The Fall 2026 issue of Candy & Snack TODAY is here! 🍂🍬 From unexpected brand collaborations and emerging meat snack trends to the shift toward natural colors and AI-powered merchandising, this issue explores the innovations and strategies shaping the candy and snack industry. Plus, hear from Haribo of America's Jon Hughes on building stronger consumer connections. 📖 Dive into the latest issue: candyusa.com/cst/publication…

Trend Hunter, Inc.'s Jonathon Brown looks at how the inclusion of functional ingredients is reframing confectionery as a wellness delivery platform where indulgence and function coexist. Read more on page 50: candy-and-snack.mydigitalpub…

Mintel's Jenny Zegler explains how multisensory innovation is driving new products. Read more on page 48: candy-and-snack.mydigitalpub…

Fresh flavors, new twists and products worth watching! Swipe through this week's latest candy and snack innovations to see what's new across the category.

U.S. retail sales increased modestly in August, marking the 11th consecutive month of gains, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor, powered by Affinity Solutions. Read more: candyusa.com/cst/retail-sale…

Seasonal treats, protein-packed snacks and globally inspired flavors? This week's product drop has it all! Swipe through the latest candy and snack innovations worth watching.

Last chance to take the stage at Sweets & Snacks Expo and Supplier Showcase! 🎤🍬 Have insights, ideas or expertise that could help move the candy and snack industry forward? Submit your session proposal by October 16 for the chance to be part of the conversation at the 2027 show. 👉 Submit your proposal: sweetsandsnacks.com/call-for…

Fresh Thyme Market has released its annual food trends forecast, identifying global flavors, functional nutrition, customization, convenience, and small treats among the trends expected to influence grocery shoppers in 2027. Read more: candyusa.com/cst/fresh-thyme…

Jogue Inc.'s Sarah Muller explains the importance of the next generation of products delivering functional benefits and sensory experiences. Read more on page 44: candy-and-snack.mydigitalpub…

Last call to recognize the industry’s best! 🏆🍬 Nominations for NCA’s Confectionery Leadership Award, Golden Candy Dish Award and Silver Candy Dish Award close October 9. Know someone making an impact across the confectionery industry? Make sure their name is in the running before the deadline. Nominate someone today: candyusa.com/industry-awards…

Spooky season is taking over the candy aisle. 🎃🍬 From limited-edition treats and festive flavors to Halloween-ready packaging, swipe through the products bringing something new to the season.

U.S. consumers are expected to spend $13.5 billion on Halloween this year, up from a record $13.1 billion in 2025, according to the National Retail Federation’s annual survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics. @NRFnews Read more: candyusa.com/cst/halloween-s…

Scott Dicker of SPINS examines how clean ingredients, nutrient density, and values-driven choices are shaping the retail snacking landscape, tracking how functional formulations and changing consumer behaviors are leading category growth. Read more on page 40: candy-and-snack.mydigitalpub…

There’s still time to recognize someone making a difference in the confectionery industry. 🏆 Nominations are open for NCA’s Confectionery Leadership Award, Golden Candy Dish Award and Silver Candy Dish Award. Have someone in mind? Don’t wait — nominations close October 9. Submit your nomination today: candyusa.com/industry-awards…

Limited-edition treats, bold new flavors and grain-free options? This week’s product drop has a little bit of everything. 👀🍬 Swipe to see what’s new in candy and snacks!

More than eight in 10 Americans plan to celebrate Halloween this year, with chocolate and candy continuing to play a central role in the season’s traditions, according to a new survey from @CandyUSA. Read more: candyusa.com/cst/nca-survey-…

GSTV's Lauren Lazarus examines the importance of c-stores as Gen Z transitions from digital to in-person experiences. Read more on page 36: candy-and-snack.mydigitalpub…

Calling the confectionery industry’s next generation of leaders. 🍬 There’s still time to apply for NCA’s 2027 Future Leadership Program and gain access to mentorship, professional development, industry events and connections that can help shape your career. ⏰ Applications close September 25. Don’t miss your chance to apply! candyusa.com/nca-future-lead…

New products just dropped! 👀🎃 From Halloween treats to fresh innovations, swipe to see what’s new in candy and snacks.

Walking the grocery aisles, you can now find protein in everything from cookies to water for one very good reason: consumer demand. According to the 2025 IFIC Food & Health Survey, nearly three-quarters of U.S. adults now intentionally incorporate protein into their diets. Read more: candyusa.com/cst/the-hidden-…