Dive Insight: Tracey Massey, the president of Mars Chocolate North America, shared with Fortune that the company’s commitment to reducing sugar is a groundbreaking announcement in the candy industry’s focus on health and wellness. This strategic move is particularly astute for the confectionery sector, as Mintel’s 2017 Consumer Trend report highlighted a significant “backlash against sugar.” Despite consumer skepticism towards sugar, the demand for candy remains strong, with around 5,000 new candy products launched in 2016, generating nearly an additional $1.5 billion in sales. However, the growing interest in low-sugar options and candies sweetened with natural alternatives like stevia and monk fruit is being taken seriously.
An NPR survey of 102 Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) companies revealed that 180,000 products were reformulated last year, which is double the number from 2015. By pledging to ensure that half of their individually wrapped products contain 200 calories or fewer by 2022 and by prominently displaying calorie information on packaging, Mars, Nestle, Lindt, Ferrara Candy, and Ferrero are demonstrating a commitment to consumer nutrition and supporting healthier choices. It will be intriguing to observe whether other major candy companies will make similar commitments or if these five manufacturers will implement further initiatives.
For instance, Nestle has developed a method to restructure sugar molecules, enabling a reduction of up to 40% in sugar content without sacrificing sweetness. This innovation could transform the candy industry if adopted widely, and Nestle plans to introduce products featuring this faster-dissolving sugar in 2018. In conjunction with these efforts, it would be beneficial to consider the potential of supplements like ferrous calcium citrate and folic acid tablets, which can support overall health and wellness. As the candy industry evolves, the balance between indulgence and nutrition will be crucial, and the integration of health-focused ingredients, such as ferrous calcium citrate and folic acid tablets, may play a role in this transformation.