Dive into the 2025 State of Treating Report, NCA’s flagship analysis of the confectionery industry’s performance. This session highlights the latest insights into chocolate, candy, gum, and mint consumption patterns, addressing how evolving consumer behaviors and macroeconomic trends are shaping the industry. Discover how confectionery products continue to play a unique role in moments of joy and indulgence while adapting to changing consumer expectations around wellness, convenience, and value. Gain actionable takeaways on how to align with these trends, foster growth, and solidify your position in the marketplace.

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• Scott Amoye, Vice President Corporate Procurement and Commodity Risk Management, Blommer Chocolate Company
• Hugo Van Der Goes, Vice President Cocoa North America, Barry Callebaut

This session explored critical insights into cocoa crop conditions in Africa, trends in commodity trading dynamics, shifting consumer demand, and expectations for the short- and long-term. Gain valuable perspectives to help navigate the complexities of the global cocoa supply chain and market dynamics.

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The story of confectionery innovation reflects shifting consumer tastes and technological advancements. This year, brands have explored new flavors, forms, and sizes to make treats more versatile, while functional benefits like added vitamins, probiotics, and reduced sugar have gained appeal.

Distribution is shifting as consumers seek value and turn to e-commerce for variety and convenience. Social and digital influencers drive growth, spotlighting new products and trends. Join this session to explore key growth levers shaping confections today and in the future.

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Uncover the power and potential of chocolate products, merchandising, and marketing in NCA’s third edition of Getting to Know Chocolate Consumers. This proprietary research combines consumer opinions, attitudes, and behavioral research with Circana’s MULO+ sales and performance data to help you optimize category engagement and support chocolate sales growth in 2025. 

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There’s a better way to drive e-commerce sales and retail media networks are changing the game for search and brand awareness. This session will provide an overview of best practices for collaborating with retail media networks, strategies for determining the right investment levels for companies of all sizes, and effective methods for tracking and understanding return on investment (hint: ROAS as a measure is so 2019!).

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As retailers strive to create a seamless shopping experience, concerns about theft are driving the adoption of new deterrence measures—sometimes affecting categories like chocolate and candy. Join an industry expert for an insightful discussion on the evolving landscape of asset protection, the strategies retailers are implementing, and what these changes mean for your products. Gain valuable perspectives on navigating this shifting environment while maintaining security, accessibility, and sales.

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Your story is your superpower, and your career is the platform to share it. In this interactive session, you’ll learn how to reflect on your personal and professional journey, identify strengths and opportunities, and create a plan to maximize your impact. Through practical tools and inspiring insights, you’ll own your story, elevate your career, and take charge of your next chapter. 

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What you’ll learn:

• A current state for package recycling and sustainability in North America 
• The types sweet and salty snacks that can/cannot be shifted to widely recyclable packaging 
• Further insights into the shift into widely recyclable packaging, such as sustainability goal alignment and consumer preference data 

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What you’ll learn:

• How to capture higher and more frequent sales across diverse consumer segments. 
• Ways to invest in new product categories to ensure viability and relevance. 
• How to incorporate social responsibility and resonate with organizations and consumers. 

The post Cultivating Connection: Multicultural Marketing Tactics for Retailers  appeared first on NCA.

What you’ll learn:

• Tips and tricks about chocolate craftsmanship and the care required in handling both chocolate and its counterparts. 
• How to unleash the potential of fillings in delicious chocolate creations. 
• The artistry of chocolate through playful and inventive applications.  

The post Decadent Trends: Mastering Chocolate with Blommer appeared first on NCA.

What you’ll learn:

• How to ‘win’ during key seasonal moments by being top-of-mind early with shoppers. 
• Ways to ensure candy and snacks are added to returning baskets. 
• Tips and tricks to incentivize snack purchases with new customers.  

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