News & Analysis on Chocolate, Candy and Cocoa
Chocolate is undergoing a dramatic transformation. From cutting‑edge cocoa‑free innovation to the rise of premium indulgence, discover how makers and brands are reinventing the world’s favourite treat
Three major food and beverage trend battles are set to define 2026, but which will triumph, and which will be left behind?
Lindt spotted the Dubai Chocolate trend emerge early on, then executed its own launch to perfection. Dubai Style Chocolate has transformed Lindt’s global travel retail offer - what can other brands learn from its success?
Four trend wars, four surprising winners. Dive into the food and beverage battles that dominated the industry in 2025
From yeast‑based oils to CO₂‑derived fats, discover which next‑gen palm oil alternatives are closest to commercial scale and why 2026 could be a breakthrough year
Could dark chocolate become the next big anti‑ageing ingredient? New research suggests it might, and the opportunities for brands are huge
Collagen is transforming food, drink and confectionery. Discover why this powerhouse ingredient is set to dominate innovation in 2026
Rumours of a major Barry Callebaut shake‑up are swirling, and the cocoa market could feel the impact
The deforestation regulation’s postponement comes after a year of political wrangling
New product development
Confectionery is saying goodbye to 2025, with bold innovations that tap into indulgence, nostalgia and convenience
Mars, Ferrero and Hershey launch new products as consumers double down on candy and seasonal snacks this winter
Gluten‑free growth is shifting. Discover the sectors surging ahead and the trends transforming the market
Forget celebrity sidelines, David Beckham’s actually in the test kitchen: CEO Peter Stearns lifts the lid on how that shapes BEEUP’s next phase
Barry Callebaut partners with NotCo AI and Planet A Foods to tackle soaring cocoa prices and regulatory hurdles, leveraging digital formulation tools to future‑proof chocolate
Discover how brands are reimagining indulgence and why the sweetest opportunities lie ahead
Could a sweet protein from Finland revolutionise sugar reduction?
Mars and Kellanova join forces in a landmark deal set to reshape the global snacking industry
From microbiome-first foods to AI-powered diagnostics, discover the innovations shaping the future of wellness
Rising cocoa costs are forcing confectionery giants to rethink recipes and product labelling
Climate cooling isn’t enough to save cocoa, wine, and coffee – industry needs to do more to protect these crops for the future
GLP-1 users are rewriting the rules of appetite, texture and indulgence. Tate & Lyle’s latest research shows exactly where producers are missing the moment
The food and beverage trends driving change in 2026
A sweeping analysis shows food brands are sitting on huge untapped YouTube potential and missing basic optimization steps that could transform their reach
Mars seals €31bn Kellanova deal after EU approval - what does this mean for snacking’s future?
The Council and Parliament have decided to postpone the landmark regulation
Cocoa volatility and fast-changing label demands are squeezing R&D timelines. Barry Callebaut’s partnership with NotCo points to a new, AI-assisted path forward
Innovation cycles take time. But artificial intelligence promises to change that - at lightening speed
As consumers redefine premium chocolate through taste, ethics and wellness, everyday indulgence is replacing special-occasion luxury – opening the door for brands and retailers to grow margins, build loyalty and differentiate in a tightening,...
From nostalgic favourites with a modern twist to wellness-driven indulgence, the flavour revolution is here
From proteins to dyes and sweeteners, the CPG major is betting big on the technology: here’s why
Unilever offloads Graze to Katjes International, marking a fresh start for the snack brand under Candy Kittens’ wing
Paying premiums alone isn’t enough to get producers to embrace sustainability, Mars Snacking’s VP of R&D says as he reflects on emerging methane mitigation solutions and the Bovaer fallout
Chocolate is changing fast - premium indulgence, health-driven treats, and even cocoa-free innovations are rewriting the rulebook
Climate shocks, farmer shortages, and price volatility threaten chocolate’s future, but innovation and sustainability offer a solution
Unilever is set to offload Graze for a fraction of its 2019 purchase price. Can Katjes revive the struggling snack brand?
Opinion
Cadbury is snapping up health tech, just as the trend starts to crumble
The global food and beverage ingredients market is booming. But what are the trends powering industry growth?
New product development
Reese’s is ramping up its Christmas offer for 2025, revealing a raft of new products and returning best-sellers
With cocoa costs spiraling, Briess is pitching malted barley flour as a reliable, clean label lifeline for bakers and snack makers
New research linking omnipresent emulsifiers to gut damage and obesity is raising tough questions for manufacturers
Nestlé is exploring cutting-edge genomics and sustainable sourcing to safeguard cocoa supplies
The cocoa crisis is forcing chocolate manufacturers to rethink everything - from sourcing and compliance to innovation and consumer trust
Nestlé’s key strategist retires after four decades shaping global growth
Ferrero Travel Market is redefining festive gifting
Discover the five trends that will define 2026, and why agility, authenticity, and technology will determine who succeeds and who fails
Nestlé, Ferrero, Mars, Unilever and Kraft Heinz are reshaping the food and beverage landscape with bold M&A moves. But what’s next?
Acquisition broadens American multinational’s better-for-you offering
Cocoa-free chocolate is reshaping the confectionery landscape. But will consumers buy in?
As private-label products surge overseas, US grocers are just beginning to unlock their full potential
Consumer Brands Association urges further tariff rollbacks on products like palm oil and tin mill steel