Ferrero sweetens Valentine's Day stories

Valentine's Day is this weekend, and Ferrero is sharing its 2026 favorites, designed to celebrate love in all its forms, it says. Available candy treats include heart-shaped boxes from Butterfinger, Fannie May, Ferrero Rocher, and Kinder Bueno, plus Crunch Minis in festive foil, , Kinder Chocolate Bears for kids and the young at heart, a Kinder Joy Treat + LTO Valentine's Day Themed Toy, and Nutella Mini Jars. On the bakery side, the brand offers Keebler MIni Graham Ready Crusts for desserts, and Mother's Puppy Love Cookies, shaped like X's, O's, and puppies with pink frosting and festive sprinkles.

How America shops Valentine's Day

Ahead of Valentine’s Day, Instacart is releasing a new data report, which reveals how Americans show love through gifting, food, and last-minute surprises. Based on 2025 purchase data, key insights include that the holiday ranks among the top two gifting days of the year on Instacart, second only to Mother's Day. Orders for roses (+1,933%), combination bouquets (+1,459%), chocolate-covered fruit (+4,693%), and plush toys (+1,867%) surge on February 14. Mississippi leads the nation for Valentine’s-related orders, followed by Alabama, Montana, Hawaii, and Idaho. This year, Instacart has also launched 1-800-Flowers to its marketplace, bringing same-day floral delivery from local florists nationwide.

NCA shares sweet data

The National Confectioners Association is kicking off the Valentine’s Day season with some tasty data, as shown in the infographic above. Of note: 92% of people hope to receive chocolate for the holiday, and 75% of people agree that a heart-shaped box is more iconic versus conversation hearts. Thirty-four percent prefer caramel as their preferred chocolate filling, with 26% wanting chocolate-covered nuts instead, and 43% of consumers consult the guide first, when opening a Valentine's Day chocolate box. In addition, 84% of Americans will celebrate the holiday with chocolate and candy. 

Pinkbox, Parlor release V-day menus

Foodservice chains Pinkbox Doughnuts and Parlor Doughnuts will both be offering Valentine's Day treats. Parlor's will be available the entire month of February, and they include: Chocolate Cover Strawberry doughnut; Strawberry Cheesecake Doughnut (keto-friendly); and Sweetheart Sprinkles doughnut. Pinkbox's lineup will be available through February 14, and they include a dozen options, including a Pink Face DoughCro (croissant doughnut); plus chocolate-frosted, glazed vanilla, white-frosted, pink-frosted, and red-frosted treats. 

Sweet Loren's offers dream getaway

This Valentine’s Day, Sweet Loren’s is again teaming up with Mattel's Barbie brand to offer limited-edition Barbie Heart Shapes Sugar Cookie Dough, which you can read about at our article here. To bring the joy beyond the kitchen, the brand is giving one lucky winner and their bestie the chance to experience the ultimate Barbie escape at Barbie Dream Fest—a festival dedicated entirely to Barbie. The experience will feature speakers, immersive experiences, and moments that explore the legacy and evolution of the Barbie brand. One winner will receive two free passes to attend, from March 27-29, in Fort Lauderdale, FL. including $2,000 toward travel costs. Click here for instructions on how to enter.