 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Ferrero North America, part of the global sweet-packaged food company the Ferrero Group, revealed the company’s first sugar candy Tic Tac Chewy at the 2024 Sweets & Snacks Expo in Indianapolis. The introduction of Tic Tac Chewy is Ferrero’s first innovation exclusive to the US market, underscoring the company’s commitment to sustained growth in the market.
“We’re thrilled for candy fans to experience how fun and unique Tic Tac® Chewy is.” said Dan Cutchin, Vice President of Marketing at Ferrero USA. “It starts with a crunchy exterior and transforms with a mouthwatering, chewy inside, bursting with intense fruit flavor.”
Tic Tac is currently the #1 Mint* in household penetration with nearly 15 million consumers, and the introduction of Tic Tac Chewy marks the brand’s and Ferrero’s first entrance into the sugar candy category. Tic Tac Chewy will be available in two varieties, Fruit Adventure and Sour Adventure, each offering a mix of five delicious fruity flavors: Cherry, Apple, Orange, Lemon, and Grape. Tic Tac Chewy will be available starting this September at a selection of retailers, including Walmart, Amazon, and Kroger, and will expand nationally early 2025.
“Ferrero has supercharged investment in our North American presence in recent years, with expanded manufacturing and R&D capabilities, additional world-class talent, and more and more product innovation,” said Jim Klein, Chief Customer Officer, Ferrero USA. “With exciting new products like Tic Tac Chewy, we are well positioned to continue driving growth in the category and delivering value for our retail partners.”
Other new products featured by Ferrero include:
- Buncha CRUNCH® Share Pack: Bunches of crunchy milk chocolate in a 2.8oz share pack. Available later this year.
- Ferrero Rocher® Dark Chocolate & Crunchy Salted Caramel Tablets: Smooth chocolate, crunchy hazelnut pieces and exquisite creamy filling combine in a sophisticated indulgence. Available in stores starting September.
- Ferrero Collection Grand Assortment 14 Piece Tree: Discover the NEW Ferrero Collection Grand Assortment 14 Piece Tree. Indulge in the elegant assortment including Ferrero Rocher®, Raffaello®, Ferrero Rondnoir®, Ferrero Manderly®, and Ferrero Cappuccino®. Available later this year.
- Keebler® Limited-Edition Despicable Me 4 Rocky Road Fudge Stripes Cookies: A fun, limited edition take on Keebler’s fan-favorite Fudge Stripes cookies with a chocolate and almond-flavored shortbread cookie topped with a marshmallow-flavored fudge drizzle for a delicious rocky road taste. Available now.
- Kinder Joy® Limited Edition Despicable Me 4 Eggs: A limited-edition lineup of eight toys representing the beloved movie characters including: Gru, Lucy, and the Minions Stuart, Phil, Dave, Kevin, Jerry, and Carl. Available now.
- Kinder Joy® Limited-Edition Harry Potter Collection: This limited-edition lineup of 16 unique Funko toys includes two pencil toppers, two sticky notes, two bookmarks and 10 Funko figurines that include Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Draco Malfoy, Professor Dumbledore, Hagrid, and more. Available now.
- Kinder® Mix Advent Calendar: The perfect way to countdown to Christmas! Each of the 24 windows contains a delicious Kinder treat including: Hollow Figures, chocolate Mini Eggs, Kinder Chocolate, Happy Hippo and Schoko Bons. Available in stores starting September.
- Kinder® Chocolate Holiday Mini or Share Size: Individually wrapped and perfectly portioned, Kinder Chocolate bars are great for sharing the delicious, creamy taste of Kinder with the ones you love. Available in stores starting November.
- Kinder® Chocolate Lay Down Bag: This pack of twenty individually wrapped, regular-size chocolate bars is great for sharing the delicious, creamy taste of Kinder with the ones you love. Available in stores starting September.
- Fannie May® Pretzelicious Chocolatier’s Mix: Featuring a decadent blend of crunchy pecans, salty pretzels and smooth caramel, all coated in velvety Fannie May Milk Chocolate, Pretzelicious is a delicious fusion of the brand’s irresistible sweet and salty flavors. Available later this month.
- Raisinets® Share Pack: California raisins covered in milk chocolate in a 2.8oz share pack. Available later this year.
- Royal Dansk® Garden Cookie Collection: This colorful, limited-time tin includes unique shapes and delicious seasonal flavors such as white chocolate raspberry and lemon, and of course the iconic vanilla ring. Available in stores starting February 2025.
