The news that candy conversation hearts will not be available to consumers for Valentine's Day 2019 has everyone in a frenzy. The underlining reason behind this is that the company that made them went bankrupt last year. As individuals are letting the sadness sink in, brands are stepping in to attempt to fill the void.
Krispy Kreme, for example, will be making candy conversation heart-shaped donuts available to its consumers. Surely not the same as its sugary inspiration, this romantic holiday offering just might make up for the devastating shortage. The line-up of sweets features traditional slogans like 'Be Mine' but also more contemporary versions that incorporate social media lingo like 'DM ME' and 'ALL THE FEELS.'
Candy Conversation Heart Donuts
Krispy Kreme is Stepping in to Save Valentine's Day 2019
Trend Themes
1. Valentine's Day Treat Alternatives - Brands are stepping in with candy conversation heart-inspired treats, indicating an opportunity for companies to create alternative Valentine's Day sweets.
2. Social Media-incorporated Food Products - Krispy Kreme's use of contemporary slogans on its candy conversation heart-shaped donuts shows that incorporating social media lingo into food products could be a disruptive innovation opportunity.
3. Nostalgia-inspired Food Items - The outpouring of sadness in response to the discontinued candy conversation hearts reveals a market for nostalgic food items, signaling an opportunity for companies to create or revive similar products.
Industry Implications
1. Food and Beverage - The incorporation of social media lingo and nostalgic candy into food products may create opportunities for innovation and growth within the food and beverage industry.
2. Gift and Specialty Retail - The shortage of traditional Valentine's Day sweets like candy conversation hearts highlights the need for gift and specialty retailers to diversify their sweet treat offerings for the holiday.
3. Manufacturing - The bankruptcy of the company that traditionally produced candy conversation hearts offers a chance for manufacturers to step in and create new candy products to fill the void left by this nostalgic candy staple.