A snapshot of sweet innovations and popular products for Easter.

Queen Anne

Queen Anne chocolate confectionery was first established by Sarah Adam’s grandfather, Ernest, in the 1920s and re-launched 70 years later with the same popular recipes including marshmallow.

The most recent addition to the Queen Anne Marshmallow Easter offering is the smaller portion 200g range; in Dark Chocolate Marshmallow, Milk Chocolate Marshmallow and Dark Chocolate Mint flavoured Marshmallow Eggs. These are positioned to complement the original 400g range of boxed Milk & Dark Chocolate Marshmallow Eggs.

Qualitative consumer research undertaken by Queen Anne Indulgence, as part of its development strategy, identified the brand as reflecting traditional values in a modern world. The Queen Anne Easter range is gluten free and features dark chocolate options in line with current consumer trends. The ongoing popularity of Queen Anne Marshmallow Eggs reflects increasing consumer support for New Zealand made confectionery.

A significant development for the company is the first manufacture of marshmallow for Easter 2012 in its Christchurch premises. The specialty confectionery manufacturing plant was set up mid 2011, despite significant challenges due to the Christchurch earthquakes.

“We are very happy with the quality and consistency of our new manufacturing systems,” Adams says. The change to in-house manufacturing of Queen Anne products will enable the company to undertake a significant new product development programme in 2012. For more information phone 0800 783 362 or visit queenanne.co.nz.

Lindt Chocolate

Lindt Chocolate continues to grow ahead of the market in New Zealand.

Lindt Easter is adding value and profitability to the Easter category, as consumers continue to trade up to premium chocolate.

The Lindt Gold Bunny is fast becoming an iconic product in New Zealand at Easter.

This year Lindt will have Gold Bunnies available from 10 grams right through to a handmade 1kg Gold Bunny in the market place. The 100g Gold Bunny will be available in milk, dark and white, and still remains as the core product for Lindt at Easter along with the 200g Gold Bunny.

Lindt also has some fabulous new innovative ‘Pouch Bags’ available for Easter 2012, including ‘Mini Chicks’ and ‘Mini Carrots’ which will drive further growth within the Easter category, with highly appealing packaging and available in exquisitely smooth melting milk chocolate.