New Product Development from Toblerone to Hotel Chocolat
Staying up to date with the newest confectionery products, trends and flavour combinations on the market is key to keeping on top of the fast-paced and competitive sweet sector.
Chocolate
Chocolate sales still soaring in US with consumers favouring milk variety
According to The National Confectioners Association's latest report, emotional connection and personal enjoyment wins out over inflation pressures and budgetary restrictions.
EUDR delay: Deforestation progress on hold
Chocolate leader Tony’s Chocolonely raises concerns about the European Commission’s decision to postpone the EUDR implementation date by 12 months.
Sweet innovation: Confectionery NPD at SIAL 2024
There was no shortage of confectionery innovation at SIAL in Paris this month: with innovation tapping into health and wellness trends, future flavors and more...
Franuí expands into the UK market with chocolate-covered raspberry bites
Franuí is bringing its handcrafted, sustainable treats to London, targeting health-conscious consumers with premium ingredients.
Hershey leans into value, flavor with Kit Kat, Reese's, Jolly Ranchers
The multinational candy maker aligns with shoppers’ interest in value-oriented products reflected through its Reese’s and Kit Kat brands, while Jolly Ranchers' brand refresh features new textures and formats.
The story behind Million Dollar Chocolate Monkey Bread
Million Dollar Chocolate Monkey Bread took the baking world by storm, offering a decadent spin on a beloved classic. What lessons can the industry learn from its rise to fame and how can other traditional treats be reinvented for modern tastes?
Beauty meets confectionery: A growing trend in functional wellness
Discover how beauty-enhancing ingredients like collagen and biotin are changing the confectionery industry with delicious, functional treats.
Is all chocolate a UPF?
Controversy around ultra-processed foods (UPFs) continues to grow, especially with mounting scientific research as well as media attention scrutinizing the food group.
Five leading colour trends in confectionery in 2024
Colour, though often seen as a small detail in confectionery, plays a significant role in shaping product perception.
How gifting brings together top confectionery trends
Sweet-treat gift-giving creates engagement and brand loyalty, so it’s no wonder many global brands are tapping into the purchasing driver.
Anthon Berg broadens appeal to win over Gen Z market
The 140-year-old chocolatier is shaking up its branding and product lineup to capture the attention of Gen Z consumers, refreshing its reputation as a treat for grandparents.
How manufacturers can cure chocolate’s heat resistance
A new study suggests four top tips for chocolate creators
Meet the chocolate brand cleaning up the ocean
With the world’s first ocean plastic neutral certification, Endangered Species Chocolate has levelled up its ‘do good, better’ philosophy. Here’s how
How are prebiotics and probiotics pushing functionality forward?
And what challenges do manufacturers need to overcome to get there?
2024's top confectionery flavour trends
Discover the five flavour trends taking over the confectionery world, from 'swicy' sensations to nostalgic treats and functional delights
New study confirms concerning heavy metal contamination in cocoa
Out of 72 cocoa items tested, 43% exceeded the maximum allowable dose level for lead, and 35% exceeded the level for cadmium. So what does this mean for beleaguered chocolate and cocoa producers?
Sustainability in confectionery: Six ways to drive a greener future
In recent years, consumer demand and evolving government regulations have led to significant advancements in sustainability within the confectionery sector.
Have scientists discovered climate-proof chocolate?
A scientific breakthrough may pave the way for developing more climate-resilient cocoa trees, potentially ensuring the continued production of cacao-based products like chocolate.
New Product Development
What’s hot in confectionery? New product development from Cadbury to Smart Sweets
From cannabis-infused candy to a better-for-you Twix, meet the latest confectionery launches disrupting the industry
How to turn summer into a season of boosted sales
Looking for NPD inspiration? Try leaning into sunny season with these six tips for making the most of summer
News
Cadbury descendent opens first store with new chocolate brand
James Cadbury-owned brand Love Cocoa has opened his first bricks and mortar store in central London.
Why cocoa farmers don’t earn a living income
Most cocoa farmers don’t earn a living income. Why not? And should they all?
Smart technology
Five ways AI is transforming the confectionery sector
With AI at the helm, the confectionery industry is entering a new era of innovation and efficiency, transforming everything from product creation to personalized marketing strategies. Here's how
New Product Development
What’s hot in confectionery? New product development from Oreo to Barratt
Blonde chocolate, ice cream-flavoured cookies and fudge, oh my! Meet summer’s hottest confectionery launches
The top 4 premium trends in confectionery in 2024
Luxury, artisanal and quality collections are drawing in shoppers with a love for elevated indulgence and premiumisation. Here's what's disrupting the market
Consumers go nuts for protein-packed product innovation
With Reese’s collaborating with One to launch a high protein iteration of the iconic peanut butter cup, should other manufacturers be looking at this functional ingredient too?
What can producers learn from Barry Callebaut’s €700 million funding?
Rising cocoa prices have spurred the global chocolatier to seek investment. But what does it mean for everyone else?
Scientists develop better-for-you chocolate, and it’s better for the planet
Healthier and more sustainable chocolate? While it sounds almost too good to be true, that’s exactly what scientists have created in Switzerland.
