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wiches is hot and growing. When we decided to add a bacon cheeseburger to our BIG AZ line-up, we were challenged to deliver the concept in BIG AZ style. We did a lot of research and develop- ment to fnd ways to deliver a satisfying bacon experience and live up to the BIG AZ BaconAddict Cheeseburger name." Todys continued, "Bacon is more pop- ular than ever, and the BIG AZ BaconAddict delivers on the promise of big bacon favor." In 2013, bacon was not the only trending favor option for con- sumers. As expected, the demand for chocolate drove Mars, Flower Foods and Biscomerica to create prod- ucts for those with a sweet-tooth. "Consumers are willing to try new favors from brands they already know and love," said Tim Quinn, vice president of trade development for Mars Chocolate North America. M&M;'s® Chocolate Bar , winner of the candy category, launched in May 2013. "Consumers looking for a chocolate bar format now can also enjoy the colorful candy fun of M&M;'s brand can- dies at the same time with the M&M;'s Chocolate Bar." M&M;'s Chocolate Bar earned 70 percent purchase inter- est and ranked top in performance across all other measures, includ- ing uniqueness and trial. In the pastry cat- egory, the winner, Mrs. Freshley's Chocolate Dreamies™ , became available across the country starting in September. The chocolate cakes are available in 2.8 ounce two-count, sin- gle-serve packs for the vending chan- nel. Chocolate Dreamies are available in colorful cellophane packaging with a view window prominently display- ing the chocolate cakes. "Mrs. Fresh- ley's mission is snack cake innovation, whether that's creating a new twist on a classic or developing unique items in partnership with other well-known brands," said Brent Bradshaw, Flow- ers Foods' vice president of market- ing. "Chocolate was an obvious choice when we thought about expanding our popular Dreamies line. These are the ultimate in on-the-go snacking, offering great favor and freshness." Flavor and health Basil's Chocolate Chip Mini Bites, winner of the cookie category, was specifcally designed and targeted to meet the 35-10-35 and school location requirements. It contains both the con- sumers' preference for chocolate with a healthy edge. Kathy O'Brien, vice president of sales/vending for Bisco- merica believes that Basil's Chocolate Chip Mini Bites is popular due to the demand of a much needed cookie item for the "healthy" and school-approved category. In addition, O'Brien credits the appeal to containing a low calorie count, whole grains and no trans fats. "This product gives consumers seek- ing a healthy choice a real taste treat," said O'Brien. In keeping with healthy pref- erences, Herr's® Good Natured Selects Baked Multi-Grain Crisps Cheddar Cheese was a best seller in 2013 in the category of salted snack. Good Natured Selects offers a healthy M&M;'s Chocolate Bar Mrs. Freshley's Chocolate Dreamies Herr's Good Natured Selects Baked Multi-Grain Crisps Cheddar Cheese Basil's Chocolate Chip Mini Bites 28 Automatic Merchandiser VendingMarketWatch.com April 2014 autm_26-31_0414POY_F.indd 28 3/24/14 4:31 PM