Throughout the year, American consumers look forward to celebrating their favorite holidays and seasons with friends and family. Whether it’s exchanging heart-shaped chocolate boxes on Valentine’s Day or roasting s’mores around a summer bonfire, chocolate and candy play an important role in these special moments and seasonal celebrations.  

Halloween is often referred to as our industry’s Super Bowl. And now that the Halloween season is in full swing, consumers are excited to celebrate, with 93% saying they will share chocolate and candy with friends and family to commemorate the season. Whether their address is on Main Street or Pennsylvania Avenue, Americans are preparing their decorations, costumes and treats ahead of Halloween night.  

Consumer enthusiasm has steadily extended the Halloween season over time, with the nation’s chocolate and candy makers working with retailers to enhance the exciting buildup far before October 31. 

While Americans begin their celebrations earlier and earlier each year, confectionery manufacturers work year-round to make sure shelves are stocked with seasonal treats that make for a memorable Halloween for families. And it’s perhaps even more important now than ever before: confectionery items remain an affordable luxury despite persistent inflation and continued supply chain disruptions impacting kitchen table budgets from coast to coast.  

Chocolate and candy serve as holiday centerpieces and everyday treats, and confectionery manufacturing serves as a major economic driver in communities across the country. For an industry that generates $42 billion every year, the Halloween season is vital to our ability to support local economies, provide more than 58,000 confectionery manufacturing jobs and support an additional 635,000 jobs in transportation, agriculture, retail, and more. The “Power of Sweet” can be felt in all corners of the country, as our member companies operate in all 50 states.  

The real fun lies beyond the numbers however—it’s about how an occasional treat has the power to make life more special. Innovative confectionery products help people embrace the fun flavors and scary themes Halloween is known for, bringing nostalgic thoughts and feelings to those enjoying a little chocolate and candy treat and elevating an ordinary moment into a special occasion.  

The confectionery industry is providing more transparency, choice and portion guidance options for consumers who are looking to celebrate the big and small moments. If you are celebrating the Halloween season this year or are among the 60 percent of parents who sneak Halloween candy from their children, know that we as an industry are working hard to deliver innovative new products right alongside beloved Halloween classics.  

The seasons provide a reason to connect with your community and make cherished memories with your family and friends. As for us in the confectionery industry, we are proud of our role in providing an affordable luxury to consumers that helps to make celebrations and family traditions a little sweeter.  

The post The Halloween Season: An Iconic Celebration Made Complete by Chocolate and Candy first appeared on NCA.

The post The Halloween Season: An Iconic Celebration Made Complete by Chocolate and Candy appeared first on NCA.

Read the full op-ed below, or visit the OC Register website.

Newsom should think carefully about food additive ban

By FRANK YIANNAS 

ORGINALLY PUBLISHED September 24, 2023 on the Orange County Register

There aren’t many topics more important for a nation than its ability to provide its citizens access to safe, nutritious, and available food.  That’s why I appreciate the California legislature’s desire to protect its citizens by banning certain food additives they believe are unsafe, via passage of Assembly Bill 418, which now awaits the Governor’s review.  However, while this action is well-intended, if enacted, it does set a dangerous precedent on how food safety standards in our nation are best established.

I’ve dedicated my career to advancing food safety and protecting public health. I’ve done so at the height of federal service, in academic settings, and within the private sector. As the former Deputy Commissioner at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), I witnessed firsthand why the country needs a strong FDA – working in close collaboration with the States – to manage the scientific rigor needed to evaluate the safety of food involved in interstate commerce. It’s because of these experiences that I’m concerned that California lawmakers felt it was necessary to take this action on their own.

Without relying on a strong, science-driven federal food safety agency, our country is left with a state-by-state patchwork of different, emerging regulatory standards that would weaken our nation’s food system and food safety efforts. Our nation is better when each state can help feed the rest of the states with a uniform standard of safe, available food.

This isn’t a novel idea.  It was President Lincoln who saw the need to establish the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the entire nation (not just one state) and created a Bureau of Chemistry within it, which was the predecessor to the U.S. FDA.   The need for national, uniform food safety standards for foods involved in interstate commerce was true then – and it is still true today.

Some have said the food ingredient ban in California is necessary because the FDA isn’t moving fast enough. While I’m sympathetic to this argument, this doesn’t mean we should bypass their authority. In contrast, we should be working with them and congressional leaders to ensure they operate to a high standard and have the experts, processes, and technologies needed to adapt more quickly as science evolves and the food system changes.

