TAMPA, Fla. -- Winning never tasted so sweet. The National Confectionery Sales Association (NCSA) awarded six candy and snacks products with its New Product Awards this year. The six categories recognized were chocolate, licensed/limited edition, non-chocolate, premium/gourmet, snacks and seasonal.

Products in the six categories were nominated by candy and snack buyers, brokers and suppliers, and narrowed down to 30 items by a panel of industry experts. Winners received their Crystal Awards and certificates of achievements at the Candy Hall of Fame induction banquet, held in Tampa on Oct. 15.

Taking home the top prizes were Snickers Peanut Butter Squared from Mars Chocolate North America (chocolate); M&M's Star Wars Lightsabers from CandyRific LLC (licensed/limited edition); Natural Vines from American Licorice Co. (non-chocolate); Cacao de Chuao Origins from Chuao Chocolatier (premium/gourmet); Orchard Bars from Liberty Orchards Co. Inc. (snacks); and Juicy Oozers Gummy Vampires from Ferrara Pan Candy Co. Inc. (seasonal).

"Product introductions are a driving force in the candy and snack industry, and we were delighted to honor companies that value innovation, research and development with awards recognizing their hard work," said NCSA President Alastair Northway.

The National Confectionery Sales Association is dedicated to furthering positive growth and acceptance of confectionery products, and recognizing the achievements of category leaders from all sectors of the international industry.