Retail & shopper insights

Pic: GettyImages

Guest post

The benefits of chocolate as a sleep aid

By Anthony Myers

Approximately 80-90 million Easter eggs are consumed by British consumers every year, and with health and wellbeing a priority in the fight against COVID-19, we take a fun look at the main ways chocolate can affect a good night's rest.

Pic: The Hershey Company

Easter

First-ever amphibian becomes 2021 Cadbury Bunny

By Anthony Myers

The Hershey Company, which sells Cadbury products in the US under licence from Cadbury UK Ltd, has announced the winner of its 2021 Cadbury Bunny Competition – and it’s a frog called Betty!

Even in an 'unprecedented year', Easter traditions remain strong, says the NCA. Pic: GettyImages

Seasonal

Boost to chocolate and candy sales expected this Easter

By Anthony Myers

Most people who celebrate Easter will share a gift of chocolate and candy to celebrate the season, according to the National Confectioners Association’s (NCA) latest report on seasonal confectionery sales.

Ferrero’s Chibe named next chair of NCA

NCA State of the Industry Conference 2021

Ferrero’s Chibe named next chair of NCA

By Anthony Myers

The National Confectioners Association (NCA) has announced that Paul Chibe, President and CEO of Ferrero North America, will assume the role of Chairman of the NCA Board of Trustees for a two-year term that begins immediately.

Check out our Easter 2021 roundup. Pic: GettyImages

Seasonal

Easter 2021 confectionery roundup

By Anthony Myers

In the weeks leading up to Easter, shoppers move into what Mars calls ‘the late season’, where purchases are often planned and intended to fulfil an Easter ritual such as egg hunts, baking and gifting.

With fewer social gatherings to exchange...

Mars launches Skittles Gummies in Walmart

In brief

Mars launches Skittles Gummies in Walmart

By Anthony Myers

Mars Wrigley has launched its new Skittles Gummies in Walmart stores in the US with a wider roll-out across other channels planned for May.

Latest research suggests that consumers are increasingly looking for food and beverage products that support their immune health. Pic: GettyImages

Special Report: Post Pandemic Trends 2021

Confectionery trends 2021: Taste is king’, along with immunity and health

By Anthony Myers

Balancing personal health and environmental health in confectionery while making the product tasty and indulgent is going to be a huge responsibility, as is predicting global confectionery trends post COVID-19 – according to Barry Callebaut research.

SFA plans 'modified' in-person Fancy Food Show in New York Sept 27-29

SFA plans 'modified' in-person Fancy Food Show in New York Sept 27-29

By Elaine Watson

The Specialty Food Association (SFA) - which was forced to cancel the 2020 Summer Fancy Food Show and 2021 Winter Fancy Food Show due to the pandemic – will hold a ‘modified’ in-person trade show September 27-29 at the Javits Convention Center in New...

Godiva is closing all its retail outlets across the US and Canada. Pic: Godiva

Coronavirus

Godiva shuts up shop in North America and Canada

By Anthony Myers

‘Waning demand’ caused by the coronavirus pandemic has resulted in luxury chocolatier Godiva announcing it will close all its retail outlets in North America and Canada by the end of March this year.

Indulgence, health, shopping more locally and purchasing foods with real provenance will drive the bakery sector in 2021, says the CBA.

Snacking trends

Coronavirus blues expected to continue propelling snacking movement in 2021

By Gill Hyslop

Snacking – both in and out of the home – is a category that did very well in 2020 and the movement looks set to continue in 2021 as consumers look for inexpensive sweet treats to cheer themselves up, writes Karen Dear, director of operations for the Craft...

William Reed's UK Food & Drink Shows will now go ahead in July in Birmingham. Pic: WRBM

Trade

William Reed announces new dates for its UK Food & Drink Shows

By Anthony Myers

The UK Food & Drink Shows comprising Food & Drink Expo, Farm Shop & Deli Show, The Ingredients Show, Foodex, National Convenience Show and The Forecourt Show have been postponed until 5-7 July 2021, said organisers William Reed.

NCA president and CEO John Downs with last year's Future Leaders intake. Pic: NCA

NCA

NCA announces its 2021 Future Leadership Class

By Anthony Myers

The National Confectioners Association (NCA) has announced the five confectionery industry professionals selected for its 2021 Future Leadership Program, which is dedicated to helping young professionals in the US the confectionery industry access networking...