Chicago — Indulgence has shifted from an occasional treat to an everyday expectation for many consumers, according to new research from Barry Callebaut’s Snack Studio. The company identifies two demand spaces — “intentional snacking” and “micro luxury snacking” — that…
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Haribo’s First U.S. CEO Charts The Brand’s Next Chapter
Washington — When Jon Hughes accepted the role of president and CEO of Haribo of America, Inc. earlier this year, he wasn’t simply taking on a new assignment. As the company’s first U.S. president and CEO, Hughes represents a new…
Retail Sales Rise For 10th Consecutive Month
Washington — Retail sales increased in July, marking the 10th consecutive month of gains, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor, powered by Affinity Solutions. Total retail sales, excluding automobile dealers and gasoline stations, increased 0.32 percent on a seasonally adjusted…
Natural Colors, Real Constraints: What a Supply Chain Assessment Reveals About the Transition Away from FD&C Food Dyes
Research Triangle Park, NC — Replacing synthetic food dyes is about much more than changing ingredients. New research conducted by RTI International for the National Confectioners Association finds that successfully scaling naturally sourced colors will require significant time and investment,…
CoBank: Sugar Demand Remains Strong, But Long-Term Headwinds Are Emerging
Denver — U.S. demand for sugar remains resilient despite consumers’ stated intentions to cut back, but the growing use of GLP-1 medications, health-focused initiatives, and changing dietary preferences could weigh on the sweetener market over the next decade, according to…
Consumer Traditions Are Extending Halloween Season, Hershey Reports
Hershey, PA — Halloween is evolving into a months-long season driven by anticipation, community, and new traditions, according to a new consumer insights report commissioned by The Hershey Co. The report, Unwrapping Halloween: Hershey’s State of the Season Report, found…
Research Finds Significant Supply Chain Challenges In Move to Natural Food Dyes
Washington — New research conducted by RTI International finds that to move the U.S. food supply from synthetic food dyes to naturally sourced alternatives will require significant investments across agriculture, manufacturing, and supply chains, along with nationally uniform, science-based food…
Candy Has A Bigger Job To Do
Brand strategy leader Ted Curtin looks at why safe innovation in snacking is the riskiest move you can make. Washington — I remember candy cigarettes. Let that sink in for a moment — a product literally shaped to help children…
Mars Report Finds Halloween Season Expanding As Summerween Gains Momentum
Newark, NJ — Mars Snacking North America is leaning into an earlier start to Halloween, releasing its annual “Tricks, Treats and Trends” report alongside its 2026 seasonal candy lineup as consumers increasingly celebrate the holiday well before Oct. 31. According…
NCA Research: GLP-1 Consumers Continue To Enjoy Chocolate, Candy
Washington — Consumers taking GLP-1 medications continue to purchase and enjoy chocolate and candy, but they are approaching treats more intentionally rather than eliminating them from their diets, according to research released today by the NCA. The report found that…
NRF: Retail Sales Increase For Ninth Consecutive Month in June
Washington — Retail sales increased for the ninth consecutive month in June, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor, powered by Affinity Solutions, released by the National Retail Federation (NRF). Total retail sales, excluding automobile dealers and gasoline stations, increased 0.33…
Major Ports Prepare For Record Import Volume Ahead Of Expected August Tariffs
Washington — Import volume at the nation’s major container ports is forecast to hit a new all-time record this month, driven by retailers stocking up ahead of expected tariff increases, according to the Global Port Tracker report released today by the National…
Protecting Brand Identity As Private Label Products Gain Ground
Attorney Elizabeth Rest explains the importance of understanding trade dress as private label options continue to grow across the candy and snack sectors. Washington — Walk down any grocery aisle, and you’ll see national brands displayed beside store brands with…
