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1 week ago | 
foodnavigator.com | Donna Eastlake |Natasha Spencer-Jolliffe |Augustus Bambridge-Sutton
The chocolate market is booming, boasting a staggering global market value of $140.12bn (€123.08) in 2025 and a projected CAGR of 4.89% over the next five years (Statista). But external influences are reshaping the industry, forcing it to adapt while also creating a whole host of new innovation opportunities. Here are the key changes shaping the future of chocolate. Chocolate moving towards cocoa-freeChocolate is making major strides towards becoming cocoa-free.
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1 week ago | 
confectionerynews.com | Donna Eastlake |Natasha Spencer-Jolliffe |Augustus Bambridge-Sutton
The chocolate market is booming, boasting a staggering global market value of $140.12bn (€123.08) in 2025 and a projected CAGR of 4.89% over the next five years (Statista). But external influences are reshaping the industry, forcing it to adapt while also creating a whole host of new innovation opportunities. Here are the key changes shaping the future of chocolate. Chocolate moving towards cocoa-freeChocolate is making major strides towards becoming cocoa-free.
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1 week ago | 
confectionerynews.com | Natasha Spencer-Jolliffe |Augustus Bambridge-Sutton
68% of consumers understand the concept of regenerative agriculture. That’s according to a new report released by crop supply firm, Acclym. However, only 12% are willing to pay more for products made from cocoa grown using regenerative agriculture practices. Despite this, major industry players including Nestlé and Mondelēz International, are investing in regenerative agriculture practices. Though uptake across the wider industry remains low, resulting from cost and implementation challenges.
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2 weeks ago | 
confectionerynews.com | Natasha Spencer-Jolliffe |Augustus Bambridge-Sutton
As confectioners prepare for the delayed European Union (EU) Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) to enter into law in December 2025, brands explore various questions and checklists before its arrival. In our recent webinar, building sustainable and transparent supply chains in confectionery, industry leaders discussed the leading topics surrounding the upcoming law and sustainable development.
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3 weeks ago | 
foodnavigator-usa.com | Natasha Spencer-Jolliffe |Jess Spiring
Budget-conscious consumers are celebrating Easter with affordable festive chocolates and candies, with private label (i.e., store brands) offerings and seasonal favorites, like the iconic marshmallow treats Peeps and jelly beans, brightening holiday baskets. Most consumers (63%) are extremely concerned about inflation, the highest it has been since September 2024, according to 400 consumers surveyed in market research firm 84.51°’s March report.
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4 weeks ago | 
foodnavigator.com | Nicholas Robinson |Natasha Spencer-Jolliffe
Fruit genetically modified to not drop from trees, bushes and vines could save manufacturers a mint, as scientists claim spoilage and wastage could be significantly reduced. Stopping the drop by genetic modification could have a massive impact on reducing both food waste and other costs, according to scientists spearheading the research at sustainable palm oil growers SD Guthrie.
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1 month ago | 
bakeryandsnacks.com | Natasha Spencer-Jolliffe |Gill Hyslop |Rachel Arthur
A 2024 research study published in Food Chemistry identifies the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) in the food industry. Undertaking a review of the technology, the researchers find AI can provide advantages to food quality, safety and supply chain efficiency. AI innovations are also expected to revolutionise sustainability and efficiency in the broader industry. However, tackling transparency, data privacy and cost integration concerns is vital to encouraging AI adoption.
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1 month ago | 
confectionerynews.com | Natasha Spencer-Jolliffe |Augustus Bambridge-Sutton
Dutch non-governmental organisation (NGO) Profundo states that the costs for confectionery businesses to comply with the upcoming European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) are negligible. In its new study and accompanying report analysing EUDR compliance costs, Profundo found that these are, on average, 0.10% of annual revenues for large companies and small-to-medium (SME) organisations.
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1 month ago | 
confectionerynews.com | Natasha Spencer-Jolliffe |Jess Spiring
According to McKinsey insights, generative AI – a more advanced version of AI that uses deep-learning models to aid more comprehensive learning – will create up to €4.4bn ($4.1bn) in global revenue within the next two years. Meanwhile, within the confectionery sector specifically, Gitnux Market data indicates thatAI’s use in confectionery will grow 25% annually over the next five years.
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1 month ago | 
confectionerynews.com | Natasha Spencer-Jolliffe |Liza Laws
US trade organisation, the National Confectioners Association (NCA), releases its State of Treating report for 2025, detailing how the country’s sweet treat sales reached $54bn (€50bn) in 2024. Based on current trends, the NCA anticipates that US confectionery sales will grow over the next five years to surpass $70 bn (€65bn) in US outlets by 2029.
