In the Convenience Store Channel, Ferrara Drives Growth Through Merchandising and Innovation

CHICAGO (Oct 14, 2025) – As the 34th annual NACS Show takes place in Chicago, hometown leader Ferrara Candy Company is poised to make significant impact for its convenience store partners. Ferrara works with convenience store customers to bring data-driven candy merchandising strategies, breakthrough innovation across four iconic brands, and foodservice offerings that broaden choice and pique excitement for convenience store shoppers. 

Although sugar confections are the nation’s fastest-growing candy segment¹, the U.S. household penetration gap between sugar confections and chocolate represents a strong $665M² growth opportunity for sugar candy at the convenience store register. As the U.S. sugar category leader¹ and with a focus exclusively on sugar candy—both everyday and seasonal—Ferrara leverages deep insights and merchandising expertise to serve as an unparalleled partner to major convenience store chains and independent retailers.

At this year’s NACS Show, Ferrara will exemplify its leadership and expertise with an in-booth front-of-store mockup, showcasing the company’s merchandising strategies that will help convenience retailers turn shoppers into buyers, bridging a conversion gap for sugar candy.

As innovation continues to drive incremental growth in confections, Ferrara is expanding its footprint in the convenience store space by introducing bold, category-defining products, reinforcing its strategy of leading with a differentiated, consumer-first approach.

“Innovation is at the heart of how Ferrara partners with convenience retailers to grow their business,” said Edward Taylor, Chief Customer Officer at Ferrara. “From breakthrough products to shelving strategies that inspire discovery, we’re focused on helping operators maximize every inch of the store. And with the addition of our foodservice platform, Ferrara has solutions to expand our brands as well as category growth. We see even greater opportunity to drive incremental trips and engagement.”

Building on the success of NERDS® Gummy Clusters— the number one innovation in sugar confections within the last five years³—the latest launch takes the multi-sensory candy experience to the next level with NERDS Juicy Gummy Clusters. Already generating anticipation among consumers, NERDS Juicy Gummy Clusters provides a burst of strawberry punch flavor with crunchy, gummy, and juicy textures, all packed into a mega, double-size bite that only the NERDS brand can deliver. 

“Ferrara is doubling down on its commitment to the convenience store channel with the next-level launch of NERDS Juicy Gummy Clusters, representing a distinctive chapter for the brand,” said Beau White, Vice President of Convenience Stores at Ferrara. “Our teams have been working in close partnership with chains, independent operators, and distributor partners to tailor programs that spark shopper engagement and trial. With three pack types available across the store, this launch meets diverse consumer needs, enhances visibility, and demonstrates how Ferrara leads with innovation across take-home, in-line, and front-of-store.” 

Continuing its focus on new product offerings across its portfolio, Ferrara is bringing fresh relevance to beloved brands Lemonhead®, SweeTARTS®, and Spree® with a new line of freeze-dried candy, delivering the same one-of-a-kind flavors in a crisp, flavorful texture with every bite. 

The Nerds Juicy Gummy Clusters, Lemonhead, SweeTARTS and Spree innovations will be found in convenience store retailers nationwide over the next year.

1. Source: Circana, Total US - Multi Outlet+ with Conv, L52 we 9/7/25
2. Source: Circana Receipt Panel - Total US Convenience L52W Data Ending 9/7/25
3. Source: Circana Total US- Multi Outlet+ with Conv Data 2020 through 9/7/25 based on dollar sales

About Ferrara®
For more than 115 years, Ferrara has created sugar confections that enable moments of sweetness, celebration, and connection for candy lovers of all generations. Today, the company is a leading sugar confectioner in the United States and Brazil, with global sales in more than 40 countries. Ferrara boasts a passionate team of more than 8,600 employees creating and delivering hundreds of products sold under 30+ popular brands like Brach's®, Jelly Belly®, NERDS®, SweeTARTS®, Laffy Taffy®, and Trolli® to more than 67 million U.S. households annually and popular Dori snacking products under brands such as Dori, Gomets, Pettiz, and Yogurte 100 in Brazil. Ferrara's success in industry-leading innovation has been driven by deep consumer insights, strong retailer partnerships, and a dedication to diversity of thought, experience, and people. The company has its global headquarters in Chicago and an operational network of more than 27 locations in North America, Brazil, China, and Thailand that includes manufacturing, distribution, sales, and R&D facilities. Ferrara is a privately held Ferrero-affiliated company. Learn more at www.ferrara.comor https://www.linkedin.com/company/ferrara-/.

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