The latest innovation from the candy giant is a freeze-dried variety, and Pepperidge Farm unveiled its holiday lineup with a new peppermint cookie.

The changes come as the food giant cut its growth outlook for the full year and warned of sluggish consumer demand as consumers pull back on spending.

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

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.

Marina Bellini, previously COO at Brazil's Itaú Unibanco, will join candymaker Mars as president of the company's Global Business Services organization.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.