The company’s strategy for the upcoming year is emphasising Mars’ commitment to understanding and meeting consumer preferences. The latest innovation, M&M’S Peanut Butter & Jelly, brings a nostalgic twist with berry-flavoured chocolate and a peanut butter centre, echoing the familiar comfort of a classic PB&J sandwich. This new treat is available nationwide and online starting this month.

Generation Z’s love for variety and interactive experiences is a key driver for Mars’ product development. Notably, the freeze-dried candy trend, which went viral on TikTok, inspired the launch of SKITTLES POP’d. The product initially debuted on TikTok Shop, resonating with Gen Z’s preference for bold textures and sour flavours. The freeze-dried SKITTLES, which offer a crispy texture, will see wider availability in 2025.

Mars is also capitalizing on the growing trend of “stretched seasons,” where celebrations begin earlier and last longer. Halloween, for instance, saw an early kickoff with “Halfway to Halloween” festivities. According to Mars’ Tricks, Treats, and Trends report, Gen Z and Millennials start Halloween preparations nearly seven weeks in advance. This extended approach is shaping Mars’ seasonal strategies, with offerings like SNICKERS Trees and the new M&M’S Toasty Holiday Peanut, which evokes the cosy aromas of a holiday market.

Looking ahead to 2025, Mars plans to roll out a range of seasonal products for holidays like Valentine’s Day and Easter, ensuring consumers enjoy both nostalgic favourites and innovative new treats. By combining cultural relevance, unique textures, and expanded seasonal celebrations, Mars is set to keep its brands at the forefront of the confectionery industry.

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For instance, Mondelez’s growth rate fell from 22% in FY23 to 13% in FY24, while Perfetti’s growth dropped to 11% from 26%. Hershey’s sales slid by 3%, and Mars posted a modest 3% growth, down significantly from 24% the year before. This slowdown has persisted into the current fiscal year.

Inflation and Competition Weigh on Sales
Dirk Van de Put, Chairman of Mondelez International, attributed the decline to inflation affecting lower- and middle-income households in India, leading consumers to opt for more budget-friendly products. “We have seen a dip due to intense competition, with consumers moving to lower price points,” he said in an earnings call earlier this year.

The Indian chocolate and confectionery market, valued at around ₹25,000 crore, is split between chocolates and sugar-based confections. During the pandemic, the snacking boom boosted categories such as chocolates, chips, and cookies. However, recent data suggest that this trend is now receding.

Cocoa Prices Add to Challenges
Historically, indulgent products like chocolates perform well during economic slowdowns as consumers seek small, comforting treats. However, record-high cocoa prices disrupted this trend. From an average of $2,500 per metric tonne, cocoa prices soared to over $11,000 in March 2024, forcing confectionery brands to hike prices. Though prices have since dipped to around $7,000, they remain significantly higher than the previous year.

Industry Outlook
While India’s per capita chocolate consumption remains low at 200 grams per year (compared to over 10 kg per year in the UK), there is ample growth potential. However, Michelle Buck, Chairman of The Hershey Company, noted that recent softness in sales reflects difficult comparisons with the previous year’s growth and weaker seasonal demand.

As inflation continues to pressure household budgets, the chocolate and candy industry faces an uphill battle to regain momentum. Companies may need to balance pricing and affordability to sustain growth in the coming years.

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Sour Strips, known for its tagline “sour candy that doesn’t suck,” has gained a strong following, particularly among younger consumers. Available through major retailers like Walmart, Amazon, and Target, the brand is poised for growth in the U.S. sour candy market, which is expected to reach $2.7 billion by 2030 with a compound annual growth rate of 7.3%.

According to Mike Del Pozzo, Hershey’s president of U.S. confections, the acquisition of Sour Strips is part of Hershey’s “relentless” efforts to accelerate growth in the sweets segment. “We’re excited to bring Sour Strips into our portfolio as we continue to build on our heritage in the confectionery industry,” said Del Pozzo.

