SWEETS &TREATSShowLAS VEGAS AN INDEPENDENT PUBLICATION NOT AFFILIATED WITH SWEETS AND SNACKS
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Xochitl: Rooted 5 Mistakes That Can Sink an Emerging Brand in Tradition
MAY 2026
Oser Communications Group
Get In On The Fun with Just The Fun Part
BOOTH #3454
BOOTH #4809
An interview with Carlos Salinas, Founder, Xochitl.
An interview with Aytur Aksu, President, Just The Fun Part.
The Wisconsin Cheese Company (Wisconsin’s Best, LLC) delivers premium Wisconsin cheese and meat snacks built for today’s grocery, convenience, mass, alt channel, deli and grab-and-go marketplaces. Headquartered in Oregon, Wisconsin, the company has been producing premium, high quality snacks since 2019. The Wisconsin Cheese Company partners with distributors and retailers
For emerging brands, outsourcing production enables scalability without massive capital expenditures. H o w ever, selecting t h e wrong partner can be an existential threat. Mismatched partnerships lead to catastrophic quality failures, supply chain paralysis and erosion of brand equity. Here are the five most devastating mistakes brands make during selection, and how CoPack Connect helps navigate them.
CS: The inspiration came from my family. I grew up in Mexico City surrounded by incredible spices, chiles and condiments. My great-grandmother made an authentic Aztec salsa using chipotle peppers – a recipe passed down through generations. I learned the full process and craftsmanship behind it,
AA: Just The Fun Part continues to build momentum with thoughtful, trend driven innovation across the line. After introducing Dubai Cones and Dubai Chocolate Bars in 2025, we’re riding that wave with several exciting new additions. These include first to market
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Wisconsin’s Best: Pure Flavor. Pure Wisconsin. BOOTH #2757
Darrell Lea Innovates with Real Twists
Alternative Air LLC Evolves with Industry
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Darrell Lea, the Australian confectionery brand best known for its Soft Australian Licorice, is putting its own spin on a classic candy format with the launch of its Real Twist range. Available in an extra-long twist ropestyle candy, Real Twists delivers Darrell Lea’s signature soft, chewy texture and bold fruity flavor and is available in two crowdpleasing options: Strawberry and Pink Lemonade. Convenience is also central to Real Twist’s proposition. Packaged in 7-ounce Continued on Page 20
ST: What originally inspired you to start Xochitl?
ST: What’s new with Just The Fun Part?
Hidden Valley Ranch Launches New Flavors
Since 1996, Alternative Air LLC has built its reputation on one core principle: Evolve with the industry. As the gourmet chocolate and confectionery market has transformed into a luxury-driven, experiencefo c u s e d s e c t o r, Alternative Air has consistently adapted its designs to reflect changing retail trends while maintaining precise climate performance. Over the past two decades, consumer
Responding to a new generation of home cooks who crave both diverse ingredients and bold flavors, Hidden Valley® Ranch announced the launch of three new product innovations including Hidden Valley Ranch with Avocado Oil, restaurant-inspired YumYum Ranch and Parmesan Ranch Seasoning. This latest expansion of the brand’s portfolio was developed to satisfy a variety of palates and meet dynamic lifestyles, offering a trio of flavor-forward options designed for every occasion. “We crafted this lineup to give consumers more flexibility and creativity in the kitchen,” said Daniel Schear, Director
For Oh!asis™, this isn’t just a business story – it’s a family one. Oh!asis has long been recognized for delivering premium tropical confections that resonate with consumers and drive strong performance on shelf. Today, the brand enters a new chapter – one defined by thoughtful partnership, longterm stewardship and a renewed focus on operational excellence. Las Olas Confections and Snacks has partnered with family-owned Zeno’s Boardwalk Sweet Shop to support the
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A Family Affair: The Next Chapter of Oh!asis BOOTH #2061