Candy

NCA boss John Downs introduces the young leaders and members of the board at the organization's annual meeting. Pic: NCA

NCA SOTIC 2020

Future leaders map out NCA’s strategy for next five years

By Anthony Myers

Confectionery industry should become more diverse and transparent with a focus on sustainability to become more relevant to its modern consumers, young leaders tell National Confectioners Association at its annual meeting.

 Dr Mike Heffernan (left) and Dr Toby Edwards-Lunn at the Summer Fancy Foods Show in New York City. Pic: DTI

Innovation

UK dental mints company wins $6m export deal with US firm

By Anthony Myers

Company collaborated with confectioners to create the world’s first ever mint to actively reverse the process of tooth decay and erosion, and will now see its products in US dental surgeries and other outlets.

Check out the NCA's Valentine's digital hub for fun facts and resources on how to celebrate the special occasion. Pic: GettyImages

Seasonal

NCA reveals America’s favorite Valentine’s Day chocolate filling

By Anthony Myers

Chocolate and candy are an iconic part of modern-day gifting, but while many people enjoy a piece of chocolate from a heart-shaped box during the Valentine’s Day season, not every consumer approaches selection in the same way, the National Confectioners...

M&M’s to open three experiential stores by 2021. Photo: MRG

M&M’s to expand, opening three experiential stores by 2021

By Jenny Eagle

Mars Retail Group (MRG) is expanding the M&M’s brand by opening three ‘experiential’ stores by 2021 including Disney Springs in Orlando, Florida, Mall of America in Minneapolis, Minnesota and its first store in Berlin, Germany.

CREATIVE CONVERSATIONS: Steve Lightman

Q&A

CREATIVE CONVERSATIONS: Steve Lightman

By Anthony Myers

Steve Lightman, president, of food and gift provider Harry & David, talks heritage and exploring new markets, getting into the office at 6am and winding down with a game of golf with his wife in the beautiful Rogue Valley in Oregon, where the company...

Mantrose enhances confections with superior edible coatings. Pic Mantrose-Haeuser

In brief

RPM acquires food stabilizers and emulsifiers manufacturer

By Anthony Myers

Coatings and sealants specialist RPM has announced that its Mantrose-Haeuser business has acquired Profile Food Ingredients, LLC, a manufacturer of dry stabilizer and emulsifier blends for the food industry.

UK adults most associate Quality Street with Christmas. Pic: Nestlé

Christmas

New survey from Nestlé reveals how the nation eats its festive treats

By Anthony Myers

A timely new online survey, carried out by Ipsos MORI on behalf of Nestlé, has revealed that one fifth (20%) of UK adults (aged 16-75) typically start eating chocolate before or at breakfast time on Christmas Day – with almost half (48%) tucking in by...