And while many support accelerating the FDA review process, it doesn’t mean the current process isn’t working at all.  In fact, three of the five original ingredients targeted by the California ban are currently under review by FDA.  In the case of brominated vegetable oil (BVO), the FDA has already initiated steps to remove BVO from the U.S. food supply, thereby making the California action unnecessary.

California’s proposed ban has also gained a lot of attention over the assertion that “if it’s banned in the EU, it should be banned here.” But it’s just not that simple. There are differences in our food systems, and a host of other factors that come into play when making complex, science-based determinations.

As an example, there have been differences in the interpretation of the science between the European Commission and the United States and Canada on the use of titanium dioxide, a brightening pigment, in foods. While the Europeans have acted against its use, the U.S. FDA and Health Canada have both concluded – via separate and independent reviews – that the available studies do not demonstrate human safety concerns connected to its use as a color additive. Fortunately, the legislative sponsors of the California ban recently removed titanium dioxide from their proposal.

And there’s another interesting point.  Did you know there are food additives that are banned in the U.S., but not in Europe? Just rubber-stamping what another country does is not something the American people expect from their government.

The U.S. food system is interdependent, and these decisions are complex.  It’s time for the FDA to step up – and for the State of California, Congressional leaders, and consumers alike to demand that they do their job more quickly.

I appreciate the difficult position Gov. Newsom has been placed in and we should all wish him wisdom when making this decision.  In doing so, he’ll have to consider what’s good for his constituents, as well as the nation.  It’s critical to rely on experts at the federal level, in close collaboration with state officials, to maintain consistency, uniformity, and consumer confidence in our nation’s food safety system.

Frank Yiannas is a former Deputy Commissioner of Food Policy & Response at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The post Former FDA Deputy Commissioner Says California Should Think Carefully About Additive Ban  first appeared on NCA.

The post Former FDA Deputy Commissioner Says California Should Think Carefully About Additive Ban  appeared first on NCA.

The 2023 State of Treating report reinforced what we know: During this economic uncertainty, consumers are looking for small ways to bring a little sweetness to their lives and the lives of those around them. As a transparent, trusted and affordable treat, chocolate and candy can fill this unique need.

The report is the definitive source for confectionery category performance data, offering a deep understanding of ever-evolving consumer attitudes and behaviors. The findings show that Americans love chocolate and candy more than ever.

Sales of chocolate and candy reached $42.6 billion in 2022 and are expected to exceed $54 billion by 2027. This means confectionery category dollar sales grew 11.1% over 2021 and 22.1% over 2019. Strong sales numbers and positive consumer data show that confectionery’s affordability sets it apart during a time of uncertainty, especially since consumers view chocolate and candy as a fun part of life (81%) and an affordable treat (74%).

We also know that Americans now celebrate the seasons for longer and in bigger ways. Consumers did not let inflation stop them from including chocolate and candy in their holiday celebrations. Valentine’s Day, Easter, Halloween and the winter holidays showed strong growth in chocolate and candy purchases last year, which was certainly fueled by the 78% of consumers who believe confectionery sharing and gifting are great traditions. 

The report also reiterated the direct correlation between enjoying chocolate and candy and emotional well-being. The data shows that 78% of consumers agree chocolate and candy help make them happy, and 79% agree positive emotions and physical health are interconnected. 

That said, Americans understand that chocolate and candy are treats. Most people say they enjoy chocolate and candy two to three times per week averaging about 40 calories of added sugar per day, and 9 in 10 consumers are interested in nutritional information for the treats they enjoy.  

At the same time, America’s chocolate and candy companies are dedicated to helping consumers make informed choices about how they treat. This goal is clearer now than ever, as America’s chocolate and candy companies recently delivered on their commitment to help consumers manage their sugar intake by providing more transparency, choice and portion guidance options. There is strong directional alignment throughout the confectionery industry.

Alongside the positive response to our industrywide efforts, we have seen increased consumer interest as they seek to engage with their favorite brands on social media. This extends into social causes, and we are committed to spreading the word about our sector’s dedication to responsible sourcing of ingredients, fair treatment of workers, and commitment to giving back to communities throughout the country.

Transparency, trust and affordability are of utmost importance as our consumers continue to find ways to incorporate their favorite treats into everyday moments and celebrations – and we are dedicated to ensuring that chocolate and candy remain America’s quintessential treat. 

The post Sales of Chocolate and Candy Reach New Highs, Poised for Future Growth first appeared on NCA.

