Mars cools it with freeze-dried M&M’s
M&M’s, the iconic candy brand owned by Mars, is jumping on the freeze-dried trend with a new offering. The brand is set to launch M&M’s Pop’d Caramel, a reimagined version of the classic candy with a light and crispy texture. This new product follows the success of Skittles Pop’d, which was introduced last year.
Martin Terwilliger, the vice president of marketing at Mars Wrigley North America, expressed excitement about the new treat, stating that it brings together the beloved flavors and textures of M&M’s in an unexpected way. Non-chocolate candy sales have been thriving, with $12.9 billion in sales over the past year, according to a report from the National Confectioners Association. This shift towards textures and flavor combinations has been driven by Generation Z and millennials, who are increasingly shaping the future of the confectionery industry.
M&M’s Pop’d Caramel is set to launch online and on TikTok Shop on Nov. 10 before a nationwide rollout in January 2026.
Taco shells get a little Cheez-y
Ortega, known for its taco shells, is adding a cheesy twist to its lineup with the launch of Cheez-It Flavored Taco Shells. These taco shells combine the cheesy flavor of the popular cracker with the crunch of Ortega’s Hard Taco Shells. Chris Kirwin, the brand director of B&G Foods, the company behind Ortega, emphasized the unique flavor experience that the Cheez-It shells offer, catering to both taco and snack enthusiasts.
The new Ortega Cheez-It shells will initially be available at Target and select retailers nationwide, with plans to expand distribution to additional grocery stores in the coming months. This collaboration follows in the footsteps of other successful snack partnerships in the industry, such as Taco Bell’s Doritos Locos Tacos and collaborations between Cheez-It and Taco Bell.
Companies are increasingly leveraging their brand equity through innovative product launches to drive sales and stand out in the competitive market. Collaborations like Reese’s Oreo Cups and Oreo Reese’s Cookies showcase the power of combining popular brands to create new and exciting products.
Tom Holland, Robert Downey Jr. partner on nonalcoholic beer and coffee
In a unique collaboration, actors Tom Holland and Robert Downey Jr. are teaming up for a partnership between their respective beverage brands: Bero and Happy. Bero, founded by Holland and beer industry veteran Grant Wood, specializes in nonalcoholic beer, while Happy, founded by Downey and Craig Dubitsky, offers a range of coffee products.
The two brands are co-releasing two products: Bero Coffee Draught, a creamy beer with cocoa notes, and Eternal Hoptimist ground coffee, inspired by hops with citrus and pine undertones. These products will be available on the brands’ e-commerce platforms and in limited quantities at Target stores nationwide.
Both Bero and Happy have quickly gained traction in the beverage market, with a focus on offering unique and innovative products to consumers. This collaboration between the actors behind Iron Man and Spider-Man showcases the growing trend of celebrity-backed beverage brands, with other notable entrants like Stiller’s Soda and Wild AF Brewing.
Overall, these partnerships and product launches highlight the creativity and innovation that continue to drive the food and beverage industry forward. With a focus on unique flavors, textures, and collaborations, brands are finding new ways to engage consumers and stay ahead in a competitive market.
