Retail & shopper insights

GLP-1 drugs affect chocolate giant

GLP-1 drugs affect chocolate giant

By Natasha Spencer-Jolliffe

Hershey says weight management medications, GLP-1 drugs, have had a ‘mild year-on-year impact’ on its business.

Pricing fears grow ahead of Halloween

Pricing fears grow ahead of Halloween

By Natasha Spencer-Jolliffe

Cocoa and sugar prices are reported to have reached frightening highs, with alarming price rallies predicted.

Anthon Berg broadens appeal to win over Gen Z market

Anthon Berg broadens appeal to win over Gen Z market

By Natasha Spencer-Jolliffe

The 140-year-old chocolatier is shaking up its branding and product lineup to capture the attention of Gen Z consumers, refreshing its reputation as a treat for grandparents.

The rise of 'Summerween' expects to boost confectionery sales

The rise of 'Summerween' expects to boost confectionery sales

By Deniz Ataman

Core holidays like Halloween are being planned for earlier by consumers who are simultaneously looking for value in their holiday preparations and a desire for extended celebrations, which gives brands an opportunity to offer more assortments, formats...

Should you be marketing on the metaverse?

Should you be marketing on the metaverse?

By Natasha Spencer-Jolliffe & Jess Spiring

As one confectionery firm launches its own candyland on Roblox to appeal to young gamers, we explore the merits of brand-building in virtual reality

How to get ready for halloween 2024

Seasonal innovation

How to get ready for halloween 2024

By Natasha Spencer-Jolliffe

As the majors finalise their campaigns for candy’s ‘biggest moment’ how can smaller confectioners turn spooky season into sales?

Six things generation alpha consumers want

Six things generation alpha consumers want

By Natasha Spencer-Jolliffe & Jess Spiring

As today’s teenagers become more financially independent, what do manufacturers need to know about their preferences and priorities?

Has the plant-based trend peaked?

Has the plant-based trend peaked?

By Donna Eastlake

The plant-based trend has been on the up and up in recent years. But has it finally peaked and, if yes, can the plant-based industry do anything to prevent a decline?

What’s next in biscuits?

What’s next in biscuits?

By Natasha Spencer-Jolliffe

Exciting trends to watch emerge as the much-loved treats evolve to match environmental and health-led consumer demands.

The top five sustainability trends in confectionery

The top five sustainability trends in confectionery

By Natasha Spencer-Jolliffe

As consumers’ ethical values become ever more baked into their confectionery choices, from Hershey to Mondelez and Nestle, we explore the ways brands are pivoting to more sustainable practises

Confectionery ingredients price report

Exclusive report

Confectionery ingredients price report

By Gwen Ridler

In this exclusive report for Food Manufacture, Mintec explores the changes in confectionery ingredients prices over the past year.

Nassau Candy set to add extra colour to Sweets & Snacks Expo 2024

Sweets & Snacks Expo 2024

Nassau Candy set to add extra colour to Sweets & Snacks Expo 2024

By Anthony Myers

The Sweets & Snacks Expo is the premier showcase in the US for the confectionery, candy, and snacking industries and an ideal space for brands and companies to launch new products and reveal the latest innovations.

Downs: US confectionery is robust enough to survive and thrive

SOTIC 2024

Downs: US confectionery is robust enough to survive and thrive

By Anthony Myers

Confectionery’s resilience in the face of global inflationary pressures and the rising costs of raw materials has lifted John Downs, the National Confectioners Association’s (NCA) president and CEO, who said he is confident the category is in excellent...

Love me do: Americans want sweet treats for Valentine’s Day

Seasonal

Love me do: Americans want sweet treats for Valentine’s Day

By Anthony Myers

Chocolate and candy's role as a social currency has been reinforced during the Valentine’s Day season in the US, with 92% of Americans claiming they plan to share confectionery with friends, family, and loved ones.

Super Bowl ranks high among holiday weekends, snacks take center stage

Super Bowl ranks high among holiday weekends, snacks take center stage

By Deniz Ataman

As Las Vegas prepares for the estimated $215bn economic growth from the additional 215,00 visitors for the Super Bowl, CPG companies and retailers have a significant opportunity to feature value-added offerings for viewers across the country, according...

NCA announces its 2024 Future Leaders class

Mentorship

NCA announces its 2024 Future Leaders class

By Anthony Myers

The National Confectioners Association (NCA) has announced the eight confectionery industry professionals selected for its 2024 Future Leadership Programme.

Colombia’s sugar reduction tax targets confectionery

BALANCING HEALTH AND INDULGENCE IN CONFECTIONERY

Colombia’s sugar reduction tax targets confectionery

By Anthony Myers

The global landscape of food consumption is undergoing a significant shift with the introduction of sugar taxes in over 120 countries. These initiatives are primarily aimed at guiding consumers towards healthier lifestyle choices by reducing the intake...

How confectionery embraced ‘healthy indulgence’

BALANCING HEALTH AND INDULGENCE IN CONFECTIONERY

How confectionery embraced ‘healthy indulgence’

By Anthony Myers

Consumers are increasingly focusing on their health without compromising on taste, which is why healthy indulgence has become a serious trend. Millennials (Gen Y) and Centennials (Gen Z) are looking for foods and beverages that are tasty, good for you,...

Food emotions can play a crucial part in healthy indulgence

BALANCING HEALTH AND INDULGENCE IN CONFECTIONERY

Food emotions can play a crucial part in healthy indulgence

By Anthony Myers

The notion of ‘healthy indulgence’ represents a shift of emphasis – and an exciting opportunity – for confectioners, chocolatiers, and bakers who are only too well aware that consumers are becoming increasingly health-conscious and interested in sugar...

Advancing food tech in 2024: The year of convenience

Advancing food tech in 2024: The year of convenience

By Natasha Spencer-Joilliffe

A new era of convenience will emerge in 2024 as ever-evolving augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) technology streamlines consumers’ meal planning, shopping and cooking habits.

Global vegan chocolate market expected to be worth $2bn by 2032

Global vegan chocolate market expected to be worth $2bn by 2032

By Anthony Myers

The global vegan chocolate market is estimated to be worth a conservative $2 billion by 2032, and as the Veganuary campaign begins, the surge in awareness about the benefits of plant-based food and confectionery products could see an even greater growth...