Chicago’s McCormick Place was recently transformed into Candyland.

Sweet things in all flavors and colors starred at the National Confectioners Association’s All Candy Expo May 19 to 21.

Tried-and-true favorites from old-fashioned lollipops and gum to chocolate goodies and fiery cinnamon concoctions were on display at the decadent show.

One couldn’t tell America is in a recession by the sweet expo. Candy vendors were out in full force at the one-stop event geared to industry buyers, manufacturers and other personnel. New offerings in the market proved to be at an all-time high.

“Candy is definitely as popular as ever. There have been about 2,000 new products launched at the show or just announced here,” NCA spokeswoman Susan Whiteside said.

New trends include an emphasis on chocolate items being revamped or given the gourmet touch (think Dove’s new peanut butter candy bar and Lindt ’sTouch of Sea Salt bar); candy with “healthful” flavors such as acai, pomegranate and green tea (Jelly Belly’s new Superfruit mix and Hershey’s All Natural Extra Dark Chocolate with Pomegranate bar); and international flavors (Tic Tac Melon Mango mints, Jelly Belly’s Chili Mango jelly beans, coconut M&M’s).

According to Bethany Albanese, manager of the retail store for Albanese Confectionery Group Inc. in Merrillville, consumers are always interested in new candy. Owned by her father Scott, Albanese Confectionary debuts sweets and snack offerings annually.

Their booth this year featured four new mixes including Very Berry Antioxidant (dried cranberries, blueberries and cherries, dark chocolate chips, roasted almonds and raw pepitas).

“Everyone likes something they can take on the road,” Bethany Albanese said about the healthy, convenient mix.

Whiteside said “fun” candy, aimed specifically at the young at heart, is still showing up in the market. These include interactive inventions, intensely sour items and gum of all types.

“Things that squirt, foam, spray and pop in your mouth and stuff that you can play with are still popular,” Whiteside said.

These include Cadbury’s Sour Patch Chillerz, which are soft and chewy with a cool, tingly flavor; Toxic Waste’s extra-long Hi-Voltage Bubble Gum; and American Licorice Co.’s Chewy Extinguisher, a mix of super-sour flavors with sweet in the middle to diminish the bitter aftertaste.

In the category of “playful” things, Pez introduced a collection of Wizard of Oz characters doubling as Pez containers. The collection is boxed together and is perfect for memorabilia fans in addition to candy lovers.

Whiteside said candy fans are sure to find a range of items to satisfy all tastes.

And despite the economy, candy is still king with all generations.

“Candy is really a part of our American life,” Whiteside said.

The following are some new and interesting products seen at the All Candy Expo.

* Cranberry Raisinets by Nestle: Dried cranberries covered by milk chocolate in this new rendition of the popular candy.

* Das Lolli by Das Food in Chicago: Innovative lollipops including Fab-O-Pom (pomegranate extract, orange oil and pieces of orange zest); Caramel Me Happy (caramel, lavender extract and sea salt); Naughty Ginger (lemon and ginger with a combination sweet, spicy and tangy flavor); and Man Bait (bacon bits and maple syrup).

* Jelly Belly Superfruit Mix: Jelly beans for consumers reaching for more antioxidants. The blend features acai berry, cranberry, blueberry, pomegranate and Barbados cherry flavors.

* Luxe Milk Chocolate bars and stand-up bags by Ghirardelli: Super-smooth chocolate in almond, hazelnut, crisp and duet renditions.

* Skittles Crazy Cores: Each piece of candy features two flavors — one on the outside and another inside. Flavors include blue raspberry/lemon, strawberry/watermelon and mango peach/cherry lemonade.

* Twizzlers Sweet and Sour Filled Twists: Puckery flavors include Sunshine Punch and Cherry Kick in a multi-pack.

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