Big Brands

Many big players in the food industry have found regenerative AI helps them in NPD. Image Source: Hiroshi Watanabe/Getty Images

Mars, PepsiCo, Kraft Heinz, and Givaudan on how AI can improve NPD

By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

NPD takes time. Long hours of R&D lie between an idea and a product launch. AI, however, is helping a range of major companies generate product ideas, as well as do market research and gain insights into the minds of consumers.

Pic: Lindt

NPD

Lindt debuts new Choco Wafer in its UK outlets

By Anthony Myers

Premium chocolate brand, Lindt has introduced a new Choco Wafer into its UK outlets that after it was recently awarded a ‘superstar’ rating from market researcher, Nielsen Bases.

Pic:  Lindt & Spruengli

Financial results

Lindt warns of further price hikes after posting rise in profits

By Anthony Myers

Luxury Swiss chocolate maker Lindt & Spruengli has posted stronger-than-expected operating profits in the first half of 2023 and raised its full-year outlook, after hiking up prices for its chocolate easter bunnies and pralines.

Mars has unveiled its new paper packaging for Mars bars. Pic: Mars

Sustainabilty

Mars bars undergo paper packaging trials in UK

By Anthony Myers

Mars Wrigley UK has announced that its Mars bars will be wrapped in more environmentally friendly paper packaging rather than its traditional plastic wrapper.

Cadbury's historic Bournville factory. Pic: Cadbury

Reformulation

Cadbury looks to the future with plant-based bars

By Anthony Myers

Mondelēz International has announced major reformulation plans for its historic UK Cadbury brand that will include plant-based alternatives in an effort to cut up to 75% of sugar and fat.

Pic: NCAA

Marketing

Hershey to continue with NCAA partnership

By Anthony Myers

The Hershey Company is set to remain the ‘Official Confectionery Partner’ of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) after a six-year extension was agreed upon with Paramount-owned CBS and Warner Bros Discovery, which oversee the NCAA’s ‘Corporate...

And the winner is ... Crash!. Pic: Cadbury

Seasonal

Crash the cat wins this year’s coveted Cadbury Bunny ears accolade

By Anthony Myers

After receiving an impressive number of votes from animal lovers across the country, Crash the Cat from Boise, Idaho, has been crowned the winner of Hershey’s fifth-annual Cadbury Bunny Tryouts, 'Rescue Pets Edition', the company has announced.

Lindt wants to make Easter more memorable with its ‘Hoppiness’ campaign and much-loved Gold Bunny. Pic: Lindt

Seasonal

Chocolate gives a lift to all ages, new survey reveals

By Anthony Myers

A new UK nationwide study by Lindt, to mark the beginning of Spring, has revealed the list of everyday things that give Brits a lift, with a good night’s sleep (51%), a walk on a sunny morning (48%) and a hug (47%) appearing top of the list.

Cadbury's is the favourite Easter Egg brand, according to research. Pic: Mondelez International

Easter 2023

Cadbury's Easter eggs come out tops for UK consumers, research reveals

By Anthony Myers

With Easter in the UK becoming more of a celebration akin to Halloween and Christmas, new research has revealed that 82% of consumers said they'd spend the traditional long weekend with family, with approximately 20% spending it with friends. A third...

Hershey takes plant-based mainstream with alternatives of two classics. Pic: CN

NPD

Hershey launches plant-based milk chocolate into mainstream

By Anthony Myers

The Hershey Company has released dairy-free alternatives for two of its most iconic brands with Reese’s plant-based peanut butter cups going on sale this month, making it the first vegan chocolates sold nationally, followed by Hershey’s plant-based extra...