News & Analysis on Chocolate, Candy and Cocoa
New product development
From premium Valentine’s assortments to playful Easter treats and everyday snacking upgrades, manufacturers are blending nostalgia with modern twists to capture consumer attention
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
SLAMS isn’t just another gummy - it’s a signal that play‑powered confectionery could be the category’s next big move
From autonomous R&D to real‑time supply chain resilience, AI is redefining the rules of food and beverage. Is industry ready for the next era?
Discover the breakthrough ideas redefining how food is created, regulated and trusted
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
Chocolate makers has been significantly impacted by the cocoa crisis. Ingredient innovation offers a solution
Cocoa volatility and fast-changing label demands are squeezing R&D timelines. Barry Callebaut’s partnership with NotCo points to a new, AI-assisted path forward
Innovation cycles take time. But artificial intelligence promises to change that - at lightening speed
From proteins to dyes and sweeteners, the CPG major is betting big on the technology: here’s why
Chocolate is changing fast - premium indulgence, health-driven treats, and even cocoa-free innovations are rewriting the rulebook
The global food and beverage ingredients market is booming. But what are the trends powering industry growth?
New product development
Reese’s is ramping up its Christmas offer for 2025, revealing a raft of new products and returning best-sellers
The cocoa crisis is forcing chocolate manufacturers to rethink everything - from sourcing and compliance to innovation and consumer trust
Ferrero Travel Market is redefining festive gifting
New product development
Confectionery innovation has entered its Christmas era, with leading brands introducing festive flavours and formats designed to capture consumer attention
Premiumisation is driving double-digit growth in confectionery - what does this mean for manufacturers?
Trendspotting 2026
Flavor still rules bakery and snacks, but in 2026, the way they feel is fast becoming the new measure of delight
Longevity and weight loss are redefining consumer priorities - creating major opportunities for food and beverage
Inside Nestlé: Rania Abou Samra on crafting the future of food and beverage
Barry Callebaut explores cocoa alternatives amid rising costs and climate pressure
From gut-friendly gummies to protein-packed snacks, functional ingredients are transforming everyday food and drink into wellness powerhouses
Trendspotting 2026
Forget flavor fatigue – next year will be all about how snacks feel. From crisp layers to creamy centers, texture is fast becoming the biggest lever of indulgence and loyalty
Holidays are coming! Discover the confectionery trends driving festive sales in 2025
Travel retail is no longer just about luxury - confectionery is taking off. Discover how Mondelēz is turning airports into brand-building playgrounds
From probiotics to sleep-supporting snacks, discover how the four pillars of gut health are reshaping food and beverage innovation
The snack giant will expand value offerings, boost innovation in better-for-you products and indulgent items, and refine promotions to reignite growth
NAD⁺ is emerging as a key ingredient in the longevity space. Discover the science, product potential, and formulation challenges shaping this fast-growing category
Cadbury Heroes gets a sustainable makeover as Mondelēz trials paper tubs
GLP-1 fuels rapid food and beverage sector growth - but risks and costs mount
The new ingredient is positioned as an ‘insurance policy’ against cocoa supply chain volatility and says the bio-identical ingredient could stabilize supply as climate change strains traditional crops
From nostalgic formats to seasonal exclusives, confectionery brands are leaning into bold flavours, gifting appeal and multisensory experiences
Foreverland’s cocoa-free chocolate, Choruba, is changing the confectionery game
From creamy milk chocolate to functional dark varieties, the global chocolate market is evolving fast
Top trends driving innovation in confectionery include personalisation, premiumisation, and ultra-limited editions
Nestlé confectionery has unwrapped a broad Christmas 2025 range, featuring seasonal flavours, gifting formats and shareable packs. Sustainability and retail exclusives also return to the line-up
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
Forget bland gluten-free loaves and chalky sugar-free chocolate. For Gen Z, Free From is culture, not compromise and it’s rewriting what health and indulgence look like
Gluten-free cookies, sugar-free chocolate and GLP-1 diets are colliding. The world’s biggest food makers are scrambling to stay relevant
Consumers are spending big on health-boosting foods and drinks, but flavour is still the dealbreaker
Consumers may be under financial pressure, but candy remains one of the most resilient categories in the store
Functional gummies are exploding in popularity - blending indulgence with wellness, and appealing to everyone from Gen Z to Boomers
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
From Oreo x Reese’s to Biscoff tie-ups, partnerships are delivering the consumer buzz and sales lift that price cuts and big-ticket acquisitions no longer guarantee
Nostalgia, texture and gifting appeal are just some of the key themes in this week’s new product development round-up
New product development
Mondelēz International is ringing in the 2025 festive season with a dazzling array of new and returning treats from Cadbury, Toblerone and Oreo
Confectionery is getting a makeover, and it’s happening fast. Discover how brands are reformulating for healthy indulgence in our free webinar on 23 September 2025
Scientists discover possible solution to ‘bitter’ taste in artificial sweeteners