The deal keeps Chewning in a leadership role for marketing and innovation, leveraging his social media influence with over 400,000 followers to maintain and grow the brand’s connection with young consumers. This partnership underscores Hershey’s aim to integrate Sour Strips while keeping its brand voice authentic and engaging.

As demand for sour candy continues to rise, Hershey is expanding beyond traditional chocolate, which has seen fluctuations in consumer demand and pressure from elevated cocoa prices. Earlier this year, Hershey also launched a sour version of its Shaq-A-Licious XL Gummies in collaboration with Shaquille O’Neal, a further sign of its commitment to diversifying its product line-up.

This acquisition follows Hershey’s strategy with previous purchases like Dot’s Home-style Pretzels and SkinnyPop, where the company applied its extensive distribution and marketing power to increase product reach.

While Hershey has reduced its net sales growth forecast due to higher prices affecting demand, CEO Michele Buck remains optimistic. “We believe in the resilience of our snacking categories and our ability to drive market share,” Buck said, highlighting Hershey’s focus on in-store performance, sweets growth, and seasonal opportunities as key drivers for future expansion.

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Carlos Canals, managing director of Pladis Americas, which oversees Godiva, curated the collection during a recent trip to Belgium. He and his team carefully selected twelve chocolates from hundreds, each piece representing Godiva’s nearly century-old Belgian roots. Among the highlights are G-Macadamia, a milk chocolate filled with hazelnut praliné, caramelized macadamia nuts, and biscuit crisps; Ruby G, featuring the brand’s first ruby chocolate; and Paris Brest, a dark chocolate shell with almond praline ganache and hazelnut mousse, topped with caramel crumble.

“This collection brings the rich and intricate flavours of Brussels to American consumers,” said Steve Lesnard, Godiva’s president. “It showcases our commitment to craftsmanship, creativity, and cultural relevance.”

Pladis, the parent company also owning Flipz and Turtles, aims to expand its U.S. market share through innovation and seasonal offerings. The company reported sales nearing $400 million in 2023, driven by its emphasis on varied packaging, store displays, and expanded product lines.

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Under the leadership of the second generation—Madhav Chitale, Shrikrishna Chitale, and Sanjay Chitale—the brand has expanded its reach while maintaining a commitment to quality, tradition, and social responsibility. The collaboration with Tendulkar marks a significant milestone in the brand’s history, symbolizing a shared dedication to excellence and a deep connection to Indian culture.

As part of the celebration, Chitale Bandhu will launch a new range of sweets and snacks inspired by consumer favorites, continuing its legacy of delighting customers both in India and internationally. Tendulkar expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, noting the brand’s importance in Indian households, including his own.

“Celebrating 75 years is a monumental achievement for us,” said Indraneel Chitale, Partner at Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale. “With Sachin Tendulkar on board, we look forward to creating new memories with our customers and continuing our tradition of excellence.”

The anniversary marks a blend of tradition and modernity for Chitale Bandhu as it embarks on a new chapter, inviting distributors in Maharashtra to join in this historic celebration.

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The acquisition, expected to close in the first half of 2025, will create a snacking powerhouse with a vast portfolio of products ranging from chips and crackers to health-focused snacks. The new company will boast over $63 billion in net sales, with 17 brands generating over a billion dollars each in revenue, including Snickers, M&M’s, Twix, Cheez-It, and Pringles.

“This acquisition marks a significant step forward for Mars in building a sustainable snacking business that’s future-ready,” said Mars CEO Poul Weihrauch.

The deal is expected to bolster Mars’ snacking revenue to approximately $27 billion annually, edging the company closer to its goal of doubling its exposure in this sector to $36 billion within the next decade. Mars’ global market share in snacking, encompassing both sweet and salty products, is projected to increase to 6% post-acquisition, making it the third-largest player in the industry.

Experts suggest that this move may indicate challenges in Mars’ core confectionery business as the company diversifies its portfolio to tap into the growing demand for savoury snacks. “This acquisition signals Mars’ strategic shift towards the higher-growth snacking market,” said Dan McCarthy, associate professor of marketing at the University of Maryland.

