Hershey is ramping up its premiumisation strategy through innovation, acquisitions and seasonal offerings as it targets growth beyond mainstream confectionery.
Mars celebrates its 115th anniversary, marking five generations of family ownership as the maker of M&M's, Snickers and Twix looks to shape the future of food through innovation, sustainability and long-term investment.
Krispy Kreme reported improved profitability in Q2 2026, with adjusted EBITDA up 43.2% and net losses narrowing by $421.3m. The doughnut maker's turnaround plan is gaining traction, but revenue remains under pressure.
What is ceremonial cacao and why is demand growing? Pachakuti Cacao's Steve Gravener explains the evidence, the sourcing model and where the real NPD opportunity lies beyond the cup.
Nestlé’s decision to close its Diósgyőr factory highlights how rising costs, shifting seasonal demand and manufacturing rationalisation are reshaping the confectionery industry.
Chocolate leakage isn't always an ingredient problem. Discover why process consistency, chocolate batons and production performance matter as much as specification in modern bakery manufacturing.
The European Commission's full Mars-Kellanova merger ruling reveals why regulators rejected concerns over brand power and retailer leverage – and what the decision means for future food and snack industry acquisitions.
Nestlé is expanding After Eight beyond Mint for the first time in over 60 years, launching Caramel, Orange and Raspberry flavours alongside a brand refresh.
Stranger Things, Wednesday and Wicked tie-ins show why movie collabs work for snack brands, with 68% of consumers buying co-branded or special edition products.
Food and beverage innovation is moving beyond the traditional seasonal calendar, with brands increasingly focused on fast-moving trends and micro-seasons.
Mars, Ferrero and Intersnack keep paying huge premiums for listed food firms. Two M&A advisers explain why family dynasties keep outbidding the market.
Nestlé is bringing festive flavour to shelves early with the launch of Milkybar Caramel Crunch, a new seasonal sharing bar featuring caramel biscuit pieces.
Why are major CPGs including Nestlé, PepsiCo, Mars, Ferrero, Kraft Heinz, and Mondelēz embracing contract manufacturing? Experts explain the shift, benefits, risks and future of co-manufacturing.
Mars' Shubh Mint programme is improving farmer livelihoods, empowering women and building a more resilient natural mint supply chain through sustainable sourcing and climate-smart farming practices in India.
From Coca-Cola to Co-op, cyber attacks are hitting the food and beverage industry harder than ever. Here's how companies can tackle the growing threat.
Hershey has joined the growing Summerween trend as consumers embrace Halloween months before October. Discover how the social media-driven phenomenon is creating new opportunities for confectionery brands, retailers and seasonal sales.
Nestlé’s H1 2026 results point to a recovery in momentum, with stronger volume growth, resilient margins and increased marketing investment helping offset ongoing commodity cost pressures and weaker consumer demand.
Hershey reports strong Q2 2026 results, with net sales up 6.6% to $2.78bn and net income surging 629%, prompting the confectionery giant to raise its full-year outlook.
Ferrero reveals how power brands, acquisitions, innovation and manufacturing investment are driving expansion across confectionery and sweet packaged foods.
The Senate HELP Committee advanced legislation requiring warning labels for some ultra-processed foods and restricting child-directed advertising. Here’s what it means for food companies.
Mondelēz International has seen solid growth in its Q2, with emerging markets in particular driving this. Growth in North America has been moderate, and in Europe net revenues have declined, in part due to lower chocolate sales as a consequence of the heatwave.
As premium food demand surges, Nestlé is doubling down on higher-value products across coffee, pet care and nutrition. But can premiumisation continue to thrive amid cost-of-living pressures?
From Nestlé to Mars and Ferrero, consolidation, acquisitions and private equity are reshaping the global food and beverage industry and transforming brand ownership.
Nestlé is expanding its KitKat sharing bar range with new Milk Chocolate and Brownie flavours as part of a wider innovation strategy that includes limited-edition launches, flavour experimentation and its global Formula 1 partnership.
As Summerween goes mainstream, Mars is ramping up production months earlier and balancing nostalgic favorites with sensory-driven candy innovations to capture a longer Halloween selling season.
Nestlé's half-year 2026 results reveal rising sales momentum and improving volumes, but a sharp decline in net profit. The food giant reported organic growth of 3.6%, strengthened performance in emerging markets and continued portfolio reshaping, while maintaining its full-year outlook.
EFSA has lowered the safe intake level for trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), citing new evidence of thyroid effects, as regulators weigh measures to limit consumer exposure.
