Costa Mesa, CA — Vans, Inc. has revealed a collection with Haribo of America, Inc. that includes Goldbear-inspired footwear, apparel, accessories and Customs prints. “On the heels of celebrating the 100th anniversary of Haribo Goldbears, we’re thrilled to partner with Vans and honored to have inspired this special collection,” says Andreas Kuhnle, senior vice-president, corporate global marketing, Haribo. “Haribo is about moments of childlike happiness and fun, helping fans feel like a kid in a candy store through our range of sweet treats. The colorful Vans x Haribo collection is in ..read more

East Hanover, NJ — Mondelēz International, Inc. is celebrating the 60th birthday of its Chips Ahoy! brand with the Chips Ahoy! Happiest Birthday Party. Now through May 15, the company is is activating a sweepstakes where consumers can enter for a chance to win a day on a Chips Ahoy! branded yacht in Miami. Along with the two grand prize winners. 300 others will receive limited-edition Chips Ahoy! Happiest Party Kits including a branded Bluetooth speaker, disposable camera, Chips Ahoy! cookies and custom brand-inspired merch designed by streetwear designer Vandy The Pink. “Chips ..read more

Chicago — Mars, Inc. is committing to help one million people including women, their families and their communities thrive by 2030 through its Dove Galaxy brand. The pledge signals a new purpose for the chocolate brand and will focus on women empowerment within cocoa growing communities and Dove Galaxy retail markets, the company reports. Mars is marking the initiative with a global campaign featuring authentic and empowering stories from women around the world and the positive impact they have on their communities. The campaign, which will initially air in China and Britain before expanding l ..read more

Washington — NCA has released the following statement in response to the decision by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to reallocate unused country-specific quota allocations under the tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) on imported raw cane sugar for fiscal year 2023. NCA recently wrote a letter to Biden Administration officials to encourage them to take action to address high prices and low supplies of sugar for food and beverage manufacturing in the U.S. The statement is as follows: “While there is still work to be done to fully correct current market conditions, this step towards easing th ..read more

Battle Creek, MI — Ethisphere, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices, has included Kellogg Co on its 2023 list of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. Kellogg has been recognized 15 times since Ethisphere began the rankings in 2007. The company is one of only nine honorees in the Food, Beverage and Agriculture category. In 2023, 135 honorees were recognized spanning 19 countries and 46 industries. “At Kellogg, we work diligently to fulfill our purpose of creating better days and a place at the table for everyone through our trusted food brand ..read more

Jacksonville, FL — A new Acosta Group Shopper Insights study looks at the state of the natural/organic shopper, providing brands and retailers information to drive growth in store and online. Natural product sales continue to climb, and interest and usage has increased across all age groups, particularly Gen Z and Millennial shoppers buying natural/organic products, the study finds. These shoppers also tend to be more affluent, placing a higher emphasis on leading a healthy life, being eco-friendly and concerned for animal welfare and trying new products.  “When we ask natural and organic ..read more

Dublin, Ireland — The global sugarfree chewing gum market is expected to reach $26.67 billion by 2032, according to a new study by ResearchAndMarkets.com. The report finds the gum market has expanded rapidly in recent years in part because of the growing wellness society, as well as the increased incidences of dental decay raising interest in sugarfree chewing gum. Other factors projected to promote growth include regular product improvements, such as the launch of novel flavors and a thriving organized retail sector. Unique advertising strategies are also boosting industry grow ..read more

Washington — Tony Jacobs, president of Bazooka Candy Brands, has taken on the role of chair of the NCA Board of Trustees for a two-year term. Jacobs most recently served as vice-chair and takes over from departing Chair Barry Rosenbaum, president of Nassau Candy Distributors. Tony Jacobs “Tony’s keen understanding of policy and politics, and his knowledge of the industry make him an incredibly effective thought leader for our industry,” says John Downs, NCA president and CEO.  “I am honored to take on this role to advocate on behalf of hundreds of confectionery companies and the nearly 58 ..read more

Battle Creek, MI — Kellogg Co. has donated $75,000 to Albertsons Companies Foundation’s Nourishing Neighbors Initiative, a charitable program of the Albertsons Companies Foundation benefiting the hunger-relief efforts of food banks, pantries and hunger-relief charities in communities served by the Albertsons Cos. family of stores. The donation is part of Albertsons Cos. Foundation’s “Feed the Love” in-store promotional campaign during the month of February and will enable these charities to provide approximately 300,000 meals to those in need. “Kellogg’s customers are some of ou ..read more

Washington — Amanda Archila is taking on the role of executive director at Fairtrade America. Archila comes to Fairtrade America with more than 15 years of experience working in a range of industries, from natural food to ecommerce retail and consumer electronics. She also brings an extensive fair trade advocacy background to the position. Amanda Archila The organization says Archila will support Fairtrade America as it enters a chapter of growth marked by increased consumer awareness of the Fairtrade Mark and the impact it has on farming communities worldwide. According to the 2021 biennial F ..read more