Chocolate and confectionery ingredients

Mondelez reactivates ‘COVID playbook,’ warns of ‘waves’ of price hikes to manage inventory, offset inflation

28-Jan-2022 By Elizabeth Crawford

Oreo-maker Mondelez warns the start of 2022 will be marred by lingering low inventory levels due to a now-resolved strike late last summer and ongoing labor challenges at third-party manufacturers as well as persistent supply chain challenges hindering...

Icon Foods’ sweetness modulators ‘bury’ off-notes of sugar alternatives for more appealing flavor profiles

27-Jan-2022 By Elizabeth Crawford

Two new sweetness modulators from Icon Foods promise to smooth out the flavor profiles of popular sugar substitutes that, despite significant advancements, continue to fall short of recreating the flavor of processed sugar – either because they come on...

Breakthrough ingredient for plant-based chocolate? Palsgaard highlights high-performing lecithin replacement

26-Jan-2022 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Plant-based chocolate manufacturers have a new ingredient to add to their toolbox: Palsgaard AMP 4455, an emulsifier which Palsgaard claims is twice as efficient as lecithin and can reduce the amount of cocoa butter used in plant-based chocolate formulations...

Barry Callebaut on growth opportunities for chocolate: 'Chocolate confections will always be a popular category'

24-Jan-2022 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Chocolate is one of the first places consumers turn to when they're looking to indulge, says global chocolate ingredient supplier Barry Callebaut, adding that future growth opportunities in the category will be centered around health, transparency,...

Soup-To-Nut Podcast: Building a new category requires a new playbook, NightFood founder says

24-Jan-2022 By Elizabeth Crawford

When it comes to building a new category, the founder of the better-for-you, late-night snacking company NightFood found after years of struggling to explain his value proposition to consumers that a new playbook was in order – one that focuses more on...

M&M’s new campaign to bring people closer together triggers blowback, snark across social media

24-Jan-2022 By Elizabeth Crawford

The green M&M is trading in her go-go boots for kicky low-rise sneakers and toning down her sexuality as part of a brand refresh by Mars intended to make the candies “more inclusive, welcoming and unifying,” but it appears to be having the opposite...

DouxMatok & Blommer Chocolate bring ‘game changing’ portfolio of sugar-reduced chocolate to US

19-Jan-2022 By Elizabeth Crawford

DouxMatok, an Israeli firm that is shaking up sugar reduction with patented technology that heightens the perception of sweetness, is teaming with Blommer Chocolate to produce a ‘game changing’ portfolio of chocolate products with significantly less sugar,...

Veganuary gains traction in US – shining a spotlight on areas ripe for plant-based innovation

18-Jan-2022 By Elizabeth Crawford

Nearly a third of Americans plan to drop or reduce animal-based products in their diet this month in favor of vegan options as part of Veganuary – a well-established global movement that may still be relatively new in the US, but which still is shining...

Behave better-for-you gummies satisfy online appetite, move into candy aisle

17-Jan-2022 By Asia Sherman

In its first year, low-sugar candy startup Behave has faced demand-driven stockouts, reformulated with less sugars and expanded into stores across the US.

Simply Gum expands into gummies & chocolate with ‘low-key’ launches featuring clean labels

17-Jan-2022 By Elizabeth Crawford

After upending the gum category with the wildly successful launch of plastic-free, all-natural gum in a sleek, thoughtful package, the makers of Simply Gum are hoping to strike lightening twice – or preferably thrice – with its recent “low-key” entrance...

'Redefining convenience for the modern consumer': Foxtrot raises $100m in Series C funding round

11-Jan-2022 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Foxtrot, a chain of modernized neighborhood convenience stores stocking a curated selection of local goods and growing assortment of its own private label products, has raised $100m in Series C funding to support new stores, digital shopping enhancements...

Nestlé USA CMO talks 'doubling down' on plant-based, snacking, and coffee

17-Dec-2021 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Nestlé USA is highly focused on several key food and beverage categories as it heads into 2022, including growing plant-based meat alternatives (i.e. chicken), plant-based creamers, coffee, and new snacking opportunities, says Nestlé USA CMO Alicia Enciso....

