Candy Industry Trends

Barry Callebaut Group launches Focus for Growth

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 16:25:00 -0400

The plan aims to strengthen the brand's fundamentals and position as a value-added, end-to-end chocolate and cocoa solutions provider.

Hard candy evolves beyond traditional sweetness

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 13:09:00 -0400

Once defined by simple, sugary treats in classic flavors, the category is undergoing a significant transformation.

Issei selected for Olive Young's first U.S. store

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 15:40:00 -0400

The brand is bringing its BFY candy innovation to one of the year's most buzzed-about retail openings.

Americans celebrate a patriotic National Candy Month

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 10:20:00 -0400

The confectionery industry is highlighting how chocolate has been woven into the fabric of U.S. celebrations and traditions for generations.

Reduced-sugar confectionery enters a new era

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400

Better-for-you candy products are no longer getting a free pass on texture, flavor, or eating experience.

A wedding brings together the candy industry

Fri, 29 May 2026 10:15:00 -0400

At this year's Sweets & Snacks Expo, a live (and real!) wedding was held on Wednesday, May 20.

Video: Amos Sweets talks interactive, sensory experiences

Fri, 29 May 2026 09:58:00 -0400

Gen Z and Millennial culture drives flavor trends for hard candy, particularly for tropical and global profiles, says a representative from the brand.

Neuro, Beast Philanthropy partner on co-branded tins

Fri, 29 May 2026 09:25:00 -0400

Proceeds from the candy will go to a student-led project that is converting shipping containers into medical clinics.

Hershey names Mitchell Arends chief supply officer

Fri, 29 May 2026 09:18:15 -0400

Current CSO Jason Reiman will remain through April 2027 to ensure a thorough and structured leadership transition.

Producers craft products with multi-sensory indulgence

Thu, 28 May 2026 13:50:00 -0400

From Dubai chocolate to premium desserts, brands are balancing comfort, texture, and flavor innovation with consumer demand for emotional wellness and better-for-you ingredients.

WCF announces Ghana as conference location for 2027

Wed, 27 May 2026 10:56:00 -0400

The conference will focus on the critical role of producing countries and farming communities in shaping the future resilience of the global cocoa economy.

Better Sour taps Ed Schultz as chief strategy officer

Wed, 27 May 2026 10:12:00 -0400

The new hire is joining the fast-growing sour gummy brand to scale on the heels of the company’s new product releases and Whole Foods Market expansion.

Sweets & Snacks Expo concludes its first year in Vegas

Wed, 27 May 2026 09:30:00 -0400

The conference welcomed 17,500 attendees and 1,000 exhibitors showcasing the latest confectionery and snack products, offering a sneak peek at the consumer trends shaping the future of the category.

NCSA honors Anton Vincent with 2026 Kettle Award

Wed, 20 May 2026 07:54:00 -0400

The award's 80th anniversary celebration took place on Tuesday, May 19, in Las Vegas, during the Sweets & Snacks Expo.

Jardi Chocolates employs farm-to-table method

Mon, 18 May 2026 10:39:00 -0400

Founded in 2015 by pastry chef Jocelyn Dubuke, the company is known for colorful, handcrafted confections.

Taste Tomorrow Ventures invests in Harken Sweets

Thu, 14 May 2026 10:40:00 -0400

Launched three years ago by Katie Lefkowitz, the candy brand is reimagining chocolate with products that are better for you without asking consumers to compromise on taste, it says.

NCA adds new VP of membership, business development

Tue, 12 May 2026 14:19:00 -0400

The hire brings extensive industry experience as the founder and CEO of Newfangled Confections.

Video: Sweets & Snacks Expo expands reach to West Coast

Tue, 12 May 2026 08:30:00 -0400

A spokesperson for the conference chats about what attendees can expect this year, and what innovations will be featured on the show floor.

Chococo aims to make waves in U.S. market

Fri, 08 May 2026 12:57:00 -0400

The brand is aiming to offer an experiential retail experience that’s part confectionery and part café.

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory store goes corporate

Tue, 05 May 2026 16:05:00 -0400

The addition of Nashville supports the chocolatier's transformation strategy by creating a controlled environment to test, refine, and scale key initiatives across the system.

Regenerative sugar leads the way: Global Organics

Tue, 05 May 2026 15:38:00 -0400

For 35 years, Natíve’s Green Cane Project has prioritizing soil health, biodiversity, sustainability, and social fairness.

Luker Chocolate hits sustainability goals early

Tue, 05 May 2026 14:30:00 -0400

The company has reported significant progress across farmer income, social wellbeing, and environmental practices.

Fairtrade announces new living income prices for cocoa

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:57:50 -0400

Engaging companies, producers, civil society, research institutes, and advocates, the org conducted a year-long consultation to evaluate its model and ensure it continues to address real world needs and challenges effectively.

Chocolate-hazelnut spread sickens German consumers

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 12:28:00 -0400

Patient interviews and a case-control study point to a certain brand as the vehicle of illness.

Ferrero opens Nutella Peanut production line

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 10:18:00 -0400

The $75M investment in the company's Franklin Park, IL plant creates 50 new jobs, marking its first-ever new flavor.

Velondi Brands, Inc. adds cake-shaped gummies to lineup

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 15:26:00 -0400

New product releases and collaborations tied to Strawberry Shortcake will roll out this spring.

Energy gummies aim to be portable and flexible: GateDrop

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:53:00 -0400

We touched base with Co-founder and CEO Tim Near to chat about his inspiration for the brand and what's next on the horizon.

Chococo brings its UK chocolate to Madison Avenue

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 10:25:00 -0400

The new locations will bring Chococo’s beloved Chocolate House concept to life, blending a vibrant retail destination with a warm, café-style experience, the brand says.

Cacti fungal endophytes may help cacao tolerate drought

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400

The beans of Theobroma cacao are used to make chocolate and other products, but these plants are threatened by increased drought associated with climate change.

Mars, OFI announce collaboration on Ecuador ag practices

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:01:00 -0400

This collaboration targets helping reduce the carbon footprint for cocoa in Ecuador while helping increase productivity and enhance farmer resilience.