The merger is also expected to fuel innovation, with opportunities for new product launches that blend the sweet and salty categories, similar to Hershey’s recent endeavors. Kellanova’s portfolio, which includes healthier options like Pringle’s Harvest Blends and whole-grain Cheez-Its, will complement Mars’ indulgent offerings, positioning the company to cater to evolving consumer preferences.

The acquisition will also allow Mars to leverage its existing infrastructure to extend the reach of Kellanova’s brands into new markets, replicating the successful strategy used with its 2020 acquisition of Kind.

“This is a good marriage between two high-calibre food companies,” said Arun Sundaram, equity analyst at CFRA Research. “Mars is known for its innovation and brand building, while Kellanova has the global reach to bring more Mars products to more markets.”

Mars, a privately held company with over $50 billion in revenue in 2023, has a strong track record of successful acquisitions, including Wrigley and Kind. The company’s experience in integrating and capitalizing on these deals positions it well to make the most of the Kellanova acquisition.

“Out of all the potential buyers, Mars is among the best,” McCarthy noted. “They’ve done a number of acquisitions in the past, and in general, they’ve been executed very well.”

As Mars prepares to finalize this landmark deal, the company is poised to solidify its status as a formidable force in the global snacking industry.

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दिल्ली के चांदनी चौक में स्थित ‘घंटेवाला’, जो 270 साल पुरानी है, अब एक बार फिर खुल गई है। 1790 में लाला सुखलाल जैन द्वारा स्थापित इस दुकान को 2015 में घटती मांग को देखते हुए इसे 2015 में बंद कर दिया गया। लेकिन 2024 में, बढ़ती ऑनलाइन मांग और ग्राहकों की इच्छा को देखते हुए, इसे नए रूप में पुनः शुरू किया गया है। अब यहाँ पहले की तरह स्वादिष्ट सोहन हलवा, कराची हलवा, और रागी के लड्डू के साथ-साथ छोले-भटूरे और दिल्ली की मशहूर चाट का भी आनंद लिया जा सकता है।

ग्राहकों की ख़ुशी और दुकान का नया रूप

पुरानी दिल्ली वासियों के लिए यह ख़बर ख़ुशी की बात है। सुशांत जैन, ‘घंटेवाला’ के वर्तमान मालिक, ने बताया कि जब 2015 में दुकान बंद की गई, तो कई ग्राहकों ने शिकायत की, कि उन्हें उनकी पसंदीदा मिठाईयाँ नहीं मिल रही थीं। ग्राहकों की उत्साही प्रतिक्रिया ने उन्हें पुनः दुकान खोलने के लिए प्रेरित किया। अब, यह प्रतिष्ठित दुकान नए लुक और नए मेनू के साथ चांदनी चौक में खुल चुकी है।

‘घंटेवाला’ नाम की तीन रोमांचक कहानियाँ

1.      लाला सुखलाल जैन की कहानी
लाला सुखलाल जैन, जो आमेर से दिल्ली आए थे, ने अपने ठेले पर मिठाई बेचने की शुरुआत की। लोगों को आकर्षित करने के लिए वे हाथ में घंटी लेकर मिठाई बेचते थे। लोगों ने उन्हें ‘घंटेवाला’ के नाम से पुकारना शुरू कर दिया, और यही नाम उनकी दुकान पर भी पड़ा।

2.      शाह आलम द्वितीय की कहानी
एक दिलचस्प कथा के अनुसार, मुग़ल शासक शाह आलम द्वितीय ने अपने दरबार के सेवकों से ‘घंटे के नीचे वाली दुकान’ से मिठाई लाने के लिए कहा। धीरे-धीरे यह नाम संक्षेप में ‘घंटेवाला’ हो गया। उस समय दिल्ली के लाल किले में रहते हुए, लोग दुकान के पास बने स्कूल की घंटी की आवाज़ भी सुन सकते थे।