Ferrero has been growing and investing significantly in North America. The company recently celebrated the opening of a new chocolate processing facility at the company’s manufacturing center in Bloomington, Illinois, which marks the first time Ferrero has produced chocolate outside of Europe. A Kinder Bueno production line is also expected to open in the manufacturing center later this year. Last year the company opened its Innovation Center and R&D Labs in Chicago’s historic Marshall Field Building.
In addition to its new product innovations at the Expo, Ferrero will share its expertise connecting with the gamer community on the Data & Insights Stage in a presentation featuring Neal Finkler, Ferrero’s Vice President of Marketing for Butterfinger and Baby Ruth, who will be joined by popular content creator “CuriousJoi.”
Ferrero is located at Booth #10802 on the Sweets & Snacks Expo floor. For more information, visit ferreronorthamerica.com.
*Source: Circana POS, MULO+C, L52 Weeks Ending 03/24/2024, Unit Sales
About Ferrero
Ferrero began its journey in the small town of Alba in Piedmont, Italy, in 1946. Today, it is one of the world’s largest sweet-packaged food companies, with over 35 iconic brands sold in more than 170 countries. The Ferrero Group brings joy to people around the world with much-loved treats and snacks including Nutella®, Kinder®, Tic Tac®, and Ferrero Rocher®. More than 38,000 employees are passionate about helping people celebrate life’s special moments. The Ferrero Group’s family culture, now in its third generation, is based on dedication to quality and excellence, heritage and a commitment to the planet and communities in which we operate.
Ferrero entered the North American market in 1969 and has grown to more than 5,400 employees in 15 plants and warehouses, and eight offices in North America across the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. It has expanded its presence and portfolio with the addition of iconic brands such as Butterfinger®, CRUNCH®, Keebler®, Famous Amos®, Mother’s Cookies®, and other distinctive cookie and chocolate brands. Follow @FerreroNACorp on Twitter and Instagram. www.ferreronorthamerica.com.
SOURCE Ferrero North America
Author
Last Updated on April 20, 2026 by Rod Washington
(Family Features) For a soup that smells as divine as it tastes, warm up your home with the fresh scents and flavors of Creamy Asparagus Soup. Pair with chicken salad croissants for a simple weeknight meal without the hassle then visit Culinary.net to discover more spring soup solutions.
Creamy Asparagus Soup
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Servings: 4-6
- 2 asparagus bundles
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 3 cups broth of choice, divided
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons celery salt
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- chicken salad croissants, for serving
- Chop asparagus into bite-size pieces. In large pot, place asparagus, butter, onion powder, garlic powder and 1 cup broth. Cook over medium heat until asparagus gets tender.
- Transfer to blender with 1 cup broth and blend until smooth. Transfer back to pot and, over medium heat, mix in cream cheese, remaining broth and Parmesan cheese. Add celery salt and Italian seasoning. Cook while stirring, blending seasonings in well, then add heavy cream.
- Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve with chicken salad croissants.
SOURCE:
Culinary.net
Food and Beverage
NYC to Host 5th International Volcanic Wines Conference on June 10
New York City will host the 5th International Volcanic Wines Conference on June 10, 2026 at Manhatta, featuring global volcanic regions, masterclasses, a Grand Tasting, and the Volcanic Wine Awards with JancisRobinson.com.
New York City is about to get a crash course in “wines with a sense of place.” Volcanic Wines International (VWI) announced the 5th International Volcanic Wines Conference (IVWC), set for June 10, 2026 at Manhatta in Manhattan. The one-day event brings together producers, sommeliers, buyers, journalists, and educators for tastings and masterclasses focused on wines grown in volcanic soils—an increasingly talked-about category known for its tension, mineral-driven structure, and unmistakable origin.
Why volcanic wines are having a moment
Volcanic vineyards sit on some of the planet’s most dramatic landscapes—think steep slopes, black sand, and lava-strewn terrain. But the conference isn’t just about scenery. The IVWC is built around a simple idea: volcanic terroir can shape wine in distinctive ways, influencing everything from texture and acidity to aromatics and perceived “energy” in the glass.
As VWI co-founder John Szabo, MS put it, volcanic wines often stand out for their “energy, structure, and clear sense of origin,” making them a natural fit for wine lists that prioritize discovery.
A global tasting tour—without leaving Manhattan
Hosted in what VWI calls the largest and most influential wine market in the U.S., the conference offers a rare side-by-side look at volcanic regions from around the world. Participating producers are expected from territories including:
- Etna (Sicily)
- Santorini (Greece)
- Canary Islands (Spain)
- Hungary
- Pantelleria (Italy)
- Lake County (California)
Masterclasses, seminars, and a Grand Tasting
The June 10 program is designed for wine professionals who want to go deeper than a quick sip. Attendees can expect guided tastings and educational sessions exploring how different volcanic soils—and the climates that surround them—can influence grape varieties and wine styles.
