Candy

NACS is back in Chicago after last year's postponement. Pic: NACS

NACS 2021

Hershey goes to NACS Expo armed with key retail insights

By Anthony Myers

Hershey has pitched up at the 2021 National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) Show Expo in Chicago to reveal its key consumer insights to help retail partners meet evolving consumer needs.

Plans for this year's Halloween have already started early, according to recent studies. Pic: GettyImages

Halloween 2021

‘Americans plan to spend more than ever this Halloween’

By Anthony Myers

Consumer spending in the Unites States on Halloween-related items is expected to reach an all-time high of $10.14bn, up from $8.05bn in 2020, according to the National Retail Federation’s (NFR) annual survey.

The STARBURST All Pink #DoYou Challenge calendars equip fans with the tools needed to embody what it means to feel the love every day. Pic: Mars Wrigley

Community

STARBURST All Pink shares the love for Self-Care Awareness Month

By Anthony Myers

Mars Wrigley's STARBURST brand is celebrating Self-Care Awareness Month by releasing interactive ‘30-Day Challenge’ calendars to guide fans ‘on a mindful journey of self-love’ that embrace activities to engage the mind, body, and soul.

Lily’s Sweets Gummies are non-GMO, keto-friendly, gluten free, plant-based and have less than 1 gram of sugar per serving. Pic: Lily's Sweets

NPD

Lily’s Sweets launches new BFY gummies in style

By Anthony Myers

Lily’s Sweets has announced a new partnership with fashion influencer and tastemaker Color Me Courtney (CMC) to design limited edition lunchboxes for its new range of BFY (better-for-you) Candy.

79% of Americans say they plan to fill a Halloween candy bowl this season, according to a new survey. Pic: GettyImages

Halloween 2021

NCA reveals Americans’ favourite Halloween treats

By Anthony Myers

The Halloween season is an important one for the confectionery industry, accounting for approximately $4.6bn in sales each year during the eight weeks leading up to 31 October, according to the National Confectioners Association (NCA).

Jealous Sweets' mass appeal Medley Range is now available in Asda. Pic: Jealous Sweets

Plant-based

Jealous Sweets launches new plant-based Medley Range

By Anthony Myers

UK supermarket Asda is to expand its plant-based offering by securing exclusive distribution of the new Jealous Sweets’ Medley Range with pricing aimed for mass appeal.

Haribo said it is working on solutions to keep UK shelves stocked with its confectionery. Pic:  Haribo

Brexit

Haribo confectionery hit by HGV driver shortage in UK

By Anthony Myers

German firm said it was having trouble getting its products to customers in the UK, leading to a potential shortage on the shelves of Jelly babies, gummy bears and mini-fried eggs.

Fox's Glaciers' new rebrand Pic: Valeo Foods

NPD

Valeo Snack Foods freshens up Fox’s Glaciers mints

By Anthony Myers

Valeo Snack Foods, which was acquired by Bain Capital last month, is launching a new range of SKUs under its Fox’s Glaciers brand, including a permanent range, Fox’s Glacier Moments, and a Limited Edition Summer Punch variety.

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...

Pic: Spoonshot

Healthy sweets special edition

Spoonshot report on sugar reduction looks at consumer sweet spots

By Anthony Myers

A new report from Spoonshot, ‘Sugar Reduction: A Bittersweet Pill’ includes must-haves for food and beverage manufacturers responding to growing consumer demand for reduced sugar and sugar replacements.

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...

Singer Kelly Rowland is spreading the word on Black Forest gummies' ongoing campaign to restore forests across the US that have been impacted by wildfires. Pic: Ferrara

Environment

Singer Kelly Rowland partners with Black Forest to plant 10 Million trees

By Anthony Myers

Ferrara’s Black Forest, a leading candy and fruit snack brand inspired by real forests, has announced a partnership with singer Kelly Rowland to help spread the word of its ongoing effort to restore forests across the US that have been impacted by wildfires.

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.

Valeo's confectionery portfolio includes iconic British brand, Barratt. Pic: Valeo Food Group

Acquisition

Valeo Foods and Confectionery acquired by Bain Capital

By Anthony Myers

Bain Capital Private Equity, a leading global private investment firm, announced it has signed a definitive agreement with CapVest to acquire European ambient foods company Valeo Foods.

Pic: hershey

In brief

Twizzlers’ fans asked to solve flavour mystery

By Anthony Myers

Hershey is setting Twizzlers’ fans with a mystery to solve this year by asking them to guess the flavour of a new version when it becomes available nationwide beginning this spring.

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.

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.

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