News & Analysis on Chocolate, Candy and Cocoa
Winter Fancy Faire
From swicy flavors to squeezable pouches, emerging brands at the Specialty Food Association’s Winter Fancy Faire are pushing a mature category into its next growth phase
Is enthusiasm for GLP‑1 weight‑loss drugs starting to fade?
News Bites
This week’s top stories show how nutrition policy debates, shifting views on processing and cocoa supply disruptions are reshaping formulation and sourcing decisions for CPG brands
From protein bars to gut-friendly gummies, functional confectionery is exploding, and it’s changing the game for indulgence
Longevity is redefining consumer behaviour. Here are the top five nutrition trends every food and beverage brand needs to know
Joe Wicks’ protein bar takedown may have stirred controversy, but did it change what consumers are buying?
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?
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
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
Discover how brands are reimagining indulgence and why the sweetest opportunities lie ahead
From microbiome-first foods to AI-powered diagnostics, discover the innovations shaping the future of wellness
The food and beverage trends driving change in 2026
From nostalgic favourites with a modern twist to wellness-driven indulgence, the flavour revolution is here
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?
The Lancet’s latest series linking ultra-processed foods (UPFs) to harm across multiple organs has reignited debate over their role in public health
Longevity and weight loss are redefining consumer priorities - creating major opportunities for food and beverage
Inside Nestlé: Rania Abou Samra on crafting the future of food and beverage
From gut-friendly gummies to protein-packed snacks, functional ingredients are transforming everyday food and drink into wellness powerhouses
As the shutdown nears its fourth week, the SNAP and WIC funding crisis is rippling through retail supply chains, jeopardizing access to food and CPG category stability
NAD⁺ is emerging as a key ingredient in the longevity space. Discover the science, product potential, and formulation challenges shaping this fast-growing category
The payment system restructure could cost the industry $1.6 billion
As usage of weight loss medications surges and new therapies emerge, food businesses face a once-in-a-generation opportunity – or risk being left behind
GLP-1 fuels rapid food and beverage sector growth - but risks and costs mount
With US states set to ban or label synthetic dyes, Sensient CEO Paul Manning unpacks the economics, supply pressures and sensory science driving America’s shift to natural color
The confectionery market is entering a new growth phase, driven by evolving consumer preferences, seasonal demand, and innovation in non-chocolate formats
Fibre is no longer just a digestive aid, it’s a driving force in food innovation
From creamy milk chocolate to functional dark varieties, the global chocolate market is evolving fast
Top trends driving innovation in confectionery include personalisation, premiumisation, and ultra-limited editions
From hazelnut Twix to halal Haribo, TFWA 2025 delivered a sweet showcase of innovation under the Cannes sun. Discover the top launches shaking up confectionery
A new study shows more than a quarter of biscuits on sale blow past EU safety benchmarks for acrylamide – a probable carcinogen that’s testing regulators’ patience and shaking consumer trust
Are ultra-processed foods really the enemy?
Forget bland gluten-free loaves and chalky sugar-free chocolate. For Gen Z, Free From is culture, not compromise and it’s rewriting what health and indulgence look like
Gluten-free cookies, sugar-free chocolate and GLP-1 diets are colliding. The world’s biggest food makers are scrambling to stay relevant
Consumers are spending big on health-boosting foods and drinks, but flavour is still the dealbreaker
Functional gummies are exploding in popularity - blending indulgence with wellness, and appealing to everyone from Gen Z to Boomers
GLP-1 drugs are transforming consumer snacking habits, and confectionery brands are responding
Chewing gum might be small, but its plastic content is causing big concerns. With mounting regulatory pressure and rising consumer demand for change, manufacturers are being urged to rethink their formulations
From Kraft Heinz’s split to Mars and Kellanova’s mega-merger, the world’s biggest food brands are reshaping the industry
Once a weight-loss juggernaut, the high-fat, low-carb keto diet is losing consumer interest
As GLP-1 weight loss drugs skyrocket in popularity, their impact on gut health is raising questions
From timeless favourites to viral treats, discover how price, innovation, and better-for-you options are reshaping the confectionery aisle
Functional confectionery is booming. Find out which ingredients are driving the trend
With GLP-1 users eating less often, chewy and long-lasting snacks like jerky, protein bites, gummies and gum are stepping up as the formats that make every portion count
Confectionery is getting a makeover, and it’s happening fast. Discover how brands are reformulating for healthy indulgence in our free webinar on 23 September 2025
Snacks are surging, alcohol is slipping, and flavour is king. Discover the biggest consumer shifts in food and drink in 2025
Consumers are turning away from sweeteners amid rising health concerns and distrust. What does this mean for the future of food and beverage?