From comforting to escapism and healthy to indulgent, the pandemic continues to influence flavors

16-Dec-2021 By Elizabeth Crawford

Fear and frustration related to the ongoing pandemic will continue to shape flavor preferences in 2022 with consumers gravitating to taste profiles that signal health benefits, hint at escape to far away lands, offer comfort or promise something new,...

‘There is still a lot of unresponsiveness or vague statements…’ Supply chain woes add to compliance challenge with bioengineered food disclosure standard

09-Dec-2021 By Elaine Watson

With the Jan. 1, 2022 deadline for compliance with the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard (NBFDS) fast approaching, many companies are still struggling with compliance, even at this incredibly late stage, say industry sources.

Baking trends in 2022: From fun confetti and sparkles to balanced nutrition for people and the planet

09-Dec-2021 By Elizabeth Crawford

Move over sourdough, a new era of baking is rising in 2022 that focuses less on practicality and austerity and more on decadence, extraordinary experiences, celebration and holistic well-being, according to industry insiders.

From sea moss to edible flowers, Tastewise spotlights eight food trends for 2022

08-Dec-2021 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Food has taken on deeper meaning for many consumers serving as a connection to experience, community, and personalized health goals, noted Tastewise in its 2022 report, which uses AI to analyze over 1 million restaurants and delivery menus, 22 billion...

Investing in the Future of Food: Dessert boards rise as top trend with ‘unlimited marketing potential’

08-Dec-2021 By Elizabeth Crawford

With the holiday season in full swing, Americans who are looking for safe ways to celebrate with friends and family increasingly are turning to dessert boards – a flexible, emerging trend that Dawn Foods says meets evolving consumer demands, has ‘unlimited...

Soda taxes may 'permanently reduce demand' for sugary beverages, new study suggests

07-Dec-2021 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Two years since Seattle introduced its sugar-sweetened beverage tax, new research indicates that the 1.75-cent per ounce tax has significantly curbed sales of soda, juice, and other sugar-sweetened drinks.

J.M. Smucker invests $1.1bn in new facility for booming Uncrustables brand

18-Nov-2021 By Mary Ellen Shoup

The J.M. Smucker Co. is investing $1.1bn in a new manufacturing facility and distribution center in McCalla, Alabama, to meet high consumer demand for Smucker's Uncrustables frozen handheld sandwiches, bites, and rollups.

Dream Pops to enter candy aisle: 'There's no reason there shouldn't be a plant-based confectionery brand'

11-Nov-2021 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Dream Pops will be expanding outside of frozen desserts and novelties and entering the shelf-stable confectionery category with a line of plant-based products to compete with the likes of Hershey, Mars, and Ferrero, says founder and CEO David Greenfeld....

Comfort with a twist: Specialty Food Association spotlights 5 food trends for 2022

09-Nov-2021 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Consumers' pursuit of comforting foods with a slight twist in flavor, ingredients, and nutritional benefits will drive the majority growth of the $170.4bn specialty food industry in 2022, according to the Specialty Food Association (SFA) Trendspotter...

GoodPop drives new consumers to frozen novelties: 'We're eagerly anticipating plant-based to be a long-term shift in the category'

05-Nov-2021 By Mary Ellen Shoup

GoodPop Frozen Pops is targeting a growing consumer segment frequenting the frozen novelties aisle in search for products that can serve as a permissably indulgent snack or treat.

Holiday shortages push consumers to shop earlier, explore alternative stores, categories

04-Nov-2021 By Elizabeth Crawford

Despite recent warnings that key holiday foods may be out-of-stock or more expensive than previous years due to ongoing supply chain challenges, consumer concern about obtaining food and the impact of inflation hasn’t changed much compared to August,...

Independent grocers prove resilient: 'The pandemic brought consumers back to independent grocers in record numbers'

01-Nov-2021 By Mary Ellen Shoup

While most of the grocery retail sector experienced record sales last year, independent and small regional grocers experienced a notable lift in sales despite increased costs of doing business and dealing with the same supply chain issues as many of its...

Rise of frozen snacking driven by consumers' desire for permissible indulgence

26-Oct-2021 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Consumers have evolved their definition of what qualifies as a snack and are increasingly seeking out permissibly indulgent options, which has given rise to a new type of snacking behavior in the frozen set, Mintel consumer insights research suggests....

