Xylitol linked to heart attacks and strokes in major study
A large new study has thrown xylitol into the spotlight after scrutinising its long-term health effects
Gum
Big Food’s colour promises are colliding with supply chain reality
The dye deadlines are closing in, but the alternatives aren’t ready
Global Top 100 Most Valuable Food Brands 2026 announced
Which food brands are leading the way in 2026? Brand Finance’s latest ranking reveals the biggest names, fastest risers and strongest brands across the global food sector
The Gen Z Effect: Rewriting the rules of confectionery
From TikTok-fuelled product discovery to the rise of wellness, sustainability and authenticity, Gen Z is redefining what it means to indulge
Confectionery’s biggest trend? Looking back
From retro packaging to the return of familiar favourites, nostalgia has become one of confectionery’s most powerful growth drivers
Rizz, 6-7 and brainrot: Can food and drink speak internet without sounding cringe?
A viral buzzword can capture attention, but research suggests brands risk losing credibility when borrowed slang jars with the personality consumers already know
Hershey goes beyond confectionery with biggest ever Halloween push
Hershey goes all-in on Halloween with its largest seasonal range to date, spanning confectionery, savoury snacks and better-for-you
Confectionery fraud surges as manufacturers struggle to stay ahead
Fraudsters target high-value ingredients and premium claims, leaving confectionery manufacturers battling risks from farm to finished product
FDA considers new natural food color petitions as synthetic dye phaseout looms
Petitions seek approval for safflower yellow, expanded uses for gardenia blue and changes to carrot oil production as food makers move away from synthetic dyes
Xanthan gum linked to gut inflammation, putting manufacturers on alert
Study suggests long-term xanthan gum consumption could impact gut health, raising formulation questions for food and beverage
Private label goes premium as brands fight to keep up
Premium ingredients, sophisticated branding and growing consumer trust fuel private label’s rise across food and beverage
Global Top 100 confectionery companies announced
Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery’s 2026 Global Top 100 confectionery list has been revealed
Hershey’s push for premiumisation picks up pace
Hershey’s stepping up its premium ambitions with elevated products, strategic acquisitions and a growing focus on affordable indulgence
Mars at 115: Shaping the future of confectionery
From a small-town America to the world’s biggest confectionery company, Mars mark 115 years of family ownership and industry influence
Mars-Kellanova: What Brussels really decided about brand power
The EU cleared Mars’ $36bn Kellanova deal without conditions and its reasoning reveals how much bargaining power a brand really has left.
Hollywood snack collabs: Why movie tie-ins keep winning for CPG brands
Snacks are the biggest beneficiary of Hollywood-powered marketing, with 60% of consumers noticing brand collabs “often or always” and 68% saying they’ve purchased a co-branded or special edition product
The seasonal launch is dead. What comes next?
Faster trend cycles, retailer demands and shrinking product lifecycles are reshaping food and beverage innovation
From Mars to Intersnack: Are family dynasties becoming food’s new dealmakers?
As public markets keep discounting listed food companies, family-controlled giants are stepping in with the patience – and the premiums – to buy them
From Nestlé to Mars: Why Big Food is embracing contract manufacturing
Outsourcing becomes a priority as CPGs seek greater flexibility, speed and resilience
Mars turns mint supply risk into sustainability success
Mars shows how sustainable sourcing can strengthen supply chains with Shubh Mint programme
Cyberattacks surge as food and beverage becomes prime target
From suppliers to retailers, no part of the food and beverage industry is safe as cyber attacks escalate
Hershey backs Summerween as Halloween arrives early
Halloween starts in summer with the growth of spooky trend, Summerween
Hershey raises 2026 forecast following blockbuster Q2
Hershey posts strong second-quarter results, with sales and earnings growth driving an optimistic outlook
How heritage brands can break free from category stereotypes
Pulling from real-life cases studies, Ed Hayes, chief strategy officer at branding agency Bloom, sets out key tactics to successfully broadening a brand’s audience without jeopardising its original market appeal.