Seminars are slated to spotlight volcanic wines from:
- Soave (Italy)
- Etna
- Hungary
- Canary Islands
- Lazio (Italy)
The day also includes a Grand Tasting, where exhibiting wineries will pour for a curated audience of sommeliers, buyers, importers, educators, and media.
A new “Volcanic Origin” certification will be announced in the U.S.
One of the headline moments: the conference will host the official U.S. announcement of a new Volcanic Origin certification, created by the Vinora association of Auvergne, France. The certification is designed to help recognize authentic expressions from volcanic regions worldwide—an important step as interest grows and consumers look for clearer signals of provenance.
Volcanic Wine Awards + JancisRobinson.com partnership
VWI also highlighted a major media partnership with JancisRobinson.com for the Volcanic Wine Awards, an international competition celebrating standout wines from volcanic regions.
Award-winning wines will be featured on JancisRobinson.com and showcased in a dedicated space during the NYC conference.
“Volcanic regions produce some of the most characterful wines in the world,” said Tara Q Thomas, Managing Editor at JancisRobinson.com, adding that the partnership aims to bring greater attention to these terroirs.
The big picture: story-driven wine in a crowded market
Beyond the technical details, the conference is tapping into something the wine world is actively chasing: narrative and identity.
“Today more than ever, the wine world needs compelling stories that reconnect wine lovers with place and identity,” said Gino Colangelo, President of Colangelo & Partners and partner in VWI. Volcanic wines, he noted, offer “dramatic landscapes, ancient soils, and wines with unmistakable character.”
How to attend or exhibit
For information about exhibiting or attending, VWI directs inquiries to Bianca Panichi at bpanichi@colangelopr.com. Updates are also available at www.volcanicwinesinternational.com, with social channels on Instagram (@volcanicwines_intl) and Facebook (Volcanic Wines International).
What to watch for (STM Daily News)
- Whether the new Volcanic Origin certification becomes a widely adopted benchmark
- Which regions and producers dominate the Volcanic Wine Awards spotlight
- How volcanic wines continue to move from “sommelier obsession” to broader consumer demand
Hungry for what’s next? STM Daily News’ Food and Drink section dishes up the latest in restaurant news, beverage trends, seasonal recipes, culinary events, and food culture stories readers love to share.
Recipe of the Week
Creative Cupcakes to Complete Your Easter Feast
The Chocolate Easter Egg Cupcakes bring joy to post-Easter gatherings with a moist cake, creamy frosting, and delightful chocolate candies. The recipe, requiring a 30-minute prep and 15-minute cook time, offers a treat for chocolate lovers. For more dessert ideas, visit Culinary.net.
Last Updated on April 19, 2026 by Daily News Staff
(Feature Impact) Once the Easter baskets are put away and the main course is cleared from the kitchen, you can liven up the dessert table or send guests off with a thoughtful treat thanks to these Chocolate Easter Egg Cupcakes. Moist cake, creamy frosting and chocolate-coated candies combine for a seasonal sweet that’s sure to impress.
To find more dessert ideas that satisfy chocolate lovers – and all your loved ones – visit Culinary.net.
Chocolate Easter Egg Cupcakes
Recipe adapted from A Classic Twist
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Cupcakes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup hot water
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting:
- 3 sticks unsalted butter, softened and cubed
- 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
- 2-3 drops brown food coloring
- egg-shaped chocolate-coated candies
- To make cupcakes: Preheat oven to 350 F. Line 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In bowl of electric mixer, sift flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
- In medium bowl, whisk egg, buttermilk, water, vegetable oil and vanilla extract.
- Mix dry ingredients on low speed 1 minute. Add wet ingredients. Mix 2 minutes on medium speed and scrape sides and bottom of bowl. Mix 1 minute on medium speed.
- Divide evenly among cupcake liners.
- Bake 12-15 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out almost clean.
- Cool cupcakes on wire rack.
- To make frosting: Using paddle attachment of electric mixer, whip butter 8 minutes on medium speed until pale and creamy. Add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract and salt; mix on low speed 1 minute. Increase speed to medium and mix 6 minutes until frosting is light, creamy and fluffy. Add food coloring and whip 1 minute.
- Pipe frosting onto cupcakes and top with egg-shaped chocolate-coated candies.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
SOURCE:
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