Consumers are moving beyond the traditional three-meal day, with data revealing a rise in spontaneous snacking, meal replacement and demand for functional foods, creating new opportunities for brands and retailers to rethink innovation and merchandising strategies.
Nestlé to close its Diósgyőr factory in Hungary by December 2026 as demand for seasonal confectionery declines, raising fresh questions about consumer trends and manufacturing in Europe.
Mars will close its Newark headquarters by 2027, cutting 307 jobs as it consolidates corporate functions in Chicago. The move reflects Mars' strategy to streamline operations, boost innovation and strengthen its position in the global snacking and confectionery market.
Coca-Cola confirms a ransomware attack on dairy subsidiary Fairlife, forcing a temporary suspension of US production operations as investigations continue.
Creatine's benefits may extend beyond muscle growth, with new research exploring a potential role in mental health. Could the trending functional ingredient help tackle depression?
Pladis is supporting wheat growers through new regenerative agriculture programme, aimed at improving soil health, biodiversity and supply chain resilience.
Health or indulgence? Today's consumers want both. Discover how food and drink manufacturers are combining wellness, functionality and pleasure to drive the next wave of innovation.
Barry Callebaut says it does not expect a strengthening El Niño to trigger the extreme cocoa market volatility seen in recent years, citing stronger global stock levels, sourcing flexibility and improved resilience measures despite ongoing weather concerns.
Microplastics are emerging as a key concern for confectionery manufacturers, with potential contamination risks spanning ingredients, processing and packaging. But how serious is the threat, what does the science say, and what steps is the industry taking to minimise exposure?
Microplastics are emerging as a key concern for confectionery manufacturers, with potential contamination risks spanning ingredients, processing and packaging. But how serious is the threat, what does the science say, and what steps is the industry taking to minimise exposure?
Ritter Sport is driving growth through global innovation, affordable premium positioning and sustainability, as it expands its appeal to chocolate consumers worldwide.
Could Mondelēz International make a renewed bid for Arnott’s? With KKR reportedly preparing to sell the Australian biscuit and snacks giant, owner of Tim Tam, speculation is growing over whether the Cadbury maker will revisit a deal it narrowly missed in a bidding war six years ago.
Nestlé has launched Aero Milkybar, combining the bubbly texture of Aero with the creamy white chocolate taste of Milkybar. The move reflects a growing confectionery trend for brand collaborations, as manufacturers leverage established brands to drive consumer excitement, encourage trial and create new growth opportunities.
PepsiCo nutrition leader Sue Gatenby reflects on four decades in nutrition, from helping shape the precursor to the Eatwell Guide to leading product reformulation, positive nutrition strategies and tackling misinformation.
Barry Callebaut reports first quarterly volume growth in two years, with Q3 Group volumes up 5.7%, despite a declining global chocolate market and ongoing cocoa price volatility.
Barry Callebaut reports first quarterly volume growth in two years, with Q3 Group volumes up 5.7%, despite a declining global chocolate market and ongoing cocoa price volatility.
Hershey is taking Reese's Pieces into snacking with a new chocolate cookie format, signalling a wider trend of confectionery brands expanding beyond confectionery.
The Hershey Company is bringing the story of founder Milton Hershey to the big screen. The upcoming film explores the confectionery pioneer's entrepreneurial journey, philanthropic legacy and the enduring connection between Hershey and Milton Hershey School.
As climate change, crop disease and supply shortages drive cocoa prices to record highs, cocoa alternatives are moving from niche innovation to mainstream strategy. From cocoa-free ingredients and cultivated cocoa to investments by Nestlé, Barry Callebaut, Mars and Mondelēz, the confectionery industry is increasingly exploring solutions to reduce its reliance on traditional cocoa. But can alternative cocoa overcome challenges around taste, cost and consumer acceptance?
Nestlé is reformulating KitKat across Europe, adding hazelnut notes and a crispier texture in a major recipe overhaul. The move highlights how confectionery brands are adapting to evolving consumer tastes while balancing innovation with heritage.
Cargill is investing in farmer resilience, supply chain transparency and innovation to help futureproof cocoa amid climate, cost and supply challenges.
Mondelēz International and Swarovski have unveiled a crystal Toblerone bar to be auctioned at airports worldwide for charity, highlighting the growing role of luxury collaborations, experiential marketing and purpose-driven innovation in confectionery.
Six months after taking charge of Barry Callebaut, Hein Schumacher is prioritising profitability, execution and stability as the chocolate giant grapples with volatile cocoa prices, weak demand and pressure on volumes. But can he turn the world's largest chocolate maker back to sustainable growth?