Unilever hikes prices ‘significantly,’ warns there is more to come amid high inflation, supply chain challenges

22-Oct-2021 By Elizabeth Crawford

Unilever joins the parade of CPG manufacturers hiking prices “significantly” to offset rising commodity costs and other inputs, with CEO Alan Jope warning, “there is more pricing still to come.”

Introducing the 4th Food For Kids Summit: How are new guidelines, emerging research and evolving trends reshaping children’s diets and the marketplace?

20-Oct-2021 By Elizabeth Crawford

Beginning at conception and continuing through first bites to afterschool snacks and beyond, nutrition plays a pivotal role in children’s brain development, emotional lives, and long-term health – but all too often they aren’t getting all the nutrients...

Nestlé debuts Rallies Nut Butter Bombs, a snack for world-weary 'slumpers'

20-Oct-2021 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Nestlé has entered the refrigerated snacking set with its line of permissably indulgent Rallies, a three-bite snack of chocolate enrobed nut butters, which is targeting a growing group of consumers who need a pick-me-up to rally themselves out of a slump,...

Soup-To-Nuts Podcast: What will it take to save sliding sales of D2C subscriptions?

18-Oct-2021 By Elizabeth Crawford

The tide appears to be turning for direct-to-consumer subscription boxes, including for food and beverage, with consumer interest dropping dramatically in 2021 compared to last year when the pandemic pushed many people to try the services as a safe and...

FDA tackles rising childhood obesity by 'helping industry improve the underlying healthfulness of the food supply'

07-Oct-2021 By Elizabeth Crawford

As part of a broad effort to reverse an alarming and profound increase in childhood obesity in the US during the pandemic, FDA is seeking to improve children’s diets, and is also taking steps to limit exposure to toxic elements in baby food and reduce...

Halloween’s mixed bag: Candy sales predicted soar to $3b, but COVID could frighten away some celebrants

27-Sep-2021 By Elizabeth Crawford

Spending on Halloween candy is predicted to rebound to an all time high this year after the pandemic frightened away most trick-or-treaters and celebrants last year – causing sales to slump to a five-year low, according to industry research.

Mondelez, union, tentatively propose contract to end strike at Nabisco bakeries, distribution facilities

15-Sep-2021 By Elizabeth Crawford

Mondelez International and a union representing more than 1,000 Nabisco employees have reached a tentative agreement that could end a strike at three bakeries and three sales distribution facilities across the country that began early last month.

Slower inflation growth in August sparks optimism, but likely won’t impact grocery prices soon

14-Sep-2021 By Elizabeth Crawford

While inflation in August was still more than double the Federal Reserve’s 2% long-term target, its growth rate slowed for the first time in eight months – sparking optimism in some policy makers that the economy is healing.

FoodBytes! Pitch 2021 highlights sustainable supply chain solutions, enhanced nutrition & improved resource management

08-Sep-2021 By Elizabeth Crawford

From plant-based and nutritionally enhanced products to improved sustainability and packaging innovations, the 45 startups participating in FoodBytes! by Rabobank’s Pitch 2021 competition announced today hit on some of the hottest trends and biggest challenges...

Production

Hershey and Barry Callebaut extend strategic supply agreement in US

02-Sep-2021 By Anthony Myers

Joint statement announces that Barry Callebaut will continue to supply liquid chocolate and finished products to Hershey in North America under a renewed long-term agreement.

Investing in the Future of Food

Chocolate minus cocoa? Peanut butter minus peanuts? Voyage Foods wants to ‘decouple’ food from its source material to ease negative environmental, social implications

01-Sep-2021 By Elizabeth Crawford

Climate change, labor shortages, inflation and strained supply chains threaten manufacturers’ and suppliers’ ability to ethically source, safely produce and efficiently deliver the foods consumers want at prices they can afford -- but what if there was...

Convenience, premium, indulgent & expanded health benefits among pandemic trends that will stick

24-Aug-2021 By Elizabeth Crawford

As the pandemic drags on and consumers feel more confident in the kitchen they are relying less on well-known, iconic brands for comfort as they did in the months immediately following the coronavirus outbreak and are more willing to try new brands and...

