Candy sales have remained sweet over the past several quarters. Candy, gum and mints contribute $32 billion annually to the U.S. economy, with the convenience channel controlling 21% of the market, the National Confectioners Association (NCA) reported. “The incidence of candy and gum purchases in convenience stores was up 4% in the fourth quarter of [...]
The sputtering economy has taken a bite out of gum and mints, a category that has seen steady declines since 2010. As of 2012, gum and mints remained a $4.3 billion business, but sales are expected to drop by 1.7% through 2017, according to Mintel, a global consumer research firm. Some industry observers, such as [...]
Social studies class at Milton Hershey School in Pennsylvania shares cultural experiences with students in Assin Fosu, Ghana. The Hershey Co. plans to continue through the end of the 2013 school year its successful Hershey Learn to Grow Ghana Distance Learning Program, a unique distance learning program launched last fall. The program links school children [...]
More than 22 countries will exhibit at the confectionery and snack industry’s premier event. The 2013 Sweets & Snacks Expo continues to expand its status as a global resource for products, innovations and insights. Companies from 23 countries have secured booths or pavilions on the show’s floor. The Expo, to be held May 21-23 at [...]
Americans aren’t eating out as much as they used to, but they are eating more chocolate, which means the time has come for c-store retailers to rethink, revamp and restock their chocolate sets. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor. Data from Experian Simmons research group noted that, among chocolate eaters, 56.4% have visited a c-store in [...]
Provides update on progress against growth initiatives. In a presentation today at the 2013 Consumer Analyst Group of New York (CAGNY) conference, John Bilbrey, president and CEO of The Hershey Co.; Humberto Alfonso, executive vice president, chief financial officer and chief administrative officer; and Michele Buck, senior vice president and chief growth officer; reviewed the [...]
50,000 Shoppers Select M&M’S Brand Snack Mix as most innovative product in the candy & snacks category. Mars Chocolate North America announced M&M’S Brand Snack Mix was named the 2013 Product of the Year in the candy and snacks category by Product of the Year USA. The brand accepted the award during a special ceremony [...]
Outdated sugar policy places a burden not only on the confectionery industry, but also on consumers, says NCA. Today the National Confectioners Association (NCA) welcomed the introduction of the Sugar Reform Act, bipartisan legislation that would bring modest reforms to the Depression-era U.S. sugar program. The bill, introduced in the House by Reps. Joe Pitts [...]
Cocoa producer offers insight into the future at the International Sweets and Biscuits Fair. While consumers always expect a personal experience, they are also interested in convenience and authenticity, at least according to Barry Callebat’s predictions for the chocolate market of 2014. The sector is constantly changing, and with it, so is consumer demand. In [...]
“Hershey had a solid 2012 and we expect to build on our success in 2013,” says Hershey’s CEO. The Hershey Co. has announced sales and earnings for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, 2012. Consolidated net sales were $1,751,035,000 compared with $1,567,145,000 for the fourth quarter of 2011. Reported net income for the fourth quarter [...]
“We believe Mars is a great place to have a career and we are especially pleased that this ranking is due in large part to what our associates have to say about our culture, heritage and winning business,” says Mars president. Mars Inc. has been ranked 95 on the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work [...]
“The ‘Better With M’ story is delivered through our colorful spokescandies, whose irresistible chocolate always makes moments even better,” says M&M’S spokesperson. Mars Chocolate North America has introduced M&M’S Brand’s new integrated marketing campaign called ‘Better With M,’ which includes a new, 30-second television commercial that will air during the first quarter of Super Bowl [...]
Nine start-ups to launch new mobile pilots in just 90 days. After receiving hundreds of applications, Mondelez International announced the nine start-ups selected to participate in the company’s first of its kind Mobile Futures program aimed at shaping the future of mobile marketing. The final start-up companies will have the opportunity to partner with company’s [...]
New large-scale exhibitors and well-known speakers highlight the opening of registration for the confectionery and snack industry’s premier event. Registration has opened for the 2013 Sweets & Snacks Expo, to be held May 21-23, 2013, at Chicago’s McCormick Place. Sponsored by the National Confectioners Association, the 2013 Expo is poised to be the most successful [...]
M&M’s looks for ways to top last year’s Ms. Brown debut. Mars Chocolate North America’s M&M’S Brand is returning to the Super Bowl on Feb. 3, 2013, with an all-new 30-second commercial during the first quarter. Last year during ‘The Big Game,’ M&M’S introduced the world to the original spokescandy, Ms. Brown, via a hilarious [...]