Issue #18: Spooky season is here
Good morning everyone, Issue #17 is here with a lot of interesting news across the confectionery world. Fall is in full force and Halloween is upon us. This seems like a silly and unimportant holiday in terms of historic value but it is certainly one of the most important dates for confectionery, as it is estimated that it is the date where the most amount of candy is consumed over the year given its inherent importance on such traditions such as trick or treat.
Therefore, we must appreciate the work the confectionery do all year long to prepare for this special date, so we will certainly have some cool news surrounding Halloween and how confectioners are anticipating the big day.
Sweet Spotlights ??
Beautiful sweets
The beauty industry is constantly evolving and it has meshed with other industries as they try to uncover the secret of inmortal beauty, and one of the latest trends is the emergence of functional beauty sweets. These delectable treats are not only delicious but also offer a range of benefits for skin and hair health.
Functional beauty sweets are infused with vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients that promote beauty from within. By incorporating these supplements into a daily routine, consumers can enhance their skin and hair health in a convenient and enjoyable way.
This trend is driven by several factors. Firstly, there's a growing awareness of the link between nutrition and beauty. Consumers are increasingly recognizing that a healthy diet can contribute to radiant skin and lustrous hair. Functional beauty sweets offer a convenient and enjoyable way to supplement their beauty routine with targeted nutrients.
Secondly, the demand for natural and holistic beauty solutions is on the rise. Consumers are seeking alternatives to traditional beauty products and treatments. Functional beauty sweets align with this preference by providing beauty benefits through ingestible supplements. They offer a natural and holistic approach to skincare and haircare.
Additionally, the focus on preventative health and wellness is driving consumers to seek products that support overall well-being, including skin and hair health. Functional beauty sweets offer a proactive approach to beauty maintenance.
These treats come in various forms, including gummies, chocolates, and lozenges. Each product is formulated with specific ingredients to target different beauty concerns. For example, some gummies contain collagen to promote skin elasticity and hydration, while others may include biotin to support hair growth and strength. Other common ingredients in functional beauty sweets include vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and zinc.
The potential of functional beauty sweets to revolutionize the beauty industry is immense. By offering a convenient and enjoyable way to enhance beauty from within, these treats cater to the evolving needs and preferences of health-conscious consumers. As the industry continues to innovate, we can expect to see even more exciting and effective functional beauty sweets in the future.
I am ready to drink
Nestlé's Nespresso, a premium coffee brand renowned for its single-serve coffee pods, has recently ventured into the ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee market in the United States. This strategic move aims to capture a larger share of the growing RTD coffee market and cater to consumers seeking high-quality coffee options on-the-go.
This is only a natural strategic move by the giants at Nestle, as the ready-to-drink market is valued at $36 billion as of 2024, and it has a high percent of growth up until 2028, when the industry is expected to slow down.
The new Nespresso RTD coffee comes in three distinct varieties: Nespresso Original, a classic espresso blend with a bold and intense flavor; Nespresso Intense, a stronger espresso blend with a rich and robust taste; and Nespresso Decaffeinato, a decaffeinated espresso blend for those who prefer a caffeine-free option.
The RTD coffee is packaged in sleek aluminum cans, designed to maintain the quality and freshness of the coffee. This format allows for convenient consumption, making it ideal for busy individuals who want to enjoy a premium coffee experience without compromising on taste.
We have seen several massive brands translate this strategy into the retail fridges, like Dunkin and Starbucks. Several independent brands have also moved to try and capture some of this segment, but there is no precedent for a competitor inside the DTC market entering the ready-to-drink segment like Nespresso is doing as of now by shifting purely from pods to cans.
This expansion into the RTD coffee market aligns with Nespresso's broader strategy of offering consumers a seamless coffee experience across various formats. By providing both at-home and on-the-go options, Nespresso aims to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of coffee lovers.
While Nespresso is a relatively late entrant to the US RTD coffee market, it brings several advantages to the table. The brand's strong reputation for quality and innovation can help differentiate its RTD offerings from competitors. Additionally, Nespresso's existing customer base provides a ready market for its new products.