3.      हाथी की घंटी की कहानी
एक अन्य कहानी में, कहा जाता है कि एक हाथी, जिसकी गर्दन में घंटी बंधी थी, जब दुकान के सामने से गुज़रता था तो घंटी की आवाज़ सुनाई देती थी। इस खास ध्वनि ने भी दुकान को ‘घंटेवाला’ के नाम से मशहूर कर दिया।

ऐतिहासिक संदर्भ

जब ‘घंटेवाला’ की स्थापना हुई थी, तब अमेरिका में जॉर्ज वॉशिंगटन राष्ट्रपति थे, वियना में मोज़ार्ट का संगीत गूंज रहा था, और फ्रांस में फ्रेंच रेवोल्यूशन चल रहा था। ब्रिटेन में किंग जॉर्ज-III का शासन था और दिल्ली में मुग़ल साम्राज्य का राज था।

आज भी, यह ऐतिहासिक दुकान अपने पुराने आकर्षण और स्वाद के साथ, एक नई पहचान के साथ ग्राहकों का स्वागत करने को तैयार है।

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Premium Offering of Curated Sweets

‘Meetha by Radisson’ is designed to offer a premium selection of Indian sweets, distinguished by their high-quality ingredients and artisanal craftsmanship. Each sweet is crafted using hand-picked, fresh ingredients, ensuring an authentic and luxurious taste experience. The new stores feature a diverse array of over 100 artisanal mithais, showcasing both traditional favourites and innovative creations.

New additions to the menu include: Motichoor Cheesecake, Coconut Kalakand Cake, Biscoff Kalakand

The sweets from ‘Meetha by Radisson’ are available for takeaway or home delivery, catering to the growing demand for convenience and quality. The expansion into Borivali and Bandra positions the brand to better serve a wider audience across Mumbai, while continuing to cater to existing customers in Delhi NCR.

Central Kitchen for Quality Assurance

A central kitchen supports the new stores, ensuring that all sweets meet the highest standards of quality and hygiene. This facility plays a crucial role in maintaining consistency and excellence across all locations, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to premium products.

Versatile Packaging Options

The stores offer versatile packaging solutions suitable for various occasions, from weddings to corporate events. This customization aligns with the Group’s goal of providing tailored experiences for different customer needs, enhancing the overall appeal and functionality of their offerings.

Strategic Growth and Revenue Enhancement

The launch of these new stores is part of Radisson Hotel Group’s broader strategy to expand its food and beverage portfolio. By integrating ‘Meetha by Radisson’ into its operations, the Group aims to enhance guest satisfaction and drive revenue growth. The expansion reflects a strategic focus on innovation and premium experiences, positioning the brand as a leading player in the sweets industry.

This initiative not only strengthens Radisson Hotel Group’s market presence but also demonstrates its commitment to delivering high-quality, curated experiences in the culinary space.

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Dan Mohnshine, Hershey’s vice president of marketing, U.S. confection, grocery, and protein snacks, noted that gummies are expected to outpace category growth. “Our expectation is that [soft and chewy candies like gummies are] going to continue to outpace category growth, and for us, that’s a big opportunity,” he said. Demand for gummies increased before the COVID-19 pandemic and has continued to grow.

Gummies offer unique advantages over chocolates, such as multiple flavours in one bag, shareability, resistance to melting, and a perception as a more permissible indulgence. Hershey has invested millions to expand its gummy production capacity, which is expected to surge by 50% in 2024. Recent product launches include Jolly Rancher Awesome Reds, a sour gummy mix, and an upcoming gummy collaboration with basketball star Shaquille O’Neal.

Mars Wrigley also sees gummies as a canvas for innovation. Mike Gilroy, vice president of trade development and sponsorship, said gummies allow for experimentation with different flavours, shapes, layers, and textures. The company has leveraged the equity of established brands like Life Savers, Skittles, and Starburst to expand into the gummy market. The increasing purchasing power of Gen Z consumers is driving this growth, with Gen Z choosing gummies nearly 60% of the time, compared to about half for millennials.

