Online forum - Next billion dollar brand

Confectionery Innovation 2016: Project7, Mintel and Unreal Candy founder lined up

By Oliver Nieburg

- Last updated on GMT

November 30, 2016 - Free online forum on confectionery NPD
November 30, 2016 - Free online forum on confectionery NPD

Related tags Confectionery Innovation Mintel

ConfectioneryNews will host a free online forum on new product development this month for companies adjusting to modern market trends.

‘Confectionery Innovation 2016’​ is an hour-long webinar hosted by ConfectioneryNews editor Oliver Nieburg.

It takes place exclusively online on Wednesday November 30, 2016 at 10:00am New York/ 4:00pm Paris / 11:00 PM Singapore.

To sign up and view the webinar for FREE click HERE.

A three-person panel will review changing consumer preferences, formulation, merchandising and retail execution in a digital landscape where Millennials start to dominate.

Tyler Merrick, CEO and founder, Project7

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Social entrepreneur Tyler Merrick founded gum firm Project7 in 2008. The US company helped to add excitement to a struggling category with innovative flavors such as birthday cake and mint julip, leading to multiple awards wins at the NCA’s Sweets & Snacks Expo’s most innovative new product awards. Project7’s sales have doubled in the past year to almost $7m, making it the fastest growing performer in US gum market. It has since expanded into gummies, functional gum and snack clusters and continues to contribute part of its profits to seven social causes.

Adam Melonas, cofounder of Unreal Candy & CEO of food innovation lab Chew

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Adam is an Australian chef who's launched more than 50 products. He served as chief innovation officer and co-founder of Unreal Brands (Unjunked Candy). Two and half years ago, he founded innovation lab Chew, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to help disruptive food startups and big companies to introduce healthier, good-tasting products. Adam recently spoke at the Natural Products Expo West and TEDxValencia in Spain.

Marcia Mogelonsky, director of insight, Mintel Food and Drink

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Marcia has been with Mintel since 2000 and is a regular contributor to ConfectioneryNews. Her expertise centers on a number of areas in confectionery and snacks. She also has a deep understanding of consumer demographics, having previously served as an associate editor for American Demographics magazine. Before joining Mintel, Marcia headed her own consulting company which focused on consumer behavior and product innovation in a wide range of industries. Previous employers include USAID and USDA. Marcia also holds a Ph.D. in archaeology, working on several sites in the Mediterranean and Middle East.

The panel will discuss:

  • Upcoming trends
  • Formulation & winning ingredients
  • Consumer taste tests
  • On-pack claims
  • Choosing packaging
  • Picking price points
  • Retail channels & merchandising
  • Social media & promotions

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