Retail & shopper insights

Study: Consumers see craft chocolate as ‘novel and exciting’

Study: Consumers see craft chocolate as ‘novel and exciting’

By Mary Ellen Shoup

Premium packaging and label design, unique brand backstories, and products that evoke novelty and excitement are highly-sought-after product attributes for craft chocolate consumers, according to research conducted by food scientists in Penn State’s College...

Consumers are increasingly looking for smaller packs of snacks. Pic: GettyImages/FotoDuets

Guest article

Capitalising on the small pack trend

By Gill Hyslop

Lifestyle changes are redefining the packaging sector. Along with the increased lean towards the snackification of mealtimes – ‘grazing’ on snacks throughout the day – consumers are also demanding more convenient, timely and portable solutions. Mike Pipe,...

The hunt for the ‘holy grail’ of clean label palatability

Clean label special feature

The hunt for the ‘holy grail’ of clean label palatability

By Anthony Myers

New technology and food science are helping food ingredient manufacturers provide innovative solutions to meet the consumer-fuelled clean-label megatrend. From hunting for the ‘holy grail’ of clean-label bakery mould inhibitors to freeze-drying fruit...

pic: ingredientcommunications.com

Clean label special feature

Clean and clear labelling appeals to consumers, new research finds

By Anthony Myers

Many food and beverage products do not offer the clear labelling that consumers want, according to new research (September 2020), in the UK and USA, commissioned by Ingredient Communications and conducted by SurveyGoo.

NCA hires Steve McCroddan (left) and Kyle Jordan. Pic: NCA

Industry

NCA beefs up its team with a new CFO and Membership & Meetings VP

By Anthony Myers

The National Confectioners Association (NCA) has added two more senior-members to its Washington-based team with the announcement that Steve McCroddan joins as chief financial officer, and Kyle Jordan joins as vice president of membership & meetings.

The NCA has announced a new location and dates for the 2021 Sweets & Snacks Expo. Pic: NCA

Sweets & Snacks Expo 2021

Sweets & Snacks Expo confirmed for June 2021, moves from Chicago

By Anthony Myers

The National Confectioners Association (NCA) has announced the 2021 Sweets & Snacks Expo will be held from June 22 to 25, 2021, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, moving from Chicago for the first time in the show’s history.

Halloween excitement across America is building. Pic: GettyImages

Halloween2020

‘Americans are ready for Halloween’

By Anthony Myers

New survey says consumers may choose to celebrate at home and on virtual Zoom parties, as leading paediatrician calls on country to ‘let kids have Halloween’.

Bazooka Candy Brands Lollipop Variety Pack is ideal for Halloween trick or treating. Pic: Bazooka Candy Brands

Halloween 2020

Bazooka Candy offers up tricks and treats for a safe Halloween

By Anthony Myers

Bazooka Candy Brands, a division of the Topps Company, Inc, says this Halloween will be all about quality over quantity and has released its portfolio of iconic brands including Ring Pop, Push Pop, Baby Bottle Pop, Bazooka Bubble Gum, to satisfy all the...

Pic: Nestlé

Online

Nestlé launches webshop to offer Quality Street all year round

By Anthony Myers

Nestlé has announced a new webshop for its perennial Christmas favourite Quality Street brand so fans no longer need to leave their street, home or even their armchair to buy personalised tins of their favourite sweets.

Hostess is going all out with spook-alicious sweet treats and ideas to make this year's Halloween one to remember, despite COVID-challenges. Pic: Hostess

Hostess gears up for a fang-tastic Halloween

By Gill Hyslop

The Twinkies maker has partnered with celebrity chef George Duran and micro-influencers to create a devilishly good snacking experience to make this year’s Halloween one to remember, despite social distancing measures impacting festivities.

Fererro’s 31 days countdown to Halloween begins

Halloween 2020

Fererro’s 31 days countdown to Halloween begins

By Anthony Myers

Nutella and Kinder Joy maker Ferrero has launched its campaign to help families celebrate Halloween, with an online advertising, social media and influencer, push starting October 1, announcing 31 days of creative ways to make the most of the season.

Fairtrade America's cocoa is now part of Amazon’s Climate Pledge Friendly program. Pic: Fairtrade America

Sustainability

Fairtrade America joins Amazon’s Climate Pledge Friendly program

By Anthony Myers

Fairtrade America has announced it is participating in Amazon’s Climate Pledge Friendly program, making it easier for customers to discover and shop for more sustainable products on the online shopping channel, including many Fairtrade-certified goods.

Join the club: KitKat fans in US get chance of the inside scoop on new flavors. Pic: The Hershey company

Marketing

KitKat fans in US get chance to become tastemakers

By Anthony Myers

KitKat, which made under license in the US by the HB Reese Candy Company, a division of The Hershey Company, is giving 200 fans the opportunity to be among the first to taste the brand's newest flavor innovations through membership to an exclusive...

No longer elusive, the Golden Snitch-Inspired treat from Jelly Belly Candy will be available from this autumn. Pic: Jelly Belly Candy

Marketing

Jelly Belly adds Golden Snitch to Harry Potter-inspired collection

By Anthony Myers

Family-owned firm Jelly Belly Candy Company, in partnership with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, has announced an expansion of its line of Harry Potter inspired confections, adding the sought-after Golden Snitch to the line-up.

The new Reese's Franken-Cups are now paired with a franken-green crème, especially for Halloween. Pic: Hershey

Halloween Special Edition

Hershey’s ‘fang-tastic’ Halloween treats hit the shelves early

By Anthony Myers

Hershey was one of the first out of the blocks of the big candy companies to reveal its Halloween treats this year when way back at the beginning of July it introduced Reese's Franken-Cups, KIT KAT Witch's Brew, Hershey's Kisses Vampire...