The latest food and beverage industry news and trend analysis

Puratos, a global supplier of bakery, patisserie, and chocolate ingredients, has announced a breakthrough in food technology: the upcoming launch of the world's first professional chocolate product containing cultured cocoa.

The launch underscores a growing trend in the confectionery sector: utilising "mystery" flavours to gamify the consumption experience, thereby driving social media conversation and extending consumer interaction beyond the initial purchase.

The interactive campaign serves as the launchpad for the new M&M'S Bakery Collection, a trio of limited-edition, dessert-inspired flavours designed to capitalise on the "category blurring" trend within the confectionery aisle.

The partnership signals a growing urgency among multinational ingredient suppliers to secure alternative supply streams for cacao, an increasingly vulnerable crop heavily impacted by climate volatility and supply chain instability.

The collaboration leverages the massive brand equity of OREO to create "craveable" menu news, moving beyond the classic chocolate sandwich cookie to incorporate the popular Golden OREO® flavour profile into the bakery chain's lineup.

The product is positioned to capitalise on the "everyday indulgence" trend, allowing consumers to purchase a standalone treat for immediate consumption rather than committing to a full pantry-loading box.

Mondelez International has announced the climax of its highly successful OREO and Marvel collaboration, unveiling the MARVEL OREO Stuf of Doom Cookies.

Nestlé UK & Ireland continues to leverage its high-profile global partnership between KitKat and Formula 1® with the launch of a new limited-edition KitKat Chunky Caramel chocolate bar.