Retail & Shopper Insights

Image Source: Yuki Kondo/Getty Images

NOVA classification matches consumer instincts, study finds

By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

The NOVA classification system is used to ascertain whether foods are minimally processed, processed or ‘ultra-processed’. A new study has found that people’s perceptions of foods and their processing levels usually align with their NOVA classification.

Get ready to be vaulted into social media stardom. Pic: GettyImages

Calling all Aussie and Yankie cake creatives

By Gill Hyslop

To celebrate Culinary Arts Month, chocolate producer Yowie Group is invited bakers in the US and Australia - from professionals to home wizards - to showcase your baking passion and eye-popping talent in its first-ever Cake Decorating Contest.

IFT Preview: Consumers will pay more for cleaner and natural ingredient labels

IFT FIRST

Consumers will pay more for cleaner and natural ingredient labels

By Deniz Ataman

“Generally, consumers are not really interested in the science. Just looking at the ingredients label, a shorter ingredient label deck resonates very much with consumers, and they attach it to a healthier product,” Lauretta-Lyn Katsriku, global platform...

The Candy Hall of Fame class of 2023. Pic: NCSA

Industry

NCSA announces inductees into Candy Hall of Fame 2023

By Anthony Myers

Registration is open for the National Confectionery Sales Association (NCSA) 52nd Candy Hall of Fame weekend, honouring 11 industry leaders who have significantly impacted the confectionery industry.

Consumers are on the look out for alternative protein sources, which the bakery and snacks categories are perfectly aligned to provide. Pic: GettyImages

The four factors driving the alternative protein ecosystem

By Gill Hyslop

While food security, health and sustainability continue to shape the food landscape, consumers are still demanding a sensory experience, which means there is a growing need for expanded protein choices that can be incorporated into bakery and snacks....

Snack marketing for multicultural consumers

Sweets & Snacks Expo

Snack marketing for multicultural consumers

By Deniz Ataman

As brands seek cultural fluency to develop products for different demographics, Kellogg’s presentation during the Sweets & Snacks Expo explored the various nuances of the multicultural and generational differences of the American snack consumer, specifically...

How retailers can enhance impulse purchases in-store and online

Sweets & Snacks Expo

How retailers can enhance impulse purchases in-store and online

By Deniz Ataman

While e-commerce impulse buys are evolving, in-store purchases are still critical in capturing snack and candy consumers—with the self-checkout lane offering tremendous potential growth for both brands and retailers, Kathy Risch, senior vice president,...

Join our free-to-attend Healthy Snacking in 2023 webinar to find out what is shaping our snacking behaviour in 2023. Pic: GettyImages

Has indulgence taken a backseat to healthy snacking?

By Gill Hyslop

#healthandwellness, #better-for-you and #better-for-all – that is both people and the planet – have become familiar trigger words in the bakery and snacks sectors. But what is behind the consumer preference towards more natural, more nutritious, function...

How will the next generation of innovators win over consumers, and what hurdles will they need to jump to get there? GettyImages/snapphoto

How next-gen protein innovators plan to win over consumers

By Flora Southey

The taste and texture of meat and dairy analogues have come a long way. But according to alternative protein experts, ‘there is still room for improvement’. How will the next generation of innovators win over consumers, and what hurdles will they need...

Pic: GettyImages

Trendspotting for the King’s coronation

By Gill Hyslop

The coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla takes place on Saturday, 6 May 2023, at Westminster Abbey in London. While only 2,000 guests have been invited to attend the event, more than 7,000 street parties and community events are expected to...

Pic: NCA

Online

NCA’s Always A Treat picks up top award for impact campaign

By Anthony Myers

The National Confectioners Association’s (NCA) Always A Treat campaign has been recognised for its innovative ways of promoting the benefits of the American candy industry, taking first place in the 2023 PRNews Social Impact Awards Cause Branding Campaign...

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ChatGPT: Should we be scared?

By Nikki Hancocks

ChatGPT has many of us intrigued and nervous in equal measure but James Collier, co-founder of Huel, asks if this tool is any more scary than the current situation with “nonsense nutrition content” touted across social media by pseudoscientists.

Shrinkflation-weary consumers turn to private label

Shrinkflation-weary consumers turn to private label

By Ryan Daily

Raising prices while simultaneously shrinking products to offset higher inflation could cost brands more in the long term, suggests a new survey from YouGov that found consumers turned off by shrinkflation are turning to private label.

Searches for vegan chocolate dropped in the past year, according to Ashbury

News

Demand for vegan chocolate drops this easter

By Gwen Ridler

The demand for vegan chocolate has dropped by almost a quarter (23%) year-on-year this Easter, according to research by food label consultant Ashbury.

UK shoppers can expect more new treats this Easter Pic: Getty Images

Easter 2023

Easter sees UK leading the world in chocolate innovation

By Anthony Myers

From chocolate bunnies to candy chicks, this year is set to be a bumper year for Easter treats according to new UK research from Mintel Global New Products Database (GNPD), which claims launches of new seasonal Easter chocolate products have increased...

Nassau Candy's new line of Clever Candy. Pic: NassauCandy

Colour special

Nassau Candy adds a splash of colour to the confectionery aisle

By Anthony Myers

Nassau Candy, a leading US manufacturer of specialty and private label confections, has introduced flagship products in its exclusive Clever Candy Everyday Packaged Line, geared towards the super-visual Generation Alpha.