7 confectionery trends set to dominate 2027
From multisensory textures to sustainability, discover the trends shaping the future of confectionery
Lotte
Barry Callebaut plots comeback after profits tumble
Falling profits and shifting customer relationships raise concerns for the world’s biggest cocoa and chocolate supplier. But signs of recovery are starting to emerge
Forget flavour, texture’s transforming confectionery
From melt and mouthfeel to crunch and chew, texture takes centre stage in confectionery innovation
Beyond cocoa: The race to futureproof chocolate
The future of chocolate depends on manufacturers having more options
Protein boom powers confectionery growth
Protein is reshaping confectionery innovation, but consumers continue to put taste, texture and indulgence first
Are food and beverage brands stuck on repeat?
Another flavour. Another collaboration. Another limited edition. Line extensions are booming, but are brands delivering genuine innovation or simply more of the same?
Barry Callebaut’s move beyond chocolate fails to convince investors
Chocolate producer’s transition into complete product solutions is designed to unlock growth, but investors remain unconvinced
Chocolate giant sets up base near Magnum Ice Cream
Chocolate and cocoa producer, Barry Callebaut, has moved into a cutting-edge food tech hub at Colworth Science Park as it looks to strengthen its work with Magnum.
Barry Callebaut moves beyond chocolate to drive growth
World’s biggest chocolate maker sharpens focus on gourmet chocolate, specialty ingredients and solutions-led partnerships as CEO
Food and beverage’s collaboration craze gains momentum
From confectionery tie-ups to sustainability partnerships, brand collaborations are reshaping the food and beverage industry. But why has the trend exploded, and where will it go next?
Barry Callebaut and Arla launch ambitious decarbonisation plan
World’s biggest chocolate maker partners with dairy giant to target Scope 3 emissions
Big Food’s Big Reset: Why the industry’s changing faster than ever
From C-suite shake-ups to targeted acquisitions, Big Food is rethinking how to win in a rapidly changing market
M&M’s gets Practical Magic makeover as confectionery collaboration trend heats up
Mars takes M&M’s to Hollywood with Practical Magic 2 partnership as confectionery’s collaboration craze continues
Is the snack market slowing? How changing habits are reshaping the industry
Despite strong growth forecasts, questions are emerging over the future of the snacking sector
Global Top 100 Most Valuable Food Brands 2026 announced
Which food brands are leading the way in 2026? Brand Finance’s latest ranking reveals the biggest names, fastest risers and strongest brands across the global food sector
Confectionery’s biggest trend? Looking back
From retro packaging to the return of familiar favourites, nostalgia has become one of confectionery’s most powerful growth drivers
Confectionery fraud surges as manufacturers struggle to stay ahead
Fraudsters target high-value ingredients and premium claims, leaving confectionery manufacturers battling risks from farm to finished product
‘Worth it’ replaces ‘more is more’ as indulgence evolves
Confectionery indulgence is shifting from ‘more is more’ to ‘worth it’ as consumers prioritise quality, experience, wellness and sustainability
Global Top 100 confectionery companies announced
Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery’s 2026 Global Top 100 confectionery list has been revealed
The seasonal launch is dead. What comes next?
Faster trend cycles, retailer demands and shrinking product lifecycles are reshaping food and beverage innovation
From Nestlé to Mars: Why Big Food is embracing contract manufacturing
Outsourcing becomes a priority as CPGs seek greater flexibility, speed and resilience
From Nestlé to Ferrero: Big Food’s consolidation boom
Big Food’s biggest players are using acquisitions and strategic investments to fuel growth and expand their influence, and it’s reshaping the future of the industry
Barry Callebaut assesses cocoa threat as El Niño intensifies
World’s biggest chocolate producer weighs in on cocoa market concerns as UN issues El Niño warning
Gen Alpha and Beta: Confectionery’s next battleground
Freeze-dried sweets, bold flavours, Roblox activations and AI-powered engagement – the forces reshaping confectionery innovation as brands look beyond Gen Z
Confectionery’s innovation dilemma: Doing more with less
Rising costs, changing consumer demands and fast-moving trends are reshaping confectionery innovation. But what does it take to stand out?
