Chase Candy Debuts First New Flavor in More Than 50 Years

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — A longtime St. Joseph candy maker is adding something new to its lineup for the first time in decades.

Chase Candy Company officially introduced its new Raspberry Mini Mash on Saturday at the North Belt Hy-Vee, marking the company's first new flavor release in more than 50 years.

The raspberry variety is the first new addition since Chase Candy introduced a Coconut Mash in the 1970s, a flavor that was later discontinued.

The company began developing the Raspberry Mini Mash in January. The candy features a dark chocolate coating surrounding a creamy raspberry-flavored center.

According to Chase Candy Sales Manager Josh Hageman, raspberry was selected because it is a familiar flavor that already has a strong following among candy customers.

“We figured it would be safe to start with kind of a familiar flavor, nothing too crazy,” Hageman said.

The filling also has a noticeably creamier texture than the center found inside the company's well-known Cherry Mash.

Chase Candy plans to announce additional retailers next week where customers will be able to purchase the new flavor outside of the North Belt Hy-Vee.

The launch represents a significant change for the St. Joseph company, which has built much of its identity around the Cherry Mash for generations.

Cherry Mash has been sold in its recognizable red-and-white packaging since 1930 and remains the company's signature candy.

For now, Raspberry Mini Mashes are being sold in plastic containers. Chase Candy plans to eventually move the new flavor into packaging similar to the traditional Cherry Mash wrapper, potentially around Thanksgiving.

Hageman said the company is excited to see how customers respond after spending months developing the new product.

“We think it’s going to perform very well,” he said.

Source: News-Press NOW