How Hershey became one of the world’s most ethical companies
Employing veterans, building schools and slashing packaging and emissions are just some of the ways the chocolate firm has earned its ESG credentials
How is Ferrero balancing M&A growth with packaging sustainability?
A strong acquisition strategy is fuelling growth at Ferrero. But inevitably, with that growth comes more packaging. How is the confectionery major working to decouple the two?
Can cultivated cocoa solve the chocolate crisis? ‘It’s like cultivating meat, but simpler’
With climate change threatening the future supply of cocoa, could cellular agriculture offer a solution? Israeli start-up Kokomodo thinks it can, and is emerging from stealth mode to prove it.
How can luxury food brands succeed?
While luxury brands in beverage have been highly successful, luxury food brands are, as of yet, less prominent. What foods have the potential to be luxurious?
Sustainability
Barry Callebaut maps out phase two of Cocoa & Forests Initiative (CFI) plan
Barry Callebaut, which describes itself as the ‘heart and engine of the chocolate industry,’ has claimed notable advances in sustainable cocoa farming and deforestation prevention in Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana.
Commodities
Volatile Cocoa prices see a surge in panic buying by chocolate industry
The extraordinary price rallies recorded in the cocoa futures markets have been accompanied by increasing volatility, with reports of panic buying in the US market.
Sustainability
Ferrero reports solid progress towards sustainability targets
Ferrero said the release of its 15th Sustainability Report demonstrates considerable progress across its key sustainability pillars: protecting the Environment, Sourcing Ingredients Responsibly, Promoting Responsible Consumption, and Empowering People.
Special report
Is there a business case for a fully transparent cocoa supply chain?
The latest CN webinar on sustainable cocoa supply chains asked the question: should the industry adopt a more responsible approach to procurement when sourcing cocoa beans and other ingredients?
Sustainability
Cocoa investors request major chocolate companies pay farmers more
An investor letter issued earlier this month by non-profit Investor Advocates for Social Justice (IASJ) has called out international chocolate companies to end what it described as “exploitative purchasing practices,” mainly in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.
Sweets & Snacks Expo
Confectionery brands are blending pink lemonade into the latest launches
As consumers seek layered flavors that enhance their snacking experience, the sweet and tart notes of pink lemonade served as a popular confectionery trend during the Sweets & Snacks Expo.
Can the whole cocoa pod be utilised when making chocolate?
By developing a chocolate bar using not only the cocoa bean but the pulp and endocarp as well, a new study aims to create a more sustainable form of chocolate.
Six start-ups rethinking cocoa for alt choc innovation
Amid soaring prices and deforestation regulations, chocolate manufacturers may well be tempted to turn their back on cocoa. What alternatives are on offer?
Why isn’t private label chocolate appealing to consumers?
Despite the cost-of-living squeeze, private label versions of chocolate are not flying of the shelves. Why aren’t consumers keen on the private label option?
Sweets & Snacks Expo 2024
Hershey pioneers new innovation in retail AR at 2024 Sweets & Snacks Expo
Hershey arrived in Indianapolis for this year’s Sweets & Snacks Expo with a raft of new products – and latest innovations in augmented reality (AR) as part of its retail capabilities and merchandising strategies.
Sweets & Snacks Expo 2024
Chocolate brands cash in on America’s largest candy and snack trade show
The 2024 Sweets & Snacks Expo became a launch pad for companies looking to crack the US confectionery market with new products from Colombia’s Vivamor, Canada’s Lovo Chocolate, along with reboots of classic brand Godiva and a new partnership deal for...
Can faba beans’ bitterness become sweet success for a cocoa alternative?
With cocoa prices at record highs and its sustainability under scrutiny, we explore an alternative that embraces faba beans’ flavour failure.
How Fazer makes confectionery with upcycled ingredients
Finnish food group Fazer is experimenting with side streams to make confectionery production more sustainable.
Sweets & Snacks Expo 2024
Blommer Chocolate Company and Incredo target Canada with less sugar options
Blommer Chocolate Company, the largest cocoa processor and ingredient chocolate supplier in North America, has announced it is extending its partnership with sugar reduction company Incredo.
Sweets & Snacks Expo 2024
Sweets & Snacks Expo launches with ‘Oscars of the candy world’
This year’s Sweets & Snacks Expo opened its four-day stay in Indianapolis with a ceremony for the 2024 Most Innovative New Product Awards winners, which recognise excellence across 13 categories.
Sustainability
Luker Chocolate on course to impact 1,500 farmers by 2027
Luker Chocolate, the premium Colombian Business-for-Business (B4B) chocolate manufacturer, has revealed significant progress towards Its 2027 sustainability targets, including increasing income for farmers, social wellbeing, and deforestation-free cocoa.
Sweets & Snacks Expo 2024
Mars Wrigley, Chocolate Cordillera, and Godiva all set to make their mark at the Sweets & Snacks Expo
We take a look at some of the upcoming highlights from this year’s Sweets & Snacks Expo.