Confectioner House of Brussels Chocolates (HBSL) has launched a range of Sonic The Hedgehog chocolates at this year's All Candy Expo in Chicago. Over 450 confectioners will showcase their latest products at the event, which got underway today.
HBSL managing director Grant Petersen said: "Brussels' primary focus at the All Candy Expo will be to get our new 44g Sonic The Hedgehog chocolate bar into the hands of every available buyer.
"Each bar contains chocolate, peanuts, peanut butter and caramel - ingredients that kids love - and buyers are well aware of the magnitude of the kid's market."
HBSL will sell Sonic The Hedgehog(TM) chocolate treats under license from computer game giant Sega through its wholesale distribution channels and associated retail outlets.
House of Brussels Chocolates manufactures and distributes chocolate products through its licensed retail outlets and through a wholesale network in Canada, the United States and overseas.
The company also offers an assortment of fine truffles, maple chocolates, ice wine truffles made with Canadian ice wine and chocolate bars.
The National Confectioners Association's (NCA) All Candy Expo is one of the largest confectionery industry events in the world. More than 97 per cent of the $24 billion (€20.8 billion) US confectionery industry along with products from around the world will be represented at the show, which runs until May 15 2003.
The confectionery and gum category is the third largest category in food, drug and mass merchandise stores.
"Candy has higher-than-average profit margins, a 98 percent household penetration rate and is loved by people of all ages," said NCA President Larry Graham.
"There is no better place in the country to select products for your profitable confectionery section and stay current with the market than the All Candy Expo."