2,000+ supply ships stranded: Iran war puts food security at risk
What started as an energy shock is fast becoming a food crisis, with stranded cargoes and fertiliser shortages threatening global supply chains
‘More is more’ spells the end for low and no
Low and no loses its shine as consumers reject restriction in favour of real ingredients, richer flavours, and products that prioritise pleasure
Confectionery sales surge as market races towards $295bn
Confectionery sales are soaring. But what’s driving growth and which brands are best positioned for the future?
The Big One: Cyberattack that could cripple food and drink
Cyberattacks are closing in on the food and drink sector, and the next one could be catastrophic. Is the industry ready for The Big One?
Confectionery sector braced for shortages as Iran conflict escalates
As conflict disrupts key trade routes and energy supplies, the confectionery sector is among the first to feel the strain. How vulnerable are manufacturers, and what can be done to protect the industry?
Industry, brace for change: Momentum builds behind Global Plastics Treaty
After negotiations failed to finalise a global treaty on plastic pollution last year, new hope is on the horizon
The future of confectionery: Innovations driving success in 2026
Discover how brands are reimagining indulgence and why the sweetest opportunities lie ahead
Why premium confectionery is the sweet spot for growth
Premiumisation is driving double-digit growth in confectionery - what does this mean for manufacturers?
Top 5 Christmas confectionery trends 2025
Holidays are coming! Discover the confectionery trends driving festive sales in 2025
Confectionery market to hit $278bn by 2032 as candy sales surge
The confectionery market is entering a new growth phase, driven by evolving consumer preferences, seasonal demand, and innovation in non-chocolate formats
In brief
Lotte Confectionery founder dies
Lotte Group officials say Shin Kyuk-ho died on Sunday in a hospital in Seoul.
Asia
Lotte confectionery announces major push in Japan with almost $1.2bn investment
Tourism and an aging local population make premium ice cream, chocolate and candy lines an attractive choice for consumers.
Lotte Confectionery partners with DKSH to expand in Singapore
Lotte has partnered with DKSH, a market expansion services provider, to expand its confectionery products’ footprint in Singapore.
News in brief
Lotte Confectionery invests $19.98m in building manufacturing plant in Russia
Lotte Confectionery will invest 22.3bn won (around $19.98m) in building a new manufacturing facility in Russia.
Big data: Which brands top confectionery sales in Beijing?
Trade body China Candy has collected February confectionery data from thousands of retailers in Beijing.
Lotte to face 'severe consequences' if it allows US missile system, warns China
China’s state media outlet Xinhua has urged Lotte to reject a US missile system on a golf course owned by the Korean conglomerate or face "severe consequences".
Lotte’s probiotic chocolate success highlights functional potential in Japan
Functional chocolate is poised to contribute to market growth in Japan based on the success of Lotte’s Sweet Days chocolate, says market analyst Canadean.
Strong growth prospects in Asia’s snack stick market, says Euromonitor
Snack sticks are enjoying a surge in Asia as new entrants enter the category with smaller pack sizes and innovative flavors, writes Euromontior analyst Emil Fazira Bte Kamari.
Lotte Confectionery found guilty of copying Japanese packaging design
Lotte Confectionery, part of Lotte Group, South Korea, has allegedly been found guilty of copying a Japanese snack maker's package design, according to a hearing at Seoul Central District Court.
Roshen owner wins Ukraine election: Long live the president! But will his choc firm get the chop?
If Petro Poroshenko sells his chocolate firm Roshen following his Ukrainian presidential victory, Lotte is the most likely buyer, says Mintel analyst.
Lotte eyes Choco Pie growth in India with third plant
Korean confectioner Lotte plans to accelerate its Choco Pie brand in India with a third factory.
Lotte finalizes deal for Kazakh confectionery firm
Korean confectioner Lotte has overcome regulatory hurdles to acquire a 76% stake in Kazakhstan-based firm Rakhat.
Lotte eyes ambitious overseas growth driven by China
Korean confectioner Lotte is aiming to increase its overseas sales six fold in the next five years led by growth in China, India and Russia, the firm said in its first half (H1) results.
Mondelez in ‘Choclairs’ row with Lotte in India
Mondelez International subsidiary Cadbury India has been granted an interim injunction by a high court In Delhi preventing rival Lotte from selling products alleged to infringe Cadbury’s Choclairs trademark.
Infographic: European chocolate makers move East
Chocolate production is still growing in developed markets, but volumes are growing at a faster pace in Eastern European countries like Poland, data from Leatherhead Food Research shows.