The launch of Nespresso RTD coffee is a significant step for the brand and the overall coffee industry. It highlights the increasing demand for high-quality, convenient coffee options and the potential for growth in the RTD coffee segment. As consumers continue to seek premium coffee experiences, Nespresso's RTD coffee is well-positioned to capture a significant share of the market.
Cocoa Culture ??
Cocoa Price as of 11/11/2024
Cocoa futures stabilized around $7,200 per tonne, as traders remained focused on the supply outlook. Additionally, dealers noted that port arrivals in top grower Ivory Coast by the end of January could be below last year's estimated levels. Despite running above last season’s pace so far, arrivals could dip in December due to prolonged rains, flooding, and brown rot fungal disease. Meanwhile, Ghana's Cocoa Board (Cocobod) projected a recovery in cocoa production for 2024/25, supported by favorable weather.
That is Bueno
Ferrero, the global confectionery giants mostly known for their cash cow Nutella, recently opened its first chocolate processing facility in North America in Bloomington, Illinois. This $214 million investment marks a significant expansion for the company and is expected to create 200 new jobs in the region and solidify their competitive position in the North American market.
The new facility, which spans 169,000 square feet, will primarily produce Kinder Bueno chocolate bars. This addition complements Ferrero's existing production lines in Bloomington, which already manufacture popular brands like CRUNCH, 100 Grand, and Raisinettes.
The decision to establish a chocolate processing facility in Bloomington aligns with Ferrero's commitment to expanding its presence in the North American market. This move allows the company to streamline its production process and better meet the growing demand for its chocolate products.
Additionally, Ferrero is confident they can increase Kinde distribution by collaborating heavily with wholesalers like Walmart, which will allow for major presence and distribution across the country as soon as manufacturing begins.
With this new facility, Ferrero aims to strengthen its position as a leading confectionery company in the United States. The company's investment in Bloomington demonstrates its confidence in the region's workforce and infrastructure.
The opening of the new plant is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth. Additionally, it highlights the growing importance of the Midwest as a hub for food manufacturing and distribution.
Beast of a mission
Feastables, the chocolate brand founded by YouTube star MrBeast, has recently joined Tony's Open Chain, a platform dedicated to transforming the cocoa supply chain. This strategic partnership signifies a significant step forward for Feastables in its commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainable practices.
Tony's Open Chain is a groundbreaking initiative launched by Tony's Chocolonely, a Dutch chocolate company renowned for its ethical sourcing practices. The platform aims to create a more transparent and sustainable cocoa supply chain by working collaboratively with various stakeholders, including cocoa farmers, chocolate manufacturers, and consumers.
By joining Tony's Open Chain, Feastables aligns itself with these ethical principles and commits to improving the lives of cocoa farmers and their communities. The partnership will enable Feastables to source cocoa beans responsibly and sustainably, support farmer livelihoods, and promote transparency in the supply chain.
Feastables' partnership with Tony's Open Chain is part of a broader ethical sourcing strategy. The brand aims to contribute to the betterment of the cocoa industry by supporting initiatives that improve education and economic opportunities for cocoa-farming communities in West Africa.
领英推荐
As the chocolate industry continues to evolve, consumers are increasingly aware of the social and environmental impacts of their choices. By prioritizing ethical sourcing and sustainability, Feastables and Tony's Open Chain are setting a new standard for the industry and inspiring other brands to follow suit. This partnership not only benefits the cocoa farmers but also enhances the brand reputation and consumer trust of Feastables.
Flavor Fusion ??
Exploding collabs
The popular energy drink and supplement company C4 Energy has partnered with Hershey, to create a line of energy drinks and protein powders infused with iconic Hershey flavors. This collaboration aims to attract fitness enthusiasts and candy lovers alike.
The partnership will introduce a range of C4 products featuring flavors inspired by beloved Hershey candies like Jolly Rancher, Bubble Yum, Reese's Peanut Butter, and Hershey's Milk Chocolate. Additionally, the first-ever C4 protein powder will be launched in Hershey's Milk Chocolate and Reese's Peanut Butter flavors.