The post Sales of Chocolate and Candy Reach New Highs, Poised for Future Growth appeared first on NCA.

There’s no question that these times are challenging for consumers across the country. Every American is impacted by record-high inflation, increasing costs of goods and continued fallout as the country navigates an ongoing pandemic. With all of this in mind, it’s no surprise that Americans are looking for little moments of joy – and since chocolate and candy are small and affordable luxuries, they have a place in every type of celebration.

This year, the winter holidays are even sweeter because America’s chocolate and candy companies delivered on their commitment to helping consumers manage their sugar intake by providing more transparency, choice and portion guidance options when it comes to our favorite treats – which means that chocolate and candy are a great gift to encourage sharing with friends and family during the holiday season.

Chocolate and candy have the unique ability to lift spirits throughout the year but add special magic to the holiday season. These holiday treats can evoke special memories – crafting a gingerbread house, playing a game of dreidel or decorating a Christmas tree – and let others know that someone is thinking of them. These gifts become an invaluable part of the holiday season, often turning into the stories and traditions that are passed down year after year and throughout the generations.

After all, these treats represent what the holiday season is truly about: connection. Connection to tradition and celebration, connection to a nostalgic past and innovative future – and most importantly, connection to each other. The confectionery industry is proud to represent the joy felt by so many during moments of celebration, and I hope that you and your loved ones have a wonderful holiday season.

The post Holiday Treats Help Bring Connection to the Winter Holidays first appeared on NCA.

The post Holiday Treats Help Bring Connection to the Winter Holidays appeared first on NCA.

I’m thrilled to share that this year, the Halloween season is even sweeter because America’s chocolate and candy companies delivered on their commitment to helping consumers manage their sugar intake by providing more transparency, choice and portion guidance options when it comes to our favorite treats.

I invite you to take a moment to visit AlwaysATreat.com/Halloween, where we have provided all of the information needed to ensure this is a memorable, fun and safe season. You’ll find resources to help you enjoy these upcoming weeks to the fullest – we’ve compiled fun facts and history, tricks for treating and so much more.

Chocolate and candy are synonymous with Halloween, and parents can – and should – use this moment as an opportunity to educate their children on the unique role that chocolate and candy play in a balanced lifestyle. Now more than ever, we understand the importance of supporting our emotional well-being and enjoying special moments with our loved ones, and chocolate and candy serve as a unique form of social currency that helps make these memories a bit sweeter. I hope that throughout this Halloween season, you and your family have a frightfully fun time celebrating.

Revised 12/5/22

The post Halloween is Always A Treat – This Year, It’s Even Sweeter first appeared on NCA.

The post Halloween is Always A Treat – This Year, It’s Even Sweeter appeared first on NCA.

Now, in 2022, we are thrilled to share what we were able to achieve together, as outlined in a new report from Partnership for a Healthier America.

Here are the highlights:

In the 2016 benchmark year, 38.3% of chocolate and candy products were available in portion guidance packs of 200 calories or less – now half of the individually wrapped products made by the participating companies are available in sizes that contain 200 calories or less per pack.

In the 2016 benchmark year, 53.7% of products had front-of-pack calorie labels – now that number is 94.8%.This number is even higher at retail checkout: 98% of chocolate and candy packaging found at the front of the store have calorie labels printed on the front of the pack.

Front-of-Pack
Calorie Labels

200 Calories Or Less
Per Individually-Wrapped Pack

This voluntary industry leadership commitment has empowered consumers to make informed choices and has driven directional alignment within the broader confectionery industry.

And where do we go from here? America’s chocolate and candy companies are providing more transparency, choice and portion guidance options for consumers seeking to manage their sugar intake – whether that’s buying candy for family celebrations at home, picking up a treat to share with friends, or enjoying a treat on the way out of the store. From beloved classics to new offerings like low and zero sugar and organic, the confectionery industry is meeting consumers where they want to be met. People understand that chocolate and candy are treats, and they embrace them as a special social currency.

Learn more about where we’ve been and where we’re headed – together – at AlwaysATreat.com.

Revised 12/5/22

The post Chocolate and Candy Are Always A Treat first appeared on NCA.

The post Chocolate and Candy Are Always A Treat appeared first on NCA.

In a recent post on The Scramble, Jessica Braider, a long-time food blogger and cooking and healthy eating educator, shares a story about a discussion she had with her son after he returned from a birthday party about moderation when it comes to treats, explaining that total deprivation of treats can also have a negative impact on health and mood and treating in small amounts should be encouraged and celebrated.

