It’s no secret that consumers seeking food without certain allergens, animal products, pesticide use or GMOs are at a disadvantage when it comes to finding items that meet their needs. Fortunately, product variety and transparency will continue to improve as more manufacturers move into the space and adopt measures to make information available.

Inspiring impulse shopping online, offering mini meals and creating better search results are all crucial to confectionery success in 2019 — at least according to Hershey. 

Americans are planning to dole out more on gifts this year than in years past, according to new research from Mintel.

Chocolate consumption rates among U.S. adults are up 7 percent from a decade ago but have slipped in recent years, according to data in a new report by market research firm Packaged Facts.

As more consumers shop online, and in-store experiences are changing, retailers need to evolve their thinking around where and how confectionery is purchased.

When Mars Wrigley Confectionery U.S. sought to update an earlier survey conducted by the company on consumer behavior, it did so to see “how Millennials and Baby Boomers experience treats, the role of social media in treating and more.”

January is quickly drawing to a close, but that doesn’t mean it’s too late to look at a few trends that are expected to shape consumer behavior this year.

Want to know what’s coming around the corner? Take the time to digest these long-term shifts affecting consumers, retailers and manufacturers.