New product formulations and technological advancements in food processing are leading to an increase in confectionery product consumption.

The agreement between Hershey and nine cooperatives in Côte d’Ivoire seeks to partner with growers as a way to standardize cocoa cultivation and improve profits.

In other beverage news, cannabis drink brands launched a trade group this week with Washington, D.C. lobbyists in order to influence federal legislation.

The French food tech company aims to increase demand for its plant-based product, marketed as a one-for-one substitute for traditional chicken.

BrucePac, a producer of precooked meat and poultry, has recalled hundreds of ready-to-eat food items available in grocery stores, schools and restaurants.

An activist investor is leading the charge to urge WK Kellogg Co to honor its previous commitment to remove several of the ingredients from cereals.

The Salted Caramel bar, which debuts in April, is the first limited-time offering for the century-old brand under the Nutella owner. Similar changes are expected for Crunch and Baby Ruth.

Blake’s Hard Cider, which has grown to be a multi-million dollar national business, developed out of a 77 year-old apple farm in Michigan.

The ketchup and Mac & Cheese maker said its foodservice unit is “an integral strategic building block” to growing its business and raising brand awareness.

Hershey and other big chocolate producers are turning to gummies and other candy to offset supply issues with the crop.

Several large beverage companies, seeing losses in their wine operations, have turned to premium offerings to cater to a more niche audience willing to pay more.

In other beverage news, a new player in the whiskey category hopes to stand out with the help of a bourbon trailblazer.