This collaboration is expected to benefit both companies. C4 can leverage Hershey's strong brand recognition and popular flavors to attract new customers and expand its market reach. Hershey, on the other hand, can tap into the growing fitness and health-conscious market by associating its iconic brands with functional products like energy drinks and protein powders.
The C4 x Hershey collaboration represents a unique and innovative approach to combining the worlds of candy and fitness. By infusing familiar and beloved flavors into functional products, both companies aim to create a winning formula that appeals to a wide range of consumers.
C4 is expecting to stand amongst the monstrous competition in this industry that is being dominated by a few players. Licensing seems like a particularly valuable option to offer excellent and innovative products to a large consumer base
Greek Gods
Chobani has expanded its product line with the introduction of Chobani High Protein. This new line caters to the growing consumer demand for high-protein, low-sugar, and natural food options.
The Chobani High Protein line includes Greek yogurt cups and drinks. The yogurt cups offer 20 grams of protein per serving, while the drinks come in three protein options: 15g, 20g, and 30g. All products are made with natural ingredients and contain no added sugar or artificial sweeteners.
Chobani's move into the high-protein space is a strategic one. It allows the company to tap into the growing market of health-conscious consumers who are seeking convenient and nutritious protein sources. By offering a variety of high-protein options, Chobani aims to cater to different lifestyles and dietary needs.
The launch of Chobani High Protein further solidifies the brand's position as a leader in the yogurt category. It also proves that Hi-protein products are reaching mainstream consumers beyond the health-fitness category, which could define an expansion of the better-for-you yogurt market.
Don't call me Sherley
Keurig-Dr. Pepper is still coming hot with innovations this year and major plans for some acquisitions to position itself as a major player in the drinks industry. This time, Keurig is planning to revamp their classic 7-Up drink into an old American cult classic like the Sherley Temple.
Perhaps the first mocktail you tried when you were just a kid, the Shirley Temple is a combination of lemon-lime soda with a touch of cherry flavor to give it a sweet twist. This new flavor gives us a nostalgic flavor and also a new sweet flavor profile as they try to keep relevant on shelves via innovation efforts
Sugar Rush (Facts and Stories about your favorite snacks and candies)??
Piece by Piece
Today I have the honor of talking about my favorit confection of all time. Funny enough it comes from a spinoff of one of the most popular confections in the industry in the form of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Now mesh that with the popular concept of the M&M and boom! you get a one of a kind confection in Reese's Pieces
Reese's Pieces has a fascinating history that dates back to the late 1970s. The iconic candy was born out of a desire to create a new, innovative product that would capitalize on the success of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.
The original idea for Reese's Pieces came about when Hershey's was looking for a new candy to replace Hershey-ets, a discontinued chocolate-filled candy. The company's vice president asked his son for a suggestion, and the son, inspired by Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, suggested a peanut butter-filled candy coated in colorful candy shells. The new candy was initially named "PBs" but was later rebranded as Reese's Pieces.
In 1978, Reese's Pieces were introduced to the US market and quickly gained popularity. However, their true breakthrough came in 1982 with the release of the iconic film "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial." In the movie, E.T. develops a fondness for Reese's Pieces, leading to a surge in demand for the candy. This unexpected surge in popularity solidified Reese's Pieces as a cultural phenomenon.
The unique combination of peanut butter, chocolate, and colorful candy shells has made Reese's Pieces a beloved treat for people of all ages. Its versatility has also led to its inclusion in various desserts and recipes, further expanding its appeal.
Beyond its delicious taste, Reese's Pieces has also made its mark in popular culture. The candy has been featured in numerous movies, TV shows, and commercials, cementing its status as a beloved snack.
Today, Reese's Pieces remain a popular choice for snacking, baking, and gifting. The candy's enduring popularity is a testament to its delicious taste, its iconic status in popular culture, and its ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences.
And with that, we can successfully wrap another edition and one more Halloween! What did you go out as in this special night? tell us all about the customes and candy you gave out to the kids and share with us which seemed to be the most popualr confections around the area! It would be great to know what has been popular about this Halloween to get an insight into future editions of this wonderful festivity