Retail & Shopper Insights

Chocolate consumption on the rise, survey finds

Chocolate consumption on the rise, survey finds

By Mary Ellen Shoup

Viewed as the antidote to a tough day, chocolate was the indulgence of choice for one-third of US grocery shoppers during the pandemic, according to a survey from Cargill's North American Cocoa & Chocolate team, which uncovered the primary purchase...

The 2021 Sweets & Snacks Expo returns at the end of the month to showcase latest confectionery trends around the globe. Pic NCA

Sweets & Snacks Expo 2021

Sweets & Snacks Expo releases top confectionery trends for 2021

By Anthony Myers

As excitement continues to grow for the 2021 Sweets & Snacks Expo, held this year in Indianapolis from June 22-25, organisers have released a list of top trends for the 2021 confectionery and snack categories that will be seen on this year’s show...

It's #NationalCandyMonth in the US. Pic: GettyImages

Retail

NCA declares June ‘National Candy Month’

By Anthony Myers

June is National Candy Month in the US - according to the National Confectioners Association, who are marking the next 30 days with a number of promotional activities for candy makers and retailers to 'help address the confectionery sales gap between...

Destination Indianapolis: cars, food and nightlife are just some of the attractions of Indiana's State capital. Pic: visitindy.com

Sweets & Snacks Expo 2021

All roads lead to Indianapolis …

By Anthony Myers

Indiana is the 15th most populous state in the USA. Its capital is Indianapolis, where this year’s Sweets & Snacks Expo is being held in June. We take a look at what else the state has to offer.

1-800-Flowers.com CEO Chris McCann. Pic: 1-800-Flowers.com

Financial results

1-800-Flowers.com reaps rewards of e-commerce boom

By Anthony Myers

One of North America’s leading e-commerce providers of products has reported results for its Fiscal 2021 Third Quarter ended March 28, 2021, with record total net revenues of $474.2m, driven by ecommerce growth of 83.2%.

Pic: GettyImages

Guest post

The benefits of chocolate as a sleep aid

By Anthony Myers

Approximately 80-90 million Easter eggs are consumed by British consumers every year, and with health and wellbeing a priority in the fight against COVID-19, we take a fun look at the main ways chocolate can affect a good night's rest.

Pic: The Hershey Company

Easter

First-ever amphibian becomes 2021 Cadbury Bunny

By Anthony Myers

The Hershey Company, which sells Cadbury products in the US under licence from Cadbury UK Ltd, has announced the winner of its 2021 Cadbury Bunny Competition – and it’s a frog called Betty!

Even in an 'unprecedented year', Easter traditions remain strong, says the NCA. Pic: GettyImages

Seasonal

Boost to chocolate and candy sales expected this Easter

By Anthony Myers

Most people who celebrate Easter will share a gift of chocolate and candy to celebrate the season, according to the National Confectioners Association’s (NCA) latest report on seasonal confectionery sales.

Ferrero’s Chibe named next chair of NCA

NCA State of the Industry Conference 2021

Ferrero’s Chibe named next chair of NCA

By Anthony Myers

The National Confectioners Association (NCA) has announced that Paul Chibe, President and CEO of Ferrero North America, will assume the role of Chairman of the NCA Board of Trustees for a two-year term that begins immediately.

Check out our Easter 2021 roundup. Pic: GettyImages

Seasonal

Easter 2021 confectionery roundup

By Anthony Myers

In the weeks leading up to Easter, shoppers move into what Mars calls ‘the late season’, where purchases are often planned and intended to fulfil an Easter ritual such as egg hunts, baking and gifting.

With fewer social gatherings to exchange...

Mars launches Skittles Gummies in Walmart

In brief

Mars launches Skittles Gummies in Walmart

By Anthony Myers

Mars Wrigley has launched its new Skittles Gummies in Walmart stores in the US with a wider roll-out across other channels planned for May.

Latest research suggests that consumers are increasingly looking for food and beverage products that support their immune health. Pic: GettyImages

Special Report: Post Pandemic Trends 2021

Confectionery trends 2021: Taste is king’, along with immunity and health

By Anthony Myers

Balancing personal health and environmental health in confectionery while making the product tasty and indulgent is going to be a huge responsibility, as is predicting global confectionery trends post COVID-19 – according to Barry Callebaut research.