Candy

 Dr Mike Heffernan (left) and Dr Toby Edwards-Lunn at the Summer Fancy Foods Show in New York City. Pic: DTI

Innovation

UK dental mints company wins $6m export deal with US firm

By Anthony Myers

Company collaborated with confectioners to create the world’s first ever mint to actively reverse the process of tooth decay and erosion, and will now see its products in US dental surgeries and other outlets.

Check out the NCA's Valentine's digital hub for fun facts and resources on how to celebrate the special occasion. Pic: GettyImages

Seasonal

NCA reveals America’s favorite Valentine’s Day chocolate filling

By Anthony Myers

Chocolate and candy are an iconic part of modern-day gifting, but while many people enjoy a piece of chocolate from a heart-shaped box during the Valentine’s Day season, not every consumer approaches selection in the same way, the National Confectioners...

M&M’s to open three experiential stores by 2021. Photo: MRG

M&M’s to expand, opening three experiential stores by 2021

By Jenny Eagle

Mars Retail Group (MRG) is expanding the M&M’s brand by opening three ‘experiential’ stores by 2021 including Disney Springs in Orlando, Florida, Mall of America in Minneapolis, Minnesota and its first store in Berlin, Germany.

CREATIVE CONVERSATIONS: Steve Lightman

Q&A

CREATIVE CONVERSATIONS: Steve Lightman

By Anthony Myers

Steve Lightman, president, of food and gift provider Harry & David, talks heritage and exploring new markets, getting into the office at 6am and winding down with a game of golf with his wife in the beautiful Rogue Valley in Oregon, where the company...

Mantrose enhances confections with superior edible coatings. Pic Mantrose-Haeuser

In brief

RPM acquires food stabilizers and emulsifiers manufacturer

By Anthony Myers

Coatings and sealants specialist RPM has announced that its Mantrose-Haeuser business has acquired Profile Food Ingredients, LLC, a manufacturer of dry stabilizer and emulsifier blends for the food industry.

UK adults most associate Quality Street with Christmas. Pic: Nestlé

Christmas

New survey from Nestlé reveals how the nation eats its festive treats

By Anthony Myers

A timely new online survey, carried out by Ipsos MORI on behalf of Nestlé, has revealed that one fifth (20%) of UK adults (aged 16-75) typically start eating chocolate before or at breakfast time on Christmas Day – with almost half (48%) tucking in by...

Bravura Foods' award-winning vegan gummy bears. Pic: Bravura Foods

Functional Jellies Special Report

Vegan Gummy Bears continue winning streak

By Anthony Myers

Vegan and sugar free brand Free From Fellows has been recognized again for its Gummy Bears range, picking up an award at the Great British Food awards.

Pic: GettyImages

Functional Jellies Special Report

Functional jellies, demand is growing thanks to CBD

By Anthony Myers

The demand for functionality is growing for convenient, but nutritious and tasty product solutions. Herbal extracts, which contain polyphenols caffeine, cannabinoids or vitamins have a good fit with the mainstream candy sector as one of the quickest ways...

At the NACS show in Atlanta, Hershey showed off its queue, where shoppers can 'relax' enough to browse and impulse-buy.

Hershey embracing fresh approach to modern retail challenges

By Kristine Sherred

Stand-up packaging, consumer-driven innovation and loyalty data are upending the candy aisle and checkout area. We talked with two Hershey execs at the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) show to understand how one of the world’s most beloved...

Italian confectioner Perfetti Van Melle has launched a new range of vegan jellies in the UK. Pic: PVM

Jellies

Fruitella launches new vegan range of jellies in the UK

By Anthony Myers

Perfetti Van Melle (PVM) has launched its first ever gelatine-free range in the UK with two new Fruittella fruity jelly variants, which are also suitable for both vegans and vegetarians.