ISM live debate

New age tactics: Barry Callebaut, IRI & KPMG to discuss reaching Millennial consumers

By Oliver Nieburg

- Last updated on GMT

What are the shopping habits and preferences of the generation poised to become the biggest confectionery spenders?
What are the shopping habits and preferences of the generation poised to become the biggest confectionery spenders?

Related tags European union Barry callebaut

Market analysts IRI and KPMG will join Barry Callebaut’s global marketing director in debating strategies to formulate market and merchandise confections to cater to influential millennial consumers.

Eurostat data​ shows Millennials accounted for 24% of the adult population in the European Union in 2013.

Elsewhere, 92m people aged 15-35 have become the largest generation in US history, outstripping Baby Boomers, according to Goldman Sachs.

How must the confectionery industry adapt to  this typically single, tech-savvy, socially aware consumer base?

ConfectioneryNews will host an hour-long live debate titled ‘Reaching Millennial Consumers’​ at the world’s largest confectionery trade fair ISM in Cologne from 12:30 to 1:30pm on Sunday 31 January.

The event at the ISM Stage (passage between halls 4 and 5) is free-to-attend for all ISM and ProSweets visitors.

What to expect

Bas Smit, global Marketing director of Barry Callebaut’s Food Manufacturers division will discuss chocolate formulation preferences for Millennials based on the industry-leading suppliers' latest research.

IRI Germany senior director Christoph Knoke will also provide insights on his organization’s findings on Millennial confectionery shopping habits in Germany, France and the US.

Jerwin Tholen, associate director at KPMG, will review Millennials’ impact on the industry.

In KPMG’s 2014 report -  ‘A Taste of the Future - The trends that could transform the chocolate industry’​  - it said Millennial are poised to drive shopping.

“They are much more skeptical about – and less loyal to – brands than baby boomers, and are harder to market to. Brands may need to woo millennials via celebrities and social media,”​ it said.

NPD for Millennials

Confectionery firms are already tailoring products to cater to Generation Y.

US chocolate leader Hershey recently collaborated with Millennial marketing students to redesign its Take5 brand.

Mondelēz has also teamed with eight tech start-ups​ to explore how technologies such as wearables, beacons and smart displays can boost sales for power brands such as Oreo and Trident.

Join us in Cologne on Sunday 31 January from 12:30 to 1:30pm at the ISM Stage (passage between halls 4 and 5). Add to your calendar​.

Millennials full slide

Related topics Markets Chocolate Candy Gum Biscuits

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