Retail & shopper insights

US consumers will still have plenty of candy treats on hand this Halloween. Pic: Getty Images

Seasonal

Reality bites? US Halloween candy sales unspooked by inflation

By Anthony Myers

Scary monsters (and super creeps) with false teeth may not be the only ones to bite this Halloween as inflation is also hitting households across the United States, forcing many families to keep tight control of the purse strings.

C-store consumer habits: balancing impulse purchases with nuanced usage occasions

National Association for Convenience Stores

C-store consumer habits: balancing impulse purchases with nuanced usage occasions

By Deniz Ataman

C-stores can attract and retain customers who are looking for a quick and easy meal or snack by offering a variety of fresh and convenient food options, as well as bundling deals that offer discounts on popular products, Kathy Risch SVP, shopper insights...

Today's shopper has an entire world of information at their fingertips to find out the history and benefits of the ingredients used within a product in an instant. Pic: GettyImages

The rise of the digital snacker

By Gill Hyslop

Technological advancements have opened seemingly infinite possibilities for innovation within the snack and bakery industry. We’re in a new era of food manufacturing with the ability to create a more connected experience for consumers and more efficient...

Image Source: Yuki Kondo/Getty Images

NOVA classification matches consumer instincts, study finds

By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

The NOVA classification system is used to ascertain whether foods are minimally processed, processed or ‘ultra-processed’. A new study has found that people’s perceptions of foods and their processing levels usually align with their NOVA classification.

Get ready to be vaulted into social media stardom. Pic: GettyImages

Calling all Aussie and Yankie cake creatives

By Gill Hyslop

To celebrate Culinary Arts Month, chocolate producer Yowie Group is invited bakers in the US and Australia - from professionals to home wizards - to showcase your baking passion and eye-popping talent in its first-ever Cake Decorating Contest.

IFT Preview: Consumers will pay more for cleaner and natural ingredient labels

IFT FIRST

Consumers will pay more for cleaner and natural ingredient labels

By Deniz Ataman

“Generally, consumers are not really interested in the science. Just looking at the ingredients label, a shorter ingredient label deck resonates very much with consumers, and they attach it to a healthier product,” Lauretta-Lyn Katsriku, global platform...

The Candy Hall of Fame class of 2023. Pic: NCSA

Industry

NCSA announces inductees into Candy Hall of Fame 2023

By Anthony Myers

Registration is open for the National Confectionery Sales Association (NCSA) 52nd Candy Hall of Fame weekend, honouring 11 industry leaders who have significantly impacted the confectionery industry.

Consumers are on the look out for alternative protein sources, which the bakery and snacks categories are perfectly aligned to provide. Pic: GettyImages

The four factors driving the alternative protein ecosystem

By Gill Hyslop

While food security, health and sustainability continue to shape the food landscape, consumers are still demanding a sensory experience, which means there is a growing need for expanded protein choices that can be incorporated into bakery and snacks....

Snack marketing for multicultural consumers

Sweets & Snacks Expo

Snack marketing for multicultural consumers

By Deniz Ataman

As brands seek cultural fluency to develop products for different demographics, Kellogg’s presentation during the Sweets & Snacks Expo explored the various nuances of the multicultural and generational differences of the American snack consumer, specifically...

How retailers can enhance impulse purchases in-store and online

Sweets & Snacks Expo

How retailers can enhance impulse purchases in-store and online

By Deniz Ataman

While e-commerce impulse buys are evolving, in-store purchases are still critical in capturing snack and candy consumers—with the self-checkout lane offering tremendous potential growth for both brands and retailers, Kathy Risch, senior vice president,...

Join our free-to-attend Healthy Snacking in 2023 webinar to find out what is shaping our snacking behaviour in 2023. Pic: GettyImages

Has indulgence taken a backseat to healthy snacking?

By Gill Hyslop

#healthandwellness, #better-for-you and #better-for-all – that is both people and the planet – have become familiar trigger words in the bakery and snacks sectors. But what is behind the consumer preference towards more natural, more nutritious, function...

How will the next generation of innovators win over consumers, and what hurdles will they need to jump to get there? GettyImages/snapphoto

How next-gen protein innovators plan to win over consumers

By Flora Southey

The taste and texture of meat and dairy analogues have come a long way. But according to alternative protein experts, ‘there is still room for improvement’. How will the next generation of innovators win over consumers, and what hurdles will they need...

Pic: GettyImages

Trendspotting for the King’s coronation

By Gill Hyslop

The coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla takes place on Saturday, 6 May 2023, at Westminster Abbey in London. While only 2,000 guests have been invited to attend the event, more than 7,000 street parties and community events are expected to...