These are the types of conversations we’ve been working to encourage parents across the country to have with their children. Enjoying the occasional treat is not something to be ashamed about, nor something that parents should fear when talking to their children about living a happy, balanced lifestyle. Instead, treating should be seen as a small piece of a larger puzzle, one that provides pleasure and helps us bond in social situations – like childhood birthday parties – as we celebrate important moments. Here’s a brief excerpt from her post that describes how she thinks about treats like chocolate and candy:

“They taste good, they give us pleasure, and they are often shared in social situations when we are bonding with others and often celebrating. So enjoying them should not be something that brings us guilt or regret, but instead is associated with the benefits they bring into our lives. Yes, those benefits are different than what a vegetable, lean protein, or whole grain gives us, but they are still valuable in their own right.”

Educators and parents like Jessica are changing the conversation in a positive way and providing a roadmap for consumers attempting to have similar conversations with their children as they learn, grow and begin making their own decisions about what they eat.

The post This Blogger Gets It Right When It Comes to Treating first appeared on NCA.

The post This Blogger Gets It Right When It Comes to Treating appeared first on NCA.

We expect this Halloween season to look a little different because the COVID-19 pandemic is still impacting our daily lives, but we have heard loud and clear that consumers are excited to get outside and celebrate this fall. In fact, our survey revealed that 82% of Americans say they are confident that they will find safe and creative ways to celebrate Halloween throughout the month of October.

Much like last year’s Halloween, many Americans will embrace new Halloween traditions this year, including celebrating Halloween at home with activities like candy scavenger hunts or video conference costume contests. These new types of celebrations defined last year’s Halloween season, and many of them are likely to make an appearance this year as the new traditions continue and families look for safe, socially distanced ways to make the Halloween season fun.

There’s also the chance to get back to our longstanding and traditional celebrations. Just recently, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky shared that trick-or-treating can safely take place because it is an outdoor event – welcome news to 80% of Americans who report that they intend to take part in this quintessential Halloween activity. With creative options like “trunk-or-treating” on the rise, these more traditional celebrations can introduce some spooky fun into outdoor settings.

No matter how families decide to celebrate, what’s important is that we continue to follow safety guidance from our local, state and federal health officials when it comes to in-person interaction.

To provide inspiration for this year’s Halloween season, NCA has compiled safety tips, fun facts and suggestions on how to celebrate in safe and creative ways at AlwaysATreat.com/Halloween.

Creative, safe and fun: this is #HowWeHalloween!

John Downs

The post The 2021 Halloween Season Brings a New Wave of Creative & Spooky Celebrations first appeared on NCA.

The post The 2021 Halloween Season Brings a New Wave of Creative & Spooky Celebrations appeared first on NCA.

New products, new insights and new connections typically can be found in every corner of the show, but I expect this year’s show in particular will be full of innovation after so much time away from the show floor.

There’s a lot to cover at this year’s show, so I thought I would share what’s on my “must-see” list this year:

1. The Supplier Showcase

This 2021 Sweets & Snacks Expo kicks off with our inaugural Supplier Showcase, an event designed to connect our supplier community with their manufacturer partners on June 22, the day before the show floor opens. Our suppliers are responsible for so much of our industry’s innovation, and I look forward to seeing new business connections unfold live during this event.

2. Sweets & Snacks Expo Awards Ceremony & Keynote

We’re doing our annual awards a little bit differently this year with our Awards Ceremony & Keynote. The Most Innovative New Product Awards, the Candy Dish Awards, the Ruby Award for Supplier Innovation and more will all be presented during an evening of celebration on June 22. Additionally, Libby Taylor, who retired from NCA just last year, will be receiving the first-ever Woman of Influence award for her lifetime of work in the confectionery industry during this event – a well-deserved honor!

3. Destination Retail

This year’s Destination Retail is bigger, bolder and more wide-ranging than ever before thanks to its expanded presence on the show floor and its exclusive series of education sessions focused on retail and promotional insights. I’ll be stopping at Destination Retail’s Candy & Snack 365 display, which offers merchandising tools and insights for keeping candy and snacks top of mind for shoppers year-round.

4. National Candy Month

For the first time, the Sweets & Snacks Expo falls during National Candy Month, a month of celebrating the unique contributions of chocolate and candy that occurs each June. Attendees should keep an eye out for National Candy Month information throughout the show, and I’ve heard from our Destination Retail team that they’re planning an activation “fit for a king and queen!”

