Candy

Chocolate lovers in the US are pushing up cocoa prices. Pic: GettyImages

Commodities

US demand for chocolate drives up cocoa prices

By Anthony Myers

Record surge for chocolate by American consumers has pushed sales to $29bn, with retail chocolate sales climbing more than 5% a quarter, according to data from Chicago-based researcher IRI.

ISM/ProSweets Cologne 2022 looks sets to open its ddoors again at the end of this month. Pic: Koelnmesse

ISM/ProSweets Cologne 2022

ProSweets Cologne and ISM set for take off in 2022

By Anthony Myers

Koelnmesse, organisers of ProSweets Cologne/ISM trade fair for sweets and snacks, said it is under starter's orders and will open its doors on 30 January 2022 for this year’s event.

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.