Candy

Valeo's confectionery portfolio includes iconic British brand, Barratt. Pic: Valeo Food Group

Acquisition

Valeo Foods and Confectionery acquired by Bain Capital

By Anthony Myers

Bain Capital Private Equity, a leading global private investment firm, announced it has signed a definitive agreement with CapVest to acquire European ambient foods company Valeo Foods.

Pic: hershey

In brief

Twizzlers’ fans asked to solve flavour mystery

By Anthony Myers

Hershey is setting Twizzlers’ fans with a mystery to solve this year by asking them to guess the flavour of a new version when it becomes available nationwide beginning this spring.

Even in an 'unprecedented year', Easter traditions remain strong, says the NCA. Pic: GettyImages

Seasonal

Boost to chocolate and candy sales expected this Easter

By Anthony Myers

Most people who celebrate Easter will share a gift of chocolate and candy to celebrate the season, according to the National Confectioners Association’s (NCA) latest report on seasonal confectionery sales.

Ferrero’s Chibe named next chair of NCA

NCA State of the Industry Conference 2021

Ferrero’s Chibe named next chair of NCA

By Anthony Myers

The National Confectioners Association (NCA) has announced that Paul Chibe, President and CEO of Ferrero North America, will assume the role of Chairman of the NCA Board of Trustees for a two-year term that begins immediately.

Mars launches Skittles Gummies in Walmart

In brief

Mars launches Skittles Gummies in Walmart

By Anthony Myers

Mars Wrigley has launched its new Skittles Gummies in Walmart stores in the US with a wider roll-out across other channels planned for May.

The popularity of nutraceutical gummies is likely to skyrocket, says tna Solutions. Pic: tna Solutions

Special Report: Post Pandemic Trends 2021

Keeping the production flow going during the pandemic

By Anthony Myers

We have entered into a new era of food safety and with the current situation fuelling fears around food contamination more than ever before, producers have been paying special attention to equipment cleanliness and effective pack sealing, says Edward...

Latest research suggests that consumers are increasingly looking for food and beverage products that support their immune health. Pic: GettyImages

Special Report: Post Pandemic Trends 2021

Confectionery trends 2021: Taste is king’, along with immunity and health

By Anthony Myers

Balancing personal health and environmental health in confectionery while making the product tasty and indulgent is going to be a huge responsibility, as is predicting global confectionery trends post COVID-19 – according to Barry Callebaut research.

NCA president and CEO John Downs with last year's Future Leaders intake. Pic: NCA

NCA

NCA announces its 2021 Future Leadership Class

By Anthony Myers

The National Confectioners Association (NCA) has announced the five confectionery industry professionals selected for its 2021 Future Leadership Program, which is dedicated to helping young professionals in the US the confectionery industry access networking...

NCA hires Steve McCroddan (left) and Kyle Jordan. Pic: NCA

Industry

NCA beefs up its team with a new CFO and Membership & Meetings VP

By Anthony Myers

The National Confectioners Association (NCA) has added two more senior-members to its Washington-based team with the announcement that Steve McCroddan joins as chief financial officer, and Kyle Jordan joins as vice president of membership & meetings.

Mondelēz predicts 2020 earnings growth, and beats third quarter results. Pic: Mondelēz

Financial results

Mondelēz predicts 2020 growth as consumers stock up on candies and cookies

By Anthony Myers

Mondelēz International Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dirk Van de Put said he was “very encouraged” by its financial performance, after the company reported better-than-expected quarterly results as consumers stocked candies and cookies at home...

Haribo was founded in the German city of Bonn 100 years ago. Pic: Haribo

Investment

Haribo to build massive confectionery factory in Wisconsin

By Anthony Myers

German candy maker Haribo has announced plans to construct a new North American factory in Wisconsin that is set to become one of the largest confectionery facilities in the country creating 385 jobs then up to 4,200 ‘indirect jobs’ upon completion.

The NCA has announced a new location and dates for the 2021 Sweets & Snacks Expo. Pic: NCA

Sweets & Snacks Expo 2021

Sweets & Snacks Expo confirmed for June 2021, moves from Chicago

By Anthony Myers

The National Confectioners Association (NCA) has announced the 2021 Sweets & Snacks Expo will be held from June 22 to 25, 2021, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, moving from Chicago for the first time in the show’s history.

Bazooka Candy Brands Lollipop Variety Pack is ideal for Halloween trick or treating. Pic: Bazooka Candy Brands

Halloween 2020

Bazooka Candy offers up tricks and treats for a safe Halloween

By Anthony Myers

Bazooka Candy Brands, a division of the Topps Company, Inc, says this Halloween will be all about quality over quantity and has released its portfolio of iconic brands including Ring Pop, Push Pop, Baby Bottle Pop, Bazooka Bubble Gum, to satisfy all the...