News & Analysis on Chocolate, Candy and Cocoa
As Mars expands through mega‑deals, sustainability pushes and portfolio diversification, the company is placing a bigger strategic bet on M&M’s to anchor growth and relevance in a changing global snacking landscape
The world’s biggest chocolate makers are working together to futureproof cocoa and support growers
After negotiations failed to finalise a global treaty on plastic pollution last year, new hope is on the horizon
Functional chocolate is stepping into the spotlight. Discover the ingredients, trends and early innovators reshaping the future of indulgence
Cocoa prices plunge to two‑year low as surpluses reshape the market
New CEO Hein Schumacher enters a company in decline. Here are the five decisive moves that could put the world’s biggest chocolate maker back on track
The confectionery giant is changing fast, and setting the pace for the entire sector
From megamergers to shocking splits, Big Food is reshaping itself at breakneck speed. So, who’s next?
Big brands are rethinking formats, flavors and channels as snacks are redesigned for specific moments, tighter rules and more intentional eating
Former Mars executive Paul Steed’s 63-month prison sentence for stealing more than $28m exposes how insider fraud can persist inside global food companies – and why scale can magnify risk
A challenging quarter puts added weight on Hein Schumacher to reassure customers, strengthen supply partnerships and rebuild momentum
Mars’ $36bn takeover of Kellanova is reshaping the global snacking landscape, combining two powerhouse portfolios and igniting innovation
Barry Callebaut shakes up its leadership as Hein Schumacher steps in during a pivotal moment for the world’s largest chocolate maker
Opinion
Over time, the world’s biggest confectionery companies have rebranded their products as ‘snacks’. So what’s the problem?
Who’s dominating the sector and who’s falling behind?
AI can do a lot more than offer guidance and write emails. It can help food companies find brand-new ingredients for product formulation
From protein bars to gut-friendly gummies, functional confectionery is exploding, and it’s changing the game for indulgence
Big Food is reshaping itself at record speed - from megadeals to dramatic divestments, here’s what’s driving the next wave of M&A in 2026
Four trend wars, four surprising winners. Dive into the food and beverage battles that dominated the industry in 2025
Discover how brands are reimagining indulgence and why the sweetest opportunities lie ahead
Mars and Kellanova join forces in a landmark deal set to reshape the global snacking industry
Mars seals €31bn Kellanova deal after EU approval - what does this mean for snacking’s future?
From proteins to dyes and sweeteners, the CPG major is betting big on the technology: here’s why
Paying premiums alone isn’t enough to get producers to embrace sustainability, Mars Snacking’s VP of R&D says as he reflects on emerging methane mitigation solutions and the Bovaer fallout
The cocoa crisis is forcing chocolate manufacturers to rethink everything - from sourcing and compliance to innovation and consumer trust
Nestlé, Ferrero, Mars, Unilever and Kraft Heinz are reshaping the food and beverage landscape with bold M&A moves. But what’s next?
Premiumisation is driving double-digit growth in confectionery - what does this mean for manufacturers?
Holidays are coming! Discover the confectionery trends driving festive sales in 2025
From Nestlé’s mass layoffs to Kraft Heinz mega demerger, global CPGs are making bold moves to survive shifting consumer demands and financial pressure
With Halloween and Christmas driving peak confectionery sales, Twix introduces Hallowmas
Halloween is no longer just for kids, it’s a confectionery goldmine
The confectionery market is entering a new growth phase, driven by evolving consumer preferences, seasonal demand, and innovation in non-chocolate formats
Mars’ blockbuster $35.9bn bid for Kellanova may get the EU’s green light, without concessions
From hazelnut Twix to halal Haribo, TFWA 2025 delivered a sweet showcase of innovation under the Cannes sun. Discover the top launches shaking up confectionery
Mars takes major step towards net zero by 2050
Mars is ramping up manufacturing, sustainability, and innovation across Europe
The EU has resumed its investigation into Mars’ $35.9bn merger with Kellanova, following a stop in July
From festive formats and clean-label protein snacks to nostalgic flavour mashups, the latest wave of NPD is reshaping how consumers snack, share and celebrate
Sustainable September
Mars, PepsiCo and ADM are partnering to help farmers adopt regenerative agriculture - boosting soil health, crop resilience and sustainability
From Kraft Heinz’s split to Mars and Kellanova’s mega-merger, the world’s biggest food brands are reshaping the industry
Is the clock still stopped on the $35.9bn deal?
Amid a cocoa crisis, the biggest names in chocolate are working to futureproof supply
New product development
From sour innovations to festive indulgence, here’s a bumper haul of the latest new product development in confectionery
M&M’s, Skittles, and Starburst will ditch artificial colours, but not every product is making the switch
Mars teams up with biotech firm Pairwise to futureproof cocoa crops using gene editing
With a new $240m Nature’s Bakery plant opening in Utah and a $36bn Kellanova deal underway, Mars is laying the groundwork for a US snack empire
European Commission pauses review of $35.9bn Kellanova deal, citing “missing information”
What happens when a confectionery giant takes a step into the snacking world? We’re about to find out
Despite making a public commitment nearly a decade ago to phase out artificial colours, the M&M’s and Skittles maker is in hot water over its continued use of synthetic dyes in the US