Mars invests $3m to empower women cocoa farmers
Mars and Save the Children launch major new project to support women in cocoa farming
From Nestlé to Ferrero: Big Food’s consolidation boom
Big Food’s biggest players are using acquisitions and strategic investments to fuel growth and expand their influence, and it’s reshaping the future of the industry
Mars bets on Summerween as Halloween becomes a season
The confectionery giant is producing Halloween candy in the spring and bringing products to shelves in summer as consumers increasingly treat Halloween as a multi-month occasion
Mars cuts jobs as confectionery giant consolidates operations
Mars to close Newark headquarters as it consolidates corporate functions in Chicago
Microplastics in confectionery: A growing risk
Microplastics are a growing concern for confectionery manufacturers. But can contamination be prevented?
Gen Alpha and Beta: Confectionery’s next battleground
Freeze-dried sweets, bold flavours, Roblox activations and AI-powered engagement – the forces reshaping confectionery innovation as brands look beyond Gen Z
Confectionery’s innovation dilemma: Doing more with less
Rising costs, changing consumer demands and fast-moving trends are reshaping confectionery innovation. But what does it take to stand out?
Growth to 2030: How FMCG firms can win amid market volatility
How can APAC food, nutra and FMCG firms boost growth through 2030? NielsenIQ shared strategies to navigate uncertainty and unlock new opportunities at our Growth Asia Summit 2026.
Is AI vision worth the hype?
Visual inspection is a crucial part of the production process to ensure food safety and quality, but as AI-powered systems become more advanced are traditional methods due an upgrade?
Plastic-free confectionery packaging? It’s complicated
Confectionery’s plastic addiction is under scrutiny, but there are no easy solutions
Mars invests €1.5m in the future of science
Confectionery giant invests €1.5m in young scientists through Mars Impact Fund
Tate & Lyle, Ingredion and the new ingredients land grab
The Ingredion-Tate & Lyle deal signals a shift in the ingredients industry, where technical expertise is becoming as valuable as the ingredients themselves
Private equity tightens hold on Big Food
Private equity is reshaping food and beverage, but rising costs raise questions over just how far it can go
Hershey appoints PepsiCo veteran to drive next phase of growth
Hershey names Heather Hoytink US president, highlighting renewed focus on growth
GLP-1 drugs aren’t killing confectionery – they’re reinventing it
GLP-1 drugs are changing how consumers snack, but confectionery sales remain strong and new opportunities are opening up
The promotion trap: Why branded pricing strategies aren’t stopping private label
If promotions are supposed to win back shoppers, why is private label still taking over the basket?
Mars’ artificial-dye-free push hits major reformulation hurdles
Mars to introduce artificial-colour-free M&M’s but reformulation challenges leave two colours out in the cold
Ingredion-Tate & Lyle deal: the future of ingredients solutions
The two ingredients giants could provide a one-stop shop for F&B and it’s part of a growing trend that will change the future of ingredients
Red, white and chew: The limited edition treats marking America’s 250th birthday
America’s biggest birthday party is inspiring a summer of patriotic flavours, nostalgic treats and celebratory packaging
Mars goes all in on renewables as emissions fall and growth climbs
Mars hits energy milestone, while maintaining growth and stepping up global investment
Mars names new digital executive as growth strategy ramps up
Mars hires new CDIO to power growth and fast-track Kellanova integration
Mars vs Hershey: Snickers takes cheeky swipe at Reese’s
Mars turns confectionery rivalry into content gold, with bold new Snickers campaign
Top tips to avoid trade mark infringement at the 2026 World Cup
Even social media is a danger zone... avoid an own goal with advice from top IP firm, Withers & Rogers
How audio ads are behind food and drinks’ next sales boost
Audio’s reach and ROI are pushing food and beverage marketers to rethink its role in the media mix
Mars doubles down on premiumisation to drive growth
Mars is ramping up its premium strategy as demand for high-quality indulgence accelerates
Hershey appoints new CSCO in C-suite reset
Confectionery giant recruits new chief supply chain officer from rival snack brand