The winter holiday season remains the most important sales period of the year for chocolate and candy, driven by strong consumer traditions around gifts, entertaining and everyday indulgence, according to new data and seasonal insights from the National Confectioners Association (NCA). NCA research shows that 95 percent of Americans celebrate with chocolate and candy across […]
Category: Snacks Brands
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Mars Receives Final Approval for $36B Kellanova Acquisition
Mars Inc. received approval from the European Commission Dec. 8 for its acquisition of Kellanova, clearing the final regulatory hurdle for the $36 billion deal. The companies anticipate closing the transaction Dec. 11. The European Commission’s approval was the last of 28 required regulatory clearances. Kellanova shareholders approved the transaction on Nov. 1, 2024, following the […]
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NCSA Elects Three New Members To Board Of Directors
The National Confectionery Sales Association (NCSA) has elected three industry leaders to its board of directors. Cody Heinz with Bell Flavors & Fragrances joins the board for the first time; Peter Kempton Jr. of b.a. Sweetie Candy Company has been re-elected for a second three-year term; and Brandon Sagotz from Ferrara Candy Co. returns after […]
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Winter Holiday Confectionery Demand Remains Strong, NCA Reports
According to a new survey from the National Confectioners Association (NCA), 95 percent of Americans plan to celebrate the winter holidays with chocolate and candy, reflecting the category’s continued strength as a holiday staple. The “big four” seasonal moments – Valentine’s Day, Easter, Halloween and the winter holidays – remain key for the $54 billion […]
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Mars, Hershey Roll Out Seasonal Candy Lineups With New Innovations, Returning Favorites
Mars and Hershey release 2025 holiday candy lineups featuring new seasonal items including M&M’S Winter Blend, TWIX Snowmen and Hershey’s Kisses Snickerdoodle Cookie.
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NCA Adds Moss, Brandmeier To Scientific-Regulatory Affairs Team
The National Confectioners Association (NCA) has added Julie Moss as VP of food safety and scientific affairs and Sarah Brandmeier as director of nutrition policy and scientific affairs. According to the association, their experience across federal agencies and the food industry will help the $54 billion confectionery industry navigate a complex regulatory landscape. “It is […]
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Lay’s Potato Chips Begins Brand Redesign With New Packaging, Recipes
Lay’s Potato Chips, a PepsiCo brand, has begun the largest redesign in its nearly 100-year history, aiming to showcase how its chips are made with real potatoes and announce it is removing artificial flavors and colors in the U.S. Lay’s works with more than 100 family-owned farms across North America, and PepsiCo sources crops and […]
Posted inGrocery Research, National, News, Snacks Brands
Report: 81% Of Consumers Plan To Purchase Halloween Candy
Numerator, a data and tech company serving the market research space, has released a Halloween report, sourced from verified purchase data and a sentiment survey of more than 5,000 consumers on their fourth quarter 2025 holiday intentions. Overall, more than half (56 percent) of Americans plan to celebrate Halloween, with participation higher among Gen Z […]