consumer behaviour

Nestlé’s annual sales dip, as cocoa prices and weakened consumer demand impact results

Nestlé has released its latest annual figures for 2024, with group-wide sales down 1.8% for the year, at CHF 91.3 billion, against a backdrop of notable supply chain uncertainties and weakened consumer demand, writes Neill Barston.

Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Regulatory, Sustainability

Barry Callebaut’s 2025 chocolate trends report reveals consumer behaviour

Swiss-headquartered confectionery group Barry Callebaut has released its latest Chocolate Trends for 2025, which has found that consumers are re-evaluating indulgent categories, writes Neill Barston.

Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability

UK’s Food and Drink Federation welcomes inflation drop, yet pricing and sector investment challenges remain

The UK’s Food and Drink Federation has welcomed a continued fall in inflation within the sector falling to 1.5%, though the organisation noted continued challenges from key retail categories including powdered cocoa and chocolate (18% and 13% respectively) within the past year, reports Neill Barston.

Hershey unveils latest series at Sweets & Snacks, including augmented reality initiative

The Hershey Company used this year’s Sweets & Snacks Expo event to showcase a strong portfolio of products, as well as roll-out its augmented reality initiative targeting its Reese’s Cups ranges, showing how retailers can make optimum use of merchandise placement, reports Neill Barston.

Transparency highlighted as key Innova industry trend for 2021

Transparency in delivering clean label products and clear business operating standards has emerged as a clear winner in Innova’s Top Trends for 2021, as brands, including confectionery companies improve to meet consumer demands, reports Neill Barston.

Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability

Transparency remains key, emerging as highest rated trend for 2021

As one of our many stars from next week’s World Confectionery Conference, Innova Market Insights has just revealed that its top trends for 2021 is transparency of operating and clearly describing ingredients used across our favourite treats and meals.

Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability

Confectionery market moves increasingly towards healthier options acquisitions

Hershey’s freshly announced move to acquire reduced sugar confectionery brand Lily’s has put down an intriguing marker for where the sector is heading for the remainder of this year.

Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, Sustainability

Nestlé commits to removing 250 million plastic Smarties packs a year in move to recyclable paper

A major move from Nestlé will see its core Smarties brand become the first global brand to achieve a key switch from plastic to recyclable paper packaging for its confectionery products worldwide, reports Neill Barston.

Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, New products, Packaging, Sustainability

Innova Insights studies show pandemic confectionery and snacks trends with long-term appeal

Latest global research from Innova Market Insights has indicated consumer behaviours during the coronavirus pandemic surrounding healthier food choices may prove longer-term trends within the sector.

Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Processing, Sustainability