New package materials and equipment abound to help the candy industry take advantage of market opportunities. But Candy Industry's exclusive Internet survey of 202 companies conducted in September shows that processors are watching their packaging pennies more closely. A fourth of processors are considering introducing "on-the-go" convenience packs, such as canisters or plastic cups. That's not surprising, given the successful introduction of cups for M&Ms and Reese's Pieces. Designed to fit in car cupholders, these products follow similar successes in snacks by Frito-Lay and Nabisco. They address the need for convenience, "the No.1 trend in packaging," notes Dan Kearny, director of marketing for Milprint in Oshkosh, Wis. These cups capitalize on the impulse appeal of full-body shrink sleeves, which "may be the biggest single growth area for packaging in 2004," Kearny continues. But it comes at a cost: "the consumer feels the product is over packaged," he adds. Thus Milprint is developing a flexible stand-up pouch to fit in a cupholder that would also be less expensive.
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