Consulting firm Menu Matters’ vice president, Mike Kostyo, noted that gummies’ appeal spans all age groups. Older consumers feel nostalgic, while younger ones are attracted to the brightly coloured and squishy treats. However, Kostyo expressed doubt about the longevity of gummies’ popularity, predicting that the candy industry will eventually move on to the next trend.

Despite this uncertainty, confectioners like Frankford Candy are investing heavily in gummies. Frankford, known for its seasonal chocolate offerings, has expanded into gummies through a licensing deal with Kraft Heinz. Gummies have become the fastest-growing part of Frankford’s business, outpacing chocolate.

Ferrara Candy’s Nerds brand has also benefited from the gummy trend. The introduction of Nerds Gummy Clusters in 2020 has significantly boosted sales, with clusters growing at a 40% rate compared to low single-digits for traditional Nerds. Gregory Guidotti, Ferrara’s chief marketing officer, emphasized the importance of aligning brands with consumer demand and being selective about which brands to expand into the gummy category.

As the popularity of gummies continues to rise, confection giants are finding new ways to innovate and capture consumer interest, ensuring that the squishy treats remain a key part of their growth strategies.

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Key Highlights:

• Global Availability: The new chocolate brand, Sustainably Sourced, will be rolled out in airports across the globe, targeting a diverse international audience.
• Certified Cocoa: The chocolates are made using cocoa that is certified by the Rainforest Alliance and sourced through Nestlé’s long-standing sustainability initiative, the Nestlé Cocoa Plan.
• Sustainability Focus: The initiative aims to reduce the environmental footprint and connect with consumers who prioritize sustainable products.

As Nestlé expands its sustainability efforts, the global launch in airport retail spaces serves to educate a broad spectrum of consumers about its environmental initiatives. By positioning the new chocolate brand in airports, Nestlé aims to raise awareness among international travellers, leveraging the momentum behind the growing demand for sustainable products. According to ForwardKeys 2022 Mindset research cited by Nestlé, 71% of travellers consider sustainability when making purchasing decisions in travel retail.

The chocolates will be sold in recyclable paper pouches, similar to other Nestlé brands like Smarties, which have already transitioned to paper packaging. This move reinforces the brand’s commitment to environmental stewardship and enhances the consumer’s perception of the product as eco-friendly.

“Through creative branding, we provide transparency on the cocoa’s origin used in our chocolate. It helps us raise awareness about our long-term commitments to supporting cocoa-farming families and the sustainability of cocoa production,” said Aura Sanchez, Head of Marketing at Nestlé Travel Retail.

The Nestlé Cocoa Plan, initiated 15 years ago, aims to improve the livelihoods of cocoa-farming communities, enhance social conditions for families, and promote sustainable cocoa production. To date, the program has engaged with over 170,000 families. The new chocolate brand will feature packaging that educates consumers about this initiative and its partnership with the Rainforest Alliance.

The launch of sustainably sourced chocolates is part of Nestlé’s broader strategy to integrate sustainability into its products. In 2022, Nescafé, Nestlé’s largest coffee brand, committed over $1 billion to sustainable coffee sourcing. Additionally, in January, Nestlé introduced the first KitKat made with fully traceable cocoa sourced from the farming families it supports.

Cocoa production has faced scrutiny due to challenges such as fluctuating prices, low farmer incomes, child labour, and climate change. These issues have prompted significant industry players to enhance their sustainability efforts.

Recent Initiatives by Competitors:

• Hershey announced plans to achieve full sourcing visibility for its cocoa supply chain in the Ivory Coast and Ghana by 2025. Hershey’s Cocoa For Good strategy, launched six years ago, aims to address social and environmental challenges in cocoa farming.
• Barry Callebaut and Mars Wrigley: Both companies have established sustainability programs to support the cocoa industry.

Nestlé’s introduction of the Sustainably Sourced chocolate brand underscores the company’s dedication to sustainability and responsible sourcing. As the demand for sustainable products grows, Nestlé and other industry leaders are positioning themselves to meet consumer expectations and drive positive change in the global cocoa supply chain.

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