CANDY TO 40

Here’s a list that you’ll find interesting: the top confection products in vending, as reported by Automatic Merchandiser. It must be noted that these figures are not specifically reported from Refreshment Centers, but were based on sales from 25,000 machines nationwide (all sizes and types of snack and confection machines were included).

We’ve italicized items such as gum and mints on the list. While many distributors vend those products (and you may be interested in their placement), the main focus of this list is on chocolate and non-chocolate candies.

You’ll notice the success of what the industry calls ‘line extensions’, where they evolve a new product from a previously-introduced (and successful) product.  The most successful line extension of all time is probably M&M’s; Peanut and Crispy have evolved from Plain—and the line extension (Peanut) now outsells the original (Plain).  Manufacturers love line extensions because consumer awareness for the product name is already built-in, and the new product is often introduced due to customer demands. Who says corporate America doesn’t listen?