ON THE SHELF NOW
US - Skittles launches Gummies Fuego on TikTok Shop
Mars debuts its "swiciest" innovation yet with Skittles Gummies Fuego, combining sweet gummy candy with a tangy chili coating. Available exclusively on TikTok Shop since August 18, featuring five flavors: mango, watermelon, strawberry, raspberry, and lemon.
Why we care: The "swicy" trend shows no signs of slowing, and Mars choosing TikTok as the exclusive launch platform signals where Gen Z's purchasing power really lies. Worth watching for distribution patterns.
Read more (PR Newswire)
US - Reese's Dipped Graham Bears debut at warehouse clubs
Hershey's launches bear-shaped graham crackers covered in peanut butter candy coating with chocolate dip, now available at Sam's Club and Costco. The product combines graham flavor with Reese's signature peanut butter and chocolate combination.
Why we care: Reese's continues expanding beyond traditional cup formats, and warehouse club exclusivity suggests premium positioning. The s'mores angle could drive camping season sales.
Read more (Sporked)
US - Hershey's Nuggets Pumpkin Spice Latte hits shelves early
Hershey's introduces its first fall harvest flavor in six years with milk chocolate nuggets filled with pumpkin spice latte flavored crème. The limited edition product rolled out nationwide in mid-July, beating traditional pumpkin spice season timing.
Why we care: Launching PSL products in July signals brands are pushing seasonal boundaries earlier each year. The six-year gap suggests careful market timing rather than trend-chasing.
Read more (The Impulsive Buy)- US - Reese's Mini Pumpkins Unwrapped launch in resealable bags for easy snacking
- US - Teddy Grahams Latte flavor available through September sweepstakes inspired by TikTok viral trend
- US - Twix Ghosts return after several years absence, spotted at Walmart with extra caramel
- US - Doritos Jumpin' Jack Cheese returns as Dollar General exclusive after years of sporadic availability
- UK - Snyder's of Hanover launches Pretzel Pieces in UK market expansion
- UK - Walkers adds two new flavors to classic line-up targeting core demographic
- US - Poppi debuts mini cans following functional beverage downsizing trend for portion control and convenience
COMING SOON
US - Mountain Dew Zero Sugar x Trolli Cherry Lemon launching September 8, 2025
PepsiCo and Ferrara debut cross-brand collaboration featuring Mountain Dew Zero Sugar in cherry-lemon flavor inspired by Trolli gummies. Walmart exclusive starts August 25, followed by nationwide rollout. Accompanying Trolli x Mountain Dew Sour Brite Crawlers also launching.
Why we care: This replaces the annual VooDEW mystery flavor, showing how collaborations can create win-win scenarios when mystery marketing fatigue sets in. Zero-sugar only is bold positioning.
Read more (PR Newswire)
US - Mountain Dew Dirty Dew cream soda launching Spring 2026
PepsiCo confirms long-rumored "dirty soda" variant coming to market as Mountain Dew Dirty Dew cream soda flavor. Expected in both full sugar and zero sugar variants, available in 12-packs and 20oz bottles.
Why we care: The dirty soda trend finally reaches mainstream distribution after Mormon-adjacent regional success. Timing suggests testing western markets first before national rollout.
Read more (Sporked)- Global - Skittles Gummies Fuego nationwide rollout planned January 2026 following TikTok exclusivity
- US - Doritos mini Spicy Sweet Chili in glow-in-the-dark Stranger Things canister
- US - Pringles September 2025 collection launching with new limited-edition flavor varieties
TREND ALERT
Global - Fanta teams with Universal Pictures for horror icon collaboration
Coca-Cola's Fanta brand launches unprecedented partnership with Universal Pictures and Blumhouse, featuring five horror icons: Chucky, Michael Myers, Freddy Fazbear, M3GAN, and The Grabber. Debuts new Chucky's Punch flavor alongside character-themed packaging across the full Fanta range.
Why we care: Entertainment IP collaborations are evolving beyond simple licensing to create entirely new products. The global scale and multi-brand approach suggests this could be the new template for Halloween activations.
Read more (Coca-Cola)EU - Waterdrop partners with Ricola for herbal drink cubes
Austrian beverage startup Waterdrop collaborates with Swiss herbal specialist Ricola to create drink cubes combining Alpine herbs with fruit and vitamin compositions. Four flavors launched: Raspberry Melissa, Lemon Mint, Pomegranate Mint, and Verbena Citrus.
Why we care: Functional beverages are gaining sophistication through heritage brand partnerships. The cube format reduces plastic waste by 98% compared to bottled drinks - sustainability meets convenience.
Read more (Leadersnet)INDUSTRY NEWS
US - Hershey unveils comprehensive Halloween 2025 lineup
The Hershey Company announces extensive seasonal collection including new Kit Kat Counts vampire shapes, Reese's Peanuts collaboration packaging, Harry Potter themed chocolates return, and expanded assortment bags ranging from 30-60 pieces. Also introduces salty snack options with Skinnypop and Pirate's Booty Halloween multipacks.
Why we care: Hershey's expanding beyond core chocolate into salty snacks signals category blurring at retail level. The 30-60 piece range suggests optimisation for different household sizes and price points.
Read more (Hershey)
