The brand is launching new ‘swicy’ Jolly Rancher Heat Wave Gummies and a fruity Easter assortment.
The Hershey Company’s Jolly Rancher brand is “turning up the heat” with its new “swicy” Jolly Rancher Heat Wave Gummies, a “tantalizing blend of sweet and spicy flavors set to transform the world of gummy candy,” the company said.
The brand said Jolly Rancher Heat Wave Gummies feature “just the right hint of spice,” creating a "swicy" experience that's both sweet and slightly spicy. The Jolly Rancher Heat Wave lineup has five flavors—mango, pineapple, watermelon, lime and citrus punch—each coated in a chili inspired finish.
Jolly Rancher Heat Wave Gummies hit shelves late February and will be available in 6 oz bags.
“As interest in multisensory experiences is on the rise, Jolly Rancher is leading the pack as one of the first national gummy brands to add a spicy twist on a sweet treat. Inspired by the rising global trend of spicy and sweet flavor combinations in candy and snacking, these gummies shake up traditional snacking with chili-coated fruit flavors and bold heat,” Hershey said.
To launch the new treat, Jolly Rancher teamed up with VeeFriends for a limited-edition "Heat Wave" Collector's Box, with exclusive comics, collectible surprises and a first look at the brand's new gummies.
According to Datassential’s Menu Trends platform, several spicy or spice terms are showing fast growth, including tajin (+286%) and jalapeno (+97%). Read more about “swicy” trends in the August 2024 issue of NACS Magazine feature “Beyond Taste.”
Hershey also recently rolled out its Easter candy offerings, including a new product, Jolly Rancher Gummies Fruity Mix, plus an expanded mix of returning items, including Hershey's Kisses Harry Potter Butterbeer Flavor, Cadbury Mini Creme Egg, Cadbury Mini Caramel Egg and Reese's Peanut Butter Mini Eggs Unwrapped.
The company described the Jolly Rancher Gummies Fruity Mix as “a cheerful assortment made for sharing and snacking. Available in a standard bag and a share-size stand-up pouch, the festive mix features five shapes: egg, chick, bunny, butterfly and flower. Juicy peach and pineapple bring a bright, sunny flavor, perfectly paired with classic favorites like grape, blue raspberry and watermelon for a sweet, springtime treat in every bite.”
Hershey is also gearing up for the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games with its new campaign, “Hershey's. It's Your Happy Place.”
“The platform features five U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes sharing their stories of finding happiness beyond the podium. Turning happiness into a keepsake, Hershey's will also introduce limited-edition chocolate medals, as happiness deserves a medal,” the company said.
The limited-edition Hershey's chocolate medals will be made with embossed designs and wrapped in gold foil.