5. Innovation Avenue

No trip to the Sweets & Snacks Expo is complete without a stroll through Innovation Avenue, which brings together the newcomers to the candy and snack industries that are launching trend-setting products that will define the category in the years ahead. This is where I find the cutting-edge products that truly have me marveling at the confectionery and snack industries’ ingenuity.

Of course, none of this would be possible without the incredible commitment to safety we’ve seen supported by our staff, the Indiana Convention Center, our attendees and our many show partners. Our top priority continues to be a safe show, and the precautions in place have me confident that a safe show is not only possible but assured.

See you in Indy – I can’t wait!

The post Five Things I’m Looking Forward to at This Year’s Sweets & Snacks Expo first appeared on NCA.

The post Five Things I’m Looking Forward to at This Year’s Sweets & Snacks Expo appeared first on NCA.

However, that doesn’t mean that winter holiday celebrations are off the table. A recent three-part research series from NCA explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on confectionery shopper behavior and indicated that 85% of Americans believe that people will find safe and creative ways to celebrate the winter holidays this year – leaving an opening for the confectionery industry to adapt alongside our shoppers as we encourage safe celebrations and new usage occasions for confectionery products.

And consumers are looking to us to provide those solutions! The same research series found that 56% of consumers indicated they would purchase as much candy as in previous years, and an incredible 24% told us they would be purchasing more than their typical amount of holiday candy. This is an opportunity for our industry to meet consumers where they want to be met, providing fun, creative and safe celebration ideas through merchandising, advertising, social media and other outreach.

One way we’ve adapted to the times is by reimagining our winter holiday resource hub, Winter Holiday Central. While Winter Holiday Central continues to offer all the resources consumers need for creating balance around treating during the winter holiday season, it also now features tips for celebrating safely during the COVID-19 pandemic. With fun ideas ranging from a virtual dreidel game to an outdoor holiday s’mores treat, Winter Holiday Central features creative ideas to inspire consumers to try a different type of winter holiday celebration and even come up with a safe and creative celebration of their own.

The winter holiday season is an important time for connection and fun, and we don’t have to lose that because of COVID-19. Join us in committing to encouraging safe and creative winter holiday celebrations, and feel free to share your big winter holiday celebration idea with us on social media. We’d love to see how you’re celebrating with your favorite confectionery treat.

Happy holidays from all of us at NCA!

The post Making Room for Creativity This Winter Holiday Season first appeared on NCA.

The post Making Room for Creativity This Winter Holiday Season appeared first on NCA.

Over the past few weeks, we’ve seen organizations like the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health walk back bans on trick-or-treating and offer more reasonable guidance that promotes and encourages safe and creative Halloween celebrations. Others, like the City of Chicago, have taken a more proactive approach, partnering with stakeholders to share plans and resources to ensure local communities have a safe and fun Halloween.

This is the inspired conversation we should have been having all along, because canceling Halloween is the type of public health directive that makes people skeptical about public health directives. After all, 74% of young parents say that Halloween 2020 is more important than ever. Moreover, 80% of the general public and 90% of millennial moms say they can’t imagine Halloween without chocolate and candy and that trick-or-treating is irreplaceable.

It is becoming increasingly apparent that there has never been a question about the resilient nature of Americans when they are faced with the challenges that come along with the COVID-19 pandemic, as they are embracing creativity and prioritizing safety to inject a bit of fun into the fall. So let’s meet American families where they want to be met, provide them with inspiration for a safe Halloween and give them the enjoyment they crave in this weird and uncertain year.

And as Halloween night grows closer, the demand for information about Halloween is only increasing. The number of people who believe they will find creative and safe ways to celebrate the Halloween season this year has jumped 17% over the past few months to a whopping 80% of Americans. Tens of thousands of people have visited Halloween Central, our Halloween resource digital hub, and many more have located important safety information thanks to local authorities and health departments that have been motivated by our work with thought leaders in this space.

Beyond attitudes and behaviors, there is another key indicator that consumers are focusing more and more on “how” to celebrate the season. Halloween chocolate and candy sales are up more than 8% over last year, which speaks to retailer, manufacturer and consumer confidence and optimism that Halloween is happening – even if we celebrate a little differently this year.

Halloween 2020 will be a holiday at the end of a calendar year that we will not soon forget. Let’s take these next 10 days and make it something truly special for our families, close friends and communities.

The post Shifting the Halloween 2020 Narrative from “If” to “How” to Celebrate first appeared on NCA.

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