The Sharp team supported HI-CHEW, the Immensely Fruity, Intensely Chewy candy brand, at the confectionery industry's biggest event of the year: the Sweets & Snacks Expo.
Sharp worked closely with HI-CHEW to showcase the latest product launches, including an all-new 2-in-1 flavor innovation with the Lychee & Raspberry Stick, a rollout of refreshed stick portfolio packaging, and the expanded Fantasy Mix and Dessert Mix flavors. A major highlight was teasing HI-CHEW's biggest innovation yet, the 3-in-1 Retro Remix, which will be making its long awaited debut in 2027. All of this newness was presented in the brand’s unique pool party themed booth - a must visit at the show!
Ahead of the show, Sharp worked to secure media appointments and develop executive talking points. As a result of our outreach, Sharp secured 12 booth appointments and managed on-site interviews with Morinaga America Inc.’s CEO Teruhiro Kawabe, including seven first-time visits with top-tier national and trade publications such as Bloomberg News, Sporked, and The Kitchn. The appointments drove conversations around Morinaga America's continued growth, product innovation, and expanding flavor portfolio. As a result of Sharp's outreach and on-site engagement, HI-CHEW earned the "Best in Show" award from The Kitchn.
Throughout the expo, the Sharp team helped position the company as an innovative leader in the confectionery industry. We elevated the brand's presence by integrating Chewbie, the brand's mascot, into media engagements and on-site activities, helping to strengthen brand recognition and create memorable connections with attendees.
Overall, Sharp's media efforts surrounding the Sweets & Snacks Expo generated more than 28 placements totalling 814 million impressions, with standout coverage including:
- The Kitchn (UVM: 14,920,166) “Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding, Miso Garlic Potato Chips, and More: The Best New Snacks at the Sweets & Snacks Expo”
- Food & Wine (UVM: 8,897,338) “The Biggest Snack Trends You'll See on Grocery Store Shelves in 2026”
- Trend Hunter (UVM: 640,991) “Dual-Flavor Candy Chews: HI-CHEW® Lychee & Raspberry”