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Confections

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Squishmallows, See’s Candies Team on Co-Branded Gift Sets

Squishmallows are about to get a whole lot sweeter as Jazwares, one of the world’s leading toy companies, and the iconic California-based candy company See’s Candies will release a gift set that includes co-branded plush, chocolate boxes and totes inspired by everyone’s favorite ultra-soft plush, Squishmallows.

Available in See’s shops and online this October, fans of both brands will be able to purchase an eight-inch cuddly version of the beloved Squishmallows character, Emily the Bat, along with a co-branded custom box of chocolates and candy sold in a one-of-a-kind tote bag. Releasing in October, this gift set is perfect for trick-or-treaters and fans of Halloween and will be available for purchase while supplies list.

“Partnering with See’s Candies is the perfect way to further introduce Squishmallows into the consumables space,” said Gerhard Runken, executive vice president of brand & marketing at Jazwares. “This will be the perfect Halloween treat for fans of both brands, and we’re eager to add this unique collaboration to our robust lineup of iconic Squishmallows products!”

Pat Egan, president & CEO of See’s Candies added, “At See’s, we’re in the business of bringing joy, and that is exactly what this collaboration with Jazwares will do for fans of both brands. The ever-popular Squishmallows combined with our iconic, delicious chocolates will be the perfect treat this October.”

Squishmallows has consistently held its position as a leading toy property in the U.S. and a best-selling toy brand with over 400 million plush sold worldwide, boasting a multi-generational fanbase that continues to capture the imaginations of millions of fans worldwide. Squishmallows is massively popular on social media, driven by Gen Z fans who love celebrating the brand.

There are more than 13 billion video views on TikTok and Squishmallows has been tagged more than 1 million times on Instagram. As it continues to grow as a lifestyle brand, the company’s growth has fueled new cross-category collaborations across beauty, games, apparel, home decor, and more –– adding to its illustrious portfolio of more than 70 best-in-class licensing partners.

To stay connected and informed about See’s, sign up to receive an email newsletter at https://www.sees.com/emailsignup and follow @seescandies on all social platforms.

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Josh Abbott Promotes DQ Restaurants in Texas

Josh Abbott and DQ restaurants in Texas do it again with another exciting collaboration. The two Texas icons have come together with the Josh Abbott Meal featuring the country singer’s favorite childhood meal, runs through May 26 at participating DQ restaurants in Texas.

“I am from a little town called Idalou outside of Lubbock, Texas, and Dairy Queen was always my go to spot growing up,” said Abbott, lead singer of the Josh Abbott Band. “Whether I was heading to Dairy Queen after a basketball or football game, or going to Dairy Queen with my grandpa, I have a lot of great memories with the brand.”

The Josh Abbott Meal features a four-piece Steak Finger Country Basket, a mini M&M’s Milk Chocolate Blizzard Treat, a refreshing Iced Tea, and a collectible limited-edition Josh Abbott cup, available at participating restaurants while supplies last.

When it comes DQ, Abbott said he gravitated to the steak finger basket growing up because it was unique.

“You can go to a lot of places with burgers or chicken, but Dairy Queen has the variety, and I loved the steak fingers.”

“Texans work hard and play hard, and when they are hungry, they come to DQ restaurants in Texas for their favorite Treats & Eats,” said Lou Romanus, CEO of Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council. “We have enjoyed working with Josh the last couple of years who brings his nostalgia and passion for Dairy Queen into this new initiative.”

The two Texas icons joined forces in 2022 to create a fresh new sound for DQ restaurants in Texas with one of the most recognizable jingles in the Lone Star State, “That’s What I Like About Texas.” The country music star brought his distinctive style to the jingle, which has been a staple for the past two decades.

Today, Abbott is building DQ memories with his own kids. He and his family recently visited a DQ location, where he introduced his children to the Blizzard Treat.

“Watching their faces, that sugar rush and the joy was a really cool moment! We filmed it and I am so glad we have that on camera now,” said Abbott.

Abbott founded the Josh Abbott Band in 2006 while attending Texas Tech University. The seven-piece group cut its teeth as a hard-touring act with hooky melodies that deliver real-world stories. The Josh Abbott Band released its seventh studio LP “Somewhere Down The Road” in January. Produced by Dwight A. Baker (Flatland Cavalry), the new album is their first full-length since 2020 and is the first featuring a newly reconfigured lineup. The band is on tour across the country. Visit joshabbottband.com for tour dates.

There are few brands as iconic as the DQ brand. Innovative DQ treats and eats, along with the unique DQ restaurant concepts, have positioned DQ restaurants in Texas as a leader in the quick service restaurant industry. The Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council is a nonprofit organization made up of DQ franchisees operating in Texas.

The Council develops the advertising and marketing program for DQ franchisees in Texas and controls the Texas Country Foods menu along with managing supply/distribution for the nearly 600 DQ restaurants in Texas. The DQ restaurants in Texas are franchised by American Dairy Queen Corporation and the DQ franchise system includes approximately 7,000 franchised locations in the United States, Canada, and more than 20 other countries, including the nearly 600 DQ restaurants in Texas.

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Graeter’s Ice Cream Launches Limited Edition Mystery Tasting Pack

Graeter’s Ice Cream, family-owned craft ice cream maker since 1870, has launched its latest creation, the Mystery Tasting Pack. This limited-edition pack invites ice cream lovers to participate in an engaging blind tasting experience with six never-before-seen flavors.

The Mystery Tasting Pack takes Graeter’s Ice Cream’s Bonus Flavor ideation to the next level, combining the craft quality and fan-loved perfection of the handcrafted French Pot ice cream, with a fun and interactive food challenge that brings family and friends together. The highly sought after Mystery Tasting Pack is available exclusively online at www.graeters.com/mystery-tasting, while supplies last.

The online pack offers ice cream lovers across the United States an opportunity to be the first to experience Graeter’s flavor innovations. Consumers are encouraged to peek under the veil of the Graeter’s flavor factory with delivery right to their doorstep.

These indulgent new flavors represent Graeter’s commitment to being the best in the ice cream business, like all of Graeter’s other flavors, these six pints are handcrafted in the brand’s classic French Pots in small 2½ gallon batches.

“We’re excited to offer our fans a chance to experience the thrill of discovering new flavors while adding an element of surprise,” said Bob Graeter, fourth-generation owner of Graeter’s Ice Cream. “It’s a great way to engage with our community and create memorable moments with friends and family. The six pack is sure to delight our loyal fans and show ice cream lovers across the U.S. what Graeter’s Ice Cream is all about.”

Friends, fans, and ice cream enthusiasts across America can get the Mystery Pack online at www.graeters.com/mystery-tasting for a limited time while supplies last.

Graeter’s Ice Cream, celebrating its 154th anniversary, produces craft ice cream using French Pots, a small batch, artisanal method of production dating back over a century. Graeter’s has won the hearts of ice cream enthusiasts across the country as well as the respect of the nation’s most influential foodies. Tasted among 13 national brands, Graeter’s was voted the #1 Vanilla Ice Cream by MyRecipes.com in 2019.

Famous for their signature chocolate chips, the Cincinnati-based company remains family owned and operated and continues to handcraft ice cream 2 1⁄2 gallons at a time. Today, Graeter’s currently has 56 retail stores and ships over 300,000 pints annually for online mail order sales and corporate gifting. Graeter’s can also be found in more than 3,000 grocery stores in 46 states. Visit www.graeters.com for more information.

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