Industry News
In this section we have gathered some of the most popular information sources, such as trade journals, magazines, blogs, and association websites. Industry information is always changing. For the latest news, current issues and popular opinions, try following one or more of these sources. In addition, interacting with the websites that provide this information through commenting and asking questions may also provide you with more information.
Associations
Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for your business plan. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.
Canadian Associations
Canadian Sugar Institute | A non-profit association representing the industry on nutrition and international trade affairs. The Institute provides a science-based Nutrition Information Service and seeks fair treatment on international trade policies and disputes. Check out their research on consumption of sugar in Canada for a look into consumers’ lifestyles.
International Associations
Retail Confectioners International (RCI) | Retail Confectioners International advances the confectionery industry by offering members the knowledge to build sweet businesses from entrepreneurial passion. Join their listserv The Candy Dish.
Professional Manufacturing Confectioners’ Association | PMCA is an “international association that enhances the companies and careers of confectionery and snack professionals through inspired learning and the building of long-term personal connections which empowers our members to create products that bring people JOY.” Their offerings include short, accredited courses, their Research Chat Podcast covering peer-reviewed scientific research and papers, and Confectionerily Speaking, their interview leadership series.
National Confectioners Association | This American association forms policy and advocates for sustainable labor practices, fair sugar policy, and more. They do extensive consumer research; check out their Getting to Know Candy Consumers 2022.
Fine Chocolate Industry Association | The Fine Chocolate Industry Association is the only industry association supporting fine chocolate professionals. They “promote the artistry and craftsmanship of the chocolate professional focused on producing superior products made from premium chocolate and natural ingredients.”
International Cocoa Association (ICCO) | The International Cocoa Organization (ICCO) is a global organization, composed of both cocoa producing and cocoa consuming countries with a membership. They work internationally to advocate and achieve a sustainable cocoa economy.
Magazines & Trade Journals
Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for business planning. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.
Candy Industry | Candy Industry is the leading global confectionery magazine tracking new product trends, emerging markets and innovations in processing and packaging. Their online articles provide an excellent look into the landscape of the confectionery industry.
Confectionery Production | Confectionery Production is an online journal that takes a look at the global confectionery, chocolate, ice cream, and bakery industries. Topics include advances in confectionery manufacturing and production, and coverage of international confectionery and chocolate trade shows.
International Confectionery | Published six times per year online, International Confectionery’s issues deliver news on the latest trends in confectionery, including 3D printing; mergers and acquisitions by big players in the industry; and statistics on production of chocolate and confectionery worldwide.
The Manufacturing Confectioner | "The Manufacturing Confectioner is the worldwide business, marketing and technology journal of the candy, chocolate, confectionery, cough drop, and sweet baked goods industry. The MC is published once a month and provides in-depth coverage of news, industry statistics, sales and marketing, ingredients, equipment and services."
Consultant & Other Websites
MarketWatch - Industry Analyzer | The Industries section contains current data on Dow Jones Industry Sectors. Aggregate data as well as company-specific data is available.
PriceWaterhouse Coopers Canada (PwC) | Global consultancy firm that produces reports on the state of various industries.
Firsthand | A free source of industry information. Use the Industry Profiles to research growing industries and best industries by major, and Company Rankings and Profiles to find news, company information, and industry-specific sample professions. Basic monthly membership is free and offers access to blogs, discussion forums, and job listings.
Skilled Immigrant InfoCentre | This free resource created by the Vancouver Public Library is an online and in-person resource that helps newcomers to Canada find information to get a job, explore different careers or start a business.
Blogs & Discussion Forums
Blogs
Candy & Snack Today | A blog run by the National Confectionery Association, Candy & Snack Today brings you essential trends and insights into the candy and chocolate industries, including Fairtrade consumer trends, movement of key industry professionals, and product innovations.
Candy Gurus | Jonny and Matty, the Candy Gurus, review candies, finding “seriously underrated and hard to find” sweets for the love of confections.
Bean2bonbon | Bean2bonbon, run by Ecole Chocolat, “bring you posts related to all things fine chocolate - from cacao farming and sustainability, to chocolate making techniques and understanding ingredients, to inspiring stories of chocolate business success, and issues related to the fine chocolate and cacao industry.”
The Chocolate Professor | The Chocolate Professor is “an online “homeroom” to learn about all things chocolate – type, pairing, history, trends, along with travel tips, book reviews, recipes and videos.” They often feature little-known small businesses that manufacture chocolate and confections.
Candy Industry | Closely connected to the Candy Industry magazine, this blog collects features as well as news on candy and confection expos, industry giants, and opinions.
Podcasts
Bean to Bar Podcast | The folks at Manoa Chocolate Hawaii bring you wide ranging content on the craft chocolate industry. Recent episodes include an analysis of styles of cacao farming and a talk on chocolate texture.
WKND Chocolate | Brought to you by WKND Chocolate in Ghana, this podcast explores the lives and work of brilliant women working in the chocolate industry today. Listen to their scholar series for inspiration and information.
Confectionery News | Confectionery News also puts out an exciting podcast about various aspects of the industry, including sustainable cocoa farming and the movements of industry players.
TIP: As with all sources, news articles and blogs should be carefully evaluated. For information on how to evaluate your information, watch video tutorial Module Five: Using Information Responsibly.