Candy Industry

06/12/2026

This summer, HERSHEY'S is treating s'mores season as a cultural tentpole, tapping into a ritual already anchored by the company, it says. For its largest investment in the occasion to date, Hershey’s is sharing new consumer data about this summer ritual. Americans consume an estimated 2.5 billion s'mores annually, making this an estimated $200–250M business.

To learn more, we reached out to Katrina Vatter, senior brand manager at Hershey. Read it here: https://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/115879-hersheys-scales-smores-season-to-create-growth

06/12/2026

Ahead of this summer’s highly-anticipated fifth installment, Bazooka brands Push Pop, Juicy Drop Pop, and Baby Bottle Pop are releasing special-edition packaging inspired by Disney and Pixar’s , in theaters June 19.

More: https://brnw.ch/21x3iu4

06/11/2026

NSF and Ford Gum recently announced that Military Energy Gum (MEG) will be included in USO Care Packages starting this year, continuing its mission to support military service members stationed around the world. Additionally, MEG has become the first-ever gum to earn certification to NSF’s Certified for Sport, reportedly marking a significant milestone in the gum and sports nutrition categories.

To learn more about the product, the USO partnership, and its NSF certification, we reached out to Scott Lerner, CEO, Ford Gum.

The human health organization’s rigorous independent certification includes testing for potentially harmful levels of contaminants and 295+ athletic banned substances.

06/11/2026

This year’s Innova Market Insights “Layers of Delight” trend focuses on the concept of indulgence, such as in Dubai . In this trend, we go beyond indulgence as a singular concept to explore the relationship between indulgence and key layers of food and beverage product benefits, including mood, comfort, sensory features, health, and well-being.

Read more: https://brnw.ch/21x3gBy

06/10/2026

Once defined by simple, sugary treats in classic flavors, the hard candy category is undergoing a significant transformation. Today’s consumers expect more than sweetness; they’re seeking emotional connection, immersive sensory experiences, wellness cues, and products that feel relevant within their social circles, says Andrew Doviak, senior marketing manager, sweet category, at Mane Inc.

Read more: https://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/115813-hard-candy-evolves-beyond-traditional-sweetness

06/09/2026

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of Netflix's Stranger Things series this July, Ferrero's Kinder Joy brand is revealing something new is coming from Hawkins: a limited-edition Kinder Joy x Stranger Things collaboration.

More: https://brnw.ch/21x3d1c

06/08/2026

Barry Callebaut is expanding its compound portfolio, and it unveiled its latest innovations at this year’s Sweets & Snacks Expo, including cocoa-free ChoViva, developed with Germany-based startup Planet A Foods.

Read more: https://brnw.ch/21x3aEZ

06/07/2026

Issei, maker of mochi gummies, announced the launch of three of its signature products at Olive Young's first-ever U.S. store in Pasadena, CA. The debut marks a major milestone for the brand as it expands consumer access through one of the world's most influential trend-driven beauty retailers, it says.

Read more: https://brnw.ch/21x39Hl

06/06/2026

Target has announced a new, limited-time Good & Gather Collab with James Beard Award-winning chef, restaurateur and television personality Roy Choi. Each snack and sweet treat celebrates bold flavor mashups and cultural fusion shaped by Choi’s Korean-American heritage and the multicultural food scene of Los Angeles.

More: https://brnw.ch/21x38Jj

06/05/2026

BFY brand Unreal has launched its new Peanut Butter Drops exclusively at Whole Foods Markets nationwide. The product includes creamy peanut butter, nothing artificial, and 33% less sugar (compared to the leading brand).

Read more: https://brnw.ch/21x37dM