NEWARK, N.J. — Mars is heading into the 2026 Sweets & Snacks Expo with a broad lineup of confectionery and snack innovations to meet growing consumer demand for bold flavors, new textures and functional snacking options.
The company said it will showcase new products across its confectionery and snack portfolio at the May 19-21 event in Las Vegas, while also highlighting shopper insights and digital merchandising strategies to help retailers drive impulse purchases both online and in stores.
“We call ourselves consumer obsessed — we know what they want, where they discover their new favorites and how they buy,” said Tim LeBel, chief customer officer for Mars Snacking North America. “A key part of our approach is meeting the demand for new flavors, formats and textures.”
Among the featured confectionery launches are M&M’S POP’d Caramel, the brand’s first freeze-dried candy product, along with TWIX Bits, SKITTLES Gummies Fuego, SKITTLES Sour Wild Berry and STARBURST Sour. Mars is also introducing new gum offerings, including SOURS by EXTRA and 5 Gum Evolution.
The company will also spotlight products from Kellanova brands following Mars’ acquisition of the business, including RXBAR Protein Energy Bites and new Cheez-It Crunch varieties in Zesty Jalapeño Cheddar and Kick’n Nacho Cheese flavors.
“As a powerhouse leader in snacking, we’re pushing the boundaries by blending functionality and global flavor inspiration with new formats and textures,” said Jessica Waller, senior vice president of Mars Snacking Away From Home.
Mars also plans to emphasize the role of digital merchandising and impulse shopping opportunities through its Mars Digital Store Labs platform and Mars Transaction Zone initiatives. Company executives said confectionery remains an underdeveloped category online despite continued e-commerce growth.
“Impulse categories like confectionery often remain underdeveloped online, even as digital commerce continues to grow,” LeBel said. “But reimagining impulse, combined with stronger collaboration between retailers and manufacturers, can unlock potential growth.”
Mars will exhibit at booths #2823 and #3157 during the Sweets & Snacks Expo.
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