Barbara Zobian, president of Candlelighters NYC, an organization helping children fight cancer, went to Dylan’s Candy Bar in NYC on February 15 for the world introduction of Hip Hop’s first official candy product, Micheck da Candy.  The candy-filled toy microphone plays positive, inspirational messages from Chuck D, and is the creation of CandyRific and Sensei Aaron, Chuck D’s first MC partner and former bodyguard. Barbara is embraced by Sensei Aaron (left) and Chuck D (right).

Each flashlight features one of three iconic characters: Orange Clone Trooper, Yellow Vader, and Red Darth Maul. A fourth character, Blue General Grievous, will be released later this year. Each contains a Fun Size (.53 oz.) bag of M&M’S Brand Chocolate Candies.

CandyRific has a hit with M&M’S Brand Star Wars novelties, especially the Light-Up Lightsaber, which, according to CandyRific President Rob Auerbach, is selling at a velocity of two-to-three times greater than other confectionery novelty items.

The company announced its license pairing Lucasfilm’s Star Wars with M&M’s Characters at a New York City event at Dylan’s Candy Bar in February. According to Auerbach, the excitement continues to build around these novelty items as fans gear up for the Blu-ray release of Star Wars: The Complete Saga in late September and the release of Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace in 3-D, which is the first of all six Star Wars films to be converted in 3-D, in February.

The Light-Up Lightsaber is CandyRific’s number one selling item, and its other M&M’S Brand Star Wars novelty items, including the fan, coin bank, and 9- and 12-inch dispensers are not far behind.

WME Announces Categories Available for Licensing

WME Licensing is looking for licensees for fashion designer Cynthia Rowley, in the bedding, social expressions, health and beauty aids, furniture, and children’s apparel categories; world-renowned health nutritionist Keri Glassman, in the health and beauty aids, food and beverage, fitness equipment, and activewear/sportswear categories; leading Latina chef Lorena Garcia, in all categories; and Survivor host Jeff Probst, in all categories.

—TLB Staff

New Christmas items featuring M&M’s characters include an embossed tin, a sticker/stamper, a fan, a coin bank, a nine-inch candy dispenser, and a single chute candy dispenser.

The 3-in-1 Christmas Candy Gift Set comes with a working M&M’S watch, Etch-A-Sketch, and Sticker Stamper, plus three fun-size packs of M&M’s candies.

The M&M’S Ornament Dispenser Christmas Gift Set features Red sitting atop a wrapped present. By pulling his arm, candies dispense out of the bottom of the gift. The set also includes an M&M’S Ornament in red or green, and a fun-size pack of M&M’S.

The light-up, miniature M&M’S Christmas Tree comes with a toy train conducted by Red, which circles the tree base when the button is pressed, and two fun-size packs of M&M’S.

The M&M’s Christmas Triple Dispenser holds and easily dispenses lots of M&M’S for the holidays. Red, Yellow, and Blue are each positioned on top of a chamber, dressed in Santa hats. The set comes with three fun-size packs of M&M’S.

The M&M’S Military Jeep features Blue behind the wheel, Red in the passenger seat, and Yellow holding on for dear life under the hood. M&M’S candies fit under the hood and dispense out of the bumper when you pull Red’s arm. The Jeep makes car sounds and has working lights, and comes with a 5.30 oz. bag of M&M’S.

Yum.