pladis sales pass £3.3bn but profits take a hit
pladis doubles down on growth, investing in brands, manufacturing networks and sustainable ambitions
Yildiz Holding
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
From Mars to Ferrero: Confectionery bets big on ultra-premium chocolate
Confectionery’s biggest names are racing to capitalise on the ultra-premium boom, but what does it take to truly succeed?
The race to reinvent confectionery is on
From multisensory experiences to AI-powered product development, innovation is reshaping the confectionery industry
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?
McVitie’s, Snickers, Cadbury and Cheez-It turn snacks into something bigger
Nine brands are using launches to enter new markets, create experiences, revive rituals and even give people a second chance
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
Mondelēz, PepsiCo and pladis to take part in circular packaging trial
The trial aims to prepare the industry for PPWR recycled packaging minimums that will be introduced in 2030
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
Why the former McVitie’s boss is betting on private label
Cem Karakaş once ran one of the world’s biggest branded snack groups; now he’s buying into the manufacturers helping retailers challenge them
Godiva turns 100 with star-studded centenary campaign
Luxury chocolate maker marks 100th anniversary with a limited-editions and animated entertainment
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
Pladis ramps up regenerative agriculture to safeguard critical supplies
Maker of McVitie’s, Turtles and Godiva unveils new regenerative farming initiative to strengthen supply chains
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
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
Sweets & Snacks Expo 2024
Chocolate brands cash in on America’s largest candy and snack trade show
The 2024 Sweets & Snacks Expo became a launch pad for companies looking to crack the US confectionery market with new products from Colombia’s Vivamor, Canada’s Lovo Chocolate, along with reboots of classic brand Godiva and a new partnership deal for...
M&As
pladis completes integration of GODIVA chocolates, with Steve Lesnard as president
Premium chocolate brand GODIVA joins the pladis portfolio of iconic brands after a process that started in 2023. Prior to its integration, GODIVA Company was acquired in 2008 by pladis’ parent company, Yıldız Holding of Türkiye.
Nigeria’s leading biscuit company rebrands to capitalize on the global recognition of McVitie’s
A&P Foods Limited has rebranded as pladis Foods Nigeria to align with the corporate branding and global standing of the McVitie’s maker.
Godiva CEO says premium chocolates remain ‘very resilient’ ahead of Valentine's Day
The Valentine's Day candy season is poised for growth in 2023 with year-over-year sales expected to grow 5% to around $4bn, despite rising inflation and supply chain issues, according to the National Confectioners Association.
Marketing
‘Captain America’ drafted in to launch new Godiva chocolate campaign
Luxury Belgian chocolatier Godiva has announced that Hollywood actor Chris Evans will be the voice of a new global advertising and marketing campaign that starts this month.
Godiva: Self-care, pandemic-strain fuel surge in Valentine’s Day chocolate sales as licensing deals reinforce year-long demand
Historically people have celebrated Valentine’s Day by sharing sweets with others they love, but the pandemic-fueled rise of ‘self-care’ means more people also will treat themselves this year – helping push confection sales leading up to the holiday...
Seasonal
US chocolate brands spread the love this Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is known as the ‘chocolate event’ for US consumers and the big confectionery companies are going to town with their marketing and advertising campaign head of 14 February.
Premium
GODIVA expands its licensing portfolio in North America
New Brand Partners include Boardwalk Frozen Treats, Jimmy's Gourmet Bakery, Le Vian Chocolate Diamonds, and Cookies United.
Podcast
GODIVA’s bid to capture America’s heartland - LISTEN
Nurtac Afridi talks to CN about the steps she has taken to transform GODIVA’s business during her first year as CEO.
Coronavirus
Godiva shuts up shop in North America and Canada
‘Waning demand’ caused by the coronavirus pandemic has resulted in luxury chocolatier Godiva announcing it will close all its retail outlets in North America and Canada by the end of March this year.
Godiva to sell select assets to MBK Partners to fuel business growth
Godiva Chocolatier, owned by Yildiz Holding, is selling select assets to MBK Partners as part of a global strategy to grow the business fivefold.
Execs on the move
Ferrero and Godiva appoint new executives to lead government affairs and marketing units
Confectioners, Ferrero and Godiva, have named new executives to lead their government affairs and marketing teams, according to two separate announcements recently.
Business news
Yildiz preparing to sell Godiva's Japanese business, reports
Reuters say that sources close to the company claim process expected to start in weeks, a day after rival Hotel Chocolat announced plans to move into Japan.
pladis CEO steps down
The McVitie’s and Carrs biscuit maker has announced that Cem Karakaş is stepping down as CEO with immediate effect due to ‘family health reasons.’
Exec on the move
Godiva appoints former Burberry exec as new chief financial officer
Godiva Chocolatier has appointed Virginie Costa as its new chief financial officer, effective August 6, 2018.
3D chocolate and lollipops
3D chocolate heads: Godiva Chocolatier taps into personalization gifting market
Godiva Chocolatier has collaborated with e-commerce startup Candy Mechanics to create personalized chocolate cards and lollipops made from 3D printed molds of human’s heads.
News in brief
Former Shake Shack exec to lead Godiva Chocolatier’s technology and digital innovation
Godiva Chocolatier has named Phil Crawford as its chief technology officer, from immediate effect.
Executives on the move
Pladis hires former PepsiCo exec to build ‘commercial powerhouse’
Pladis has appointed Dmitry Ivanov (Dima) to its newly created global position of chief commercial officer.