Nestlé's KitKat Heist campaign turned the theft of 400,000+ chocolate bars into a Cannes Lions success, winning multiple awards including the prestigious PR Grand Prix.
Confectionery manufacturers are rethinking plastic packaging as pressure grows to improve recyclability, cut waste and balance sustainability with performance.
Consumer expectations are reshaping snack innovation as manufacturers balance protein, sugar reduction, clean labels, sustainability and affordability in every launch.
Cocoa alternatives have gone mainstream. From Mars and Nestlé to Lindt, Mondelēz and Barry Callebaut, leading confectionery companies are investing in cocoa-free chocolate, cultivated cocoa and innovative ingredients to tackle soaring cocoa prices and supply chain challenges.
Nestlé will eliminate artificial food colourings from all products worldwide by the end of 2026, becoming the first major food company to make such a global commitment as consumer demand for clean-label products grows.
Mars is investing €1.5m in the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings through its Mars Impact Fund to support young scientists and advance scientific discovery.
Ferrara is driving growth through innovation, acquisitions, e-commerce expansion and international markets, with brands including Nerds and Jelly Belly.
Ingredion's planned acquisition of Tate & Lyle reflects a wider shift in the ingredients industry as companies race to lead reformulation, fibre innovation and food technology.
Private equity is reshaping food and beverage through deals, consolidation and portfolio shifts - but rising costs, valuation gaps and pressure are changing the pace.
Why is a heat-stable natural red still one of food science's biggest challenges? Kalsec's Christina Cuddihy explains the science, cost and formulation hurdles facing bakery and snack manufacturers.
Former Nestlé CEO Laurent Freixe is reportedly pursuing legal action against the company to recover forfeited bonuses and unvested shares after his dismissal over a relationship with a subordinate, arguing the move unfairly harmed his reputation and career prospects.
Hershey is expanding beyond traditional candy with protein bars, zero-sugar confections and a One Hershey strategy designed to capture more snacking occasions and consumers.
Nestlé appoints Antonia Wanner as chief communications and sustainability officer, signalling a strategic shift to integrate sustainability and corporate messaging to drive stakeholder trust and long-term value.
Hershey appoints former PepsiCo executive Heather Hoytink as US president, signalling a strategic push to accelerate growth and strengthen commercial execution.
GLP-1 weight-loss drugs are reshaping confectionery demand - but not killing it. As global sales continue to grow, brands like Hershey report gains in gum and mints, while manufacturers pivot to low-sugar, functional and portion-controlled treats to meet evolving consumer habits.
Brands are spending heavily on promotions, loyalty pricing and digital discounts, yet private label continues to gain ground across Europe's biggest grocery markets.
Nestlé partners with Wildfarmed to use regenerative wheat in UK KitKat production, signalling a major shift in sustainable sourcing and raising the bar for the confectionery industry.
Mars is preparing to roll out artificial-colour-free M&M’s, highlighting both consumer demand for clean-label confectionery and the technical challenges of replacing synthetic dyes with natural alternatives in high-performance, brightly coloured products.
In Europe, the EUDR, the EU's anti-deforestation regulation, fast approaches. Now, the UK has announced its own rules. While the details of the rules have yet to be solidified, it will cover coffee, cocoa, palm oil, soy and rubber, and will apply in Great Britain (the UK excluding Northern Ireland, where the EUDR will apply).
Ingredion’s takeover of Tate & Lyle signals rising consolidation as suppliers race to offer one-stop, multi-ingredient solutions for sugar reduction and reformulation
From Oreo Firecracker Pop Cookies and Betty Crocker’s million-cake giveaway to star-shaped pretzels and patriotic Tater Tots, discover the bakery and snack launches celebrating America’s 250th birthday.
Döhler’s acquisition of Nukoko signals a shift for confectionery as cocoa-free chocolate moves from niche to scalable solution amid supply and cost pressures.
Lindt & Sprüngli reaches 100% Rainforest Alliance certified cocoa as Big Confectionery accelerates sustainability, farmer income and long-term supply resilience.
Mars hits 100% renewable electricity across US operations, cutting emissions while growing the business and scaling clean energy and regenerative agriculture.
The 2026 State of Snacking report explores why consumers increasingly discover food visually, value texture and make purchasing decisions driven by comfort, reward and connection.
Vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice creams continue to outperform flavour and health trends as Oishi Manufacturing streamlines operations for growth.
