News & Analysis on Chocolate, Candy and Cocoa
Strong cash flow and rising profits mask ongoing operational pressures in Barry Callebaut’s latest results, raising questions about what recovery will really look like for the chocolate industry
Unilever’s $44.8bn decision to merge its Foods business with McCormick has rattled investors and raised regulatory questions
What started as an energy shock is fast becoming a food crisis, with stranded cargoes and fertiliser shortages threatening global supply chains
A two-week ceasefire is now in place in the war between US-Israel and Iran, but much is still uncertain about how long-lasting the impacts of damage done thus far will be and what still lies ahead for the global food sector
Low and no loses its shine as consumers reject restriction in favour of real ingredients, richer flavours, and products that prioritise pleasure
Unilever edges closer to a deal with McCormick in a move that would reshape its future and redefine the global food landscape
Confectionery sales are soaring. But what’s driving growth and which brands are best positioned for the future?
Ferrero’s Bold Snacks acquisition hints at where industry is headed
Cocoa prices climb as supply expectations shift and demand struggles to recover
Unilever’s latest shake‑up could transform the future of food and drink. Here’s what the potential sell‑off means for the CPG giant, and the wider industry
Ferrero scraps traditional CEO role amid sweeping food and beverage leadership shake-ups
From protein‑packed chocolate bars to big‑brand collaborations, sports nutrition and confectionery are merging fast
The decision is likely to spark a wave of lawsuits from businesses across the food and beverage industry and beyond
The move echoes a broad industry shift and would strengthen an already high-performing JV
Nestlé celebrates strong results and a sharper strategy, but crisis casts shadow over the food and beverage giant’s future
Hershey’s rocky start to 2026 has raised questions about its long‑term direction
The packaged food giant is banking on bolder taste, functional nutrition and smarter packaging to offset weak cereal and snack demand
Functional chocolate is stepping into the spotlight. Discover the ingredients, trends and early innovators reshaping the future of indulgence
From AI trendspotting to snacking-led innovation, here’s how The Magnum Ice Cream Company aims to accelerate growth
After a year marked by a CEO shake-up and its biggest ever product recall, the Swiss CPG major is embarking on a strategic reset in 2026
Following $5.2B in 2025 candy sales, brands are unveiling inventive products and campaigns to capture modern consumers’ hearts
Soaring cocoa prices are quietly reshaping how chocolate is formulated, where it’s used and how far the industry can stretch expectations without losing trust
Hershey’s profits have plunged again, but rising sales and recent acquisitions hint at a more complicated story
From megamergers to shocking splits, Big Food is reshaping itself at breakneck speed. So, who’s next?
Super Bowl week snack sales reached $742m last year, and snack makers are leaning into shareable formats, bold flavors and activations again as the Big Game approaches
Winter Fancy Faire
From swicy flavors to squeezable pouches, emerging brands at the Specialty Food Association’s Winter Fancy Faire are pushing a mature category into its next growth phase
A bakery & snacks survival guide for 2026
From pistachio-packed fillings to products engineered to break, pull and ooze on camera, TikTok is reshaping what indulgence and value look like in 2026
Big brands are rethinking formats, flavors and channels as snacks are redesigned for specific moments, tighter rules and more intentional eating
Is enthusiasm for GLP‑1 weight‑loss drugs starting to fade?
Industry data shows manufacturers have delayed price hikes through promotions and portfolio pricing, but analysts warn those tools will weaken as tariff costs finally flow through in 2026
Who’s dominating the sector and who’s falling behind?
From protein bars to gut-friendly gummies, functional confectionery is exploding, and it’s changing the game for indulgence
Longevity is redefining consumer behaviour. Here are the top five nutrition trends every food and beverage brand needs to know
We explore how consumers are engaging in mindful spending and drawn to flavour innovations that balance taste and value
Discover the breakthrough ideas redefining how food is created, regulated and trusted
Joe Wicks’ protein bar takedown may have stirred controversy, but did it change what consumers are buying?
US trade barriers still loom large over F&B
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
Chocolate is undergoing a dramatic transformation. From cutting‑edge cocoa‑free innovation to the rise of premium indulgence, discover how makers and brands are reinventing the world’s favourite treat
Three major food and beverage trend battles are set to define 2026, but which will triumph, and which will be left behind?
Lindt spotted the Dubai Chocolate trend emerge early on, then executed its own launch to perfection. Dubai Style Chocolate has transformed Lindt’s global travel retail offer - what can other brands learn from its success?
Four trend wars, four surprising winners. Dive into the food and beverage battles that dominated the industry in 2025
Collagen is transforming food, drink and confectionery. Discover why this powerhouse ingredient is set to dominate innovation in 2026
Gluten‑free growth is shifting. Discover the sectors surging ahead and the trends transforming the market
From microbiome-first foods to AI-powered diagnostics, discover the innovations shaping the future of wellness
GLP-1 users are rewriting the rules of appetite, texture and indulgence. Tate & Lyle’s latest research shows exactly where producers are missing the moment
The food and beverage trends driving change in 2026
A sweeping analysis shows food brands are sitting on huge untapped YouTube potential and missing basic optimization steps that could transform their reach
As consumers redefine premium chocolate through taste, ethics and wellness, everyday indulgence is replacing special-occasion luxury – opening the door for brands and retailers to grow margins, build loyalty and differentiate in a tightening,...
From nostalgic favourites with a modern twist to wellness-driven indulgence, the flavour revolution is here