Holiday candy arrivals coming out in full force

The 2023 holiday-centric snack and confectionery lineup landed on grocery radar months ago.

Seasonal strategies have been established to support in-line, check-stand and perimeter end-cap placement. Now, in mid-November, the fun has begun—all in the name of driving dollar and units higher than previous seasons.

One recent Fall arrival, Dippin’ Dots limited-edition Candy Cane, combines a festive mix of red and green peppermint ice creams.

“There is a high consumer demand for seasonal flavors, especially around the holidays,” said Matt Inderlied, senior vice president/general manager, Dippin’ Dots. “This Candy Cane-inspired flavor evokes the festive spirit of the season, not only in its look, but in its sweet, minty taste.”

Click ahead for a glimpse of recent holiday snack and confection launches.

Brach’s (Ferrara Candy Co.) is debuting a limited-time lineup of Elf confections that include candy, candy canes, candy corn and maple syrup. Done in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products, Brach’s x Elf Candy Canes feature Buddy the Elf Maple Syrup, World’s Best Cup of Peppermint Hot Cocoa and Cotton Candy Headed Ninny Muggins. Also rolling out are Swirly Twirly Gum Drops (Icy Blue Raspberry, Merry Cherry and Sweet Sugarplum flavors); Candy Cane Forest Mellowcreme Candy; and Brach’s Peppermint Candy Canes (Wintergreen, Cherry, Peppermint Minis and Peppermint Crushed Candy Canes).

The Peeps 2023 holiday lineup (Just Born Inc.) features seasonal-inspired shapes and nostalgic flavors. New varieties launching include: Peeps Marshmallow Snowmen, Peeps Marshmallow Trees, Peeps Marshmallow Gingerbread Men, Peeps Marshmallow Stockings, Peeps Holiday Vanilla Creme Flavored Pop, Peeps Candy Cane Flavored Marshmallow Chicks and Peeps Delights Peppermint Bark Flavored Marshmallow Dipped in Dark Chocolate.

In conjunction with Hometown Food Co. and Lumistella Co., Pillsbury Baking (Pillsbury Co.) debuted three Funfetti The Elf on the Shelf Cookie Mixes—Sugar Cookie Mix with Candy Bits; Hot Cocoa Cookie Mix; and Sugar Cookie Mix with Peppermint Candy Cane Sprinkles. The limited-edition mixes are available through December. Mixes are available for an SRP range of $2.50 to $5 per 15-ounce box (makes 30 to 34 cookies).

Dippin' Dots, the original beaded ice cream, announced the launch of its limited-edition seasonal flavor, Candy Cane. The cool, new flavor combines a festive mix of red and green peppermint ice creams swirled together with classic vanilla ice cream to guarantee holiday enjoy-mint. This limited-time flavor is gluten-free and kosher certified.