News & Analysis on Chocolate, Candy and Cocoa
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Confectionery trends: Balancing better-for-you and indulgence
The launch of ChoViva in North America at the Sweets & Snacks Expo last week reflects a growing push to diversify beyond traditional cocoa amid climate and pricing pressures
Confectionery trends: Balancing better-for-you trends and indulgence
Chocolate is still growing in dollars, but the real story is what unit declines and demographic shifts may reveal about changing confection preferences
Sweets & Snacks Expo 2026
The latest innovations in candy and snacks reveal how consumers are redefining fun, flavor and function
While sales rise and cocoa stabilizes, the company keeps guidance steady amid fears of inflation and weakening confidence
The packaged food giant is banking on bolder taste, functional nutrition and smarter packaging to offset weak cereal and snack demand
As the company reopens applications for its R&D-led accelerator, the focus areas highlight mounting pressure around climate resilience, packaging constraints and shifting consumer expectations
Candy in the crosshairs
Even without enforcement action, publicly released contaminant data could fuel lawsuits, consumer confusion and regulatory scrutiny, while also undermining federal oversight
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
Healthy Snacking
Consumers are turning to snacks for nutrition, satiety and convenience – blurring the line between eating occasions and pressuring brands to deliver more
Diet Trends
As shoppers scrutinize labels and headlines, brands are rethinking sweetness strategies to deliver lower sugar, clearer messaging and commercially viable reformulations