Corporate

US craft chocolate pioneer Scharffen Berger announces return to private ownership

23-Aug-2021 By Anthony Myers

The brand, under new ownership following the acquisition from The Hershey Company after 16 years for an undisclosed sum, made its official debut at the recent NCA Sweets & Snacks Expo in Indianapolis and has moved to a new manufacturing craft facility...

Soup-To-Nuts Podcast: Consumer interest, trust in ethical certification rises alongside social justice movements, coronavirus cases

23-Aug-2021 By Elizabeth Crawford

The pandemic’s impact on frontline workers, including farmers and food manufacturers, paired with recent high profile social justice movements and spectacular displays of climate change over the past 18 months is spurring more consumers to look for and...

Cargill and vertical farming company AeroFarms team up to unlock a more resilient cocoa supply chain

18-Aug-2021 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Cargill and vertical farming pioneer AeroFarms are combining their areas of expertise in a multi-year research agreement to unlock new ways of creating a more resilient and productive cocoa sector.

Hershey: Sales of chocolate and snack brands track above 2019 levels while once-struggling nutrition bars rebound

02-Aug-2021 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Continuing to benefit from elevated at-home consumption of its core chocolate brands and growing snacks business, The Hershey Company reported $1.99bn net sales for Q2 2021 (12 weeks ending July 4, 2021) an increase of 16.5% compared to Q2 2020.

Gopuff raises $1bn in new funding, doubling down on business priorities

02-Aug-2021 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Online product delivery platform Gopuff, which delivers thousands of household products from snacks to alcohol from its hundreds of micro-fulfillment centers, has secured $1bn in new funding, raising the company's evaluation to $15bn.

Protera prepares to bring diverse, clean-label and sustainable proteins to market with $10m series A fundraise

30-Jul-2021 By Elizabeth Crawford

Santiago, Chile and Paris-based AI-driven startup Protera is one step closer to commercializing a portfolio of clean-label proteins that can replace chemical preservatives to extend food shelf-life, safely turn unsaturated fats into saturated fats, enhance...

Mondelez predicts strong sales for remainder of year despite inflation and other ‘pressure points’

29-Jul-2021 By Elizabeth Crawford

Mondelez International raised its full-year organic revenue guidance to 4% from 3% on Tuesday after net revenues climbed 12.4% to $6.64bn in the second quarter thanks in part to increased mobility buoying categories hit hard by the pandemic and ongoing...

Honey Mama's brings chilled cocoa truffle bars nationwide with Whole Foods distribution

13-Jul-2021 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Oregon-based Honey Mama's and its truffle-like chilled cocoa bars made from five organic whole food ingredients is entering Whole Foods stores nationwide, where the brand is aiming to bridge the gap between the chocolate and wellness bar categories....

NuSkool Snacks finds growth in recovering snack and nutrition bar category: 'Our retail numbers are off the charts'

12-Jul-2021 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Despite overall declines of the snack and nutrition bar category over the past year, NuSkool Snacks (formerly MCTco) saw demand for its brand – and other low-sugar bar products like it increase – reports founder and CEO Joe Christensen.

Low cocoa prices pose ‘serious consequences for long-term supply of chocolate’, warns Fairtrade

08-Jul-2021 By Oliver Morrison

Chocolate as we know it is facing a difficult future and could become a rare, luxurious treat, the group has claimed.

Investing in the Future of Food: SnackMagic's Snack Drop offers inexpensive sampling, data analytics to help emerging brands test innovations, understand consumers

30-Jun-2021 By Elizabeth Crawford

For a fraction of the price and hassle of in-person sampling or focus groups, the new product discovery and data analytics platform Snack Drop allows emerging brands to offer goods directly to consumers in exchange for honest feedback and detailed information...

Soup-To-Nuts Podcast: Emerging confection trends track pandemic-based desire for escape, connection & safety

28-Jun-2021 By Elizabeth Crawford

More than 450 exhibitors and 8,000 attendees traveled to the Sweets & Snacks Expo in Indianapolis last week for one of the first in-person food and beverage tradeshows since the coronavirus outbreak in early 2020 to showcase two years of product innovations...

Sustainability

Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire launch new threats to cocoa companies over LID payments

24-Jun-2021 By Anthony Myers

Neighbouring West African states account for over 60% of global cocoa supplies, but have threatened to name and shame chocolate brands trying to avoid paying the LID, a $400-per-tonne premium, which goes to their farmers.