IRVINE, Calif. — HI-CHEW has introduced a new dual-flavor candy stick combining lychee and raspberry. The launch is part of its showcase at the Sweets & Snacks Expo. The event takes place May 19–21 in Las Vegas. The new product launched on May 1. It is available exclusively at Walgreens stores nationwide through July 31. A broader retail expansion is expected later this year.
The HI-CHEW Lychee & Raspberry Stick marks the first dual-flavor stick format in the brand’s U.S. portfolio. The product features a layered structure. It includes a raspberry outer shell and a lychee-flavored center.
The format reflects a continued push toward globally inspired flavor combinations in the confectionery category.
The launch also introduces an updated packaging design across HI-CHEW’s stick lineup. The redesign features brighter visuals and more prominent flavor labeling. It is intended to improve shelf visibility and consumer engagement.
According to Teruhiro Kawabe, CEO of Morinaga America, the new release aligns with shifting consumer preferences. He said the lychee and raspberry combination targets shoppers seeking less traditional flavor profiles. He added that the packaging refresh is designed to modernize the brand’s presentation and attract new audiences.
Industry context: global flavors, retail exclusivity drive candy innovation
The introduction of lychee as a featured flavor reflects a broader trend in the confectionery industry. Brands are increasingly turning to global flavor influences. This is especially true for flavors drawn from Asian markets, where HI-CHEW has historically been a major player.
Limited-time retail exclusivity is also becoming more common. The Walgreens-only launch is one example. Brands use these short windows to create urgency and test consumer demand before a wider rollout.
This strategy also helps companies collect early sales and performance data. At the same time, scarcity can generate additional attention around a launch.
The packaging refresh also fits broader industry priorities. Candy brands are working harder to stand out in crowded store aisles. Strong shelf visibility can influence purchasing decisions, and visual differentiation plays a key role.
Why it matters
HI-CHEW’s latest product launch highlights the growing importance of flavor experimentation and global influence in the U.S. candy market. By introducing lychee (a fruit more commonly recognized in international markets), the brand is targeting consumers seeking new taste experiences beyond traditional fruit flavors.
At the same time, the use of retail exclusivity and phased rollouts reflects a strategic approach to product testing and demand generation. Combined with a packaging refresh, the move underscores how confectionery brands are balancing innovation with merchandising tactics to remain competitive in a saturated category.
Editor’s note: Source86 perspective
For confectionery manufacturers and private label brands, HI-CHEW’s dual-flavor launch underscores a key industry shift: consumers are increasingly drawn to globally inspired ingredients and layered taste experiences. Flavor innovation is no longer optional; it is becoming central to product differentiation and long-term growth.
At Source86, we work with brands to support this kind of innovation through ingredient sourcing, R&D collaboration, and co-manufacturing solutions. Whether developing new flavor profiles or scaling production for retail-ready launches, our platform helps ensure supply chains remain agile, compliant, and aligned with evolving consumer demand. Let’s talk.
FAQs
It is a new dual-flavor chewy candy featuring a raspberry outer layer and a lychee-flavored center, marking the first product of its kind in HI-CHEW’s U.S. stick lineup.
The product is available exclusively at Walgreens stores nationwide from May 1 through July 31, with broader distribution planned later.
HI-CHEW is rolling out a refreshed packaging design across its stick portfolio, featuring brighter visuals and clearer flavor labeling to improve shelf visibility.
External source: Two Refreshing Flavors, One Bold Chew: HI-CHEW® Debuts New Lychee & Raspberry Stick at the 2026 Sweets & Snacks Expo
