Confectionery companies are doing more

September 10, 2022

In a report released by Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA) and the National Confectioners Association (NCA), American chocolate and candy companies are providing more transparency, choice and portion option guidance for consumers.

Leading chocolate and candy companies – such as Mars Wrigley, Ferrero, Ferrara Candy Company, Lindt, Ghirardelli Chocolate and Russell Stover Chocolates – met and even exceeded metrics associated with their five-year commitment through PHA to voluntrily increase percentage of portion options in their product portfolio and increase percentage of products that carry front-of-pack calorie labels.

Key findings include that half of individually wrapped products made by participating companies are available in sizes that contain 200 calories or less per pack, up 38.3% in the 2016 benchmark year. In addition, 94.8% of confectionery products have front-of-pack calorie labels, up from 53.7% in 2016. 98% of chocolate and candy packaging found at the front of the store have calorie labels printed on the front of the pack.

85% of chocolate and candy sold today comes in packaging that contains 200 calories or less per pack, according to the report, whether this is individually wrapped products or multipacks with smaller packages inside.

“The results of this commitment show that companies have the opportunity to impact change while still maintaining their business models and keeping consumers front and center,” said Nancy E. Roman, President and CEO of PHA. “We applaud these companies for stepping up and helping consumers manage their sugar intake through innovation, transparency, and education.”

In 2017, the companies mentioned joined forces in a commitment to PHA, setting a goal to provide more transparency, create more portion guidance options and educate consumers about how chocolate and candy can be an occasional treat in a balanced lifestyle. This commitment outlined by 2022:

Half of individually wrapped products would be available in sizes containing 200 calories or less per pack
90% of best selling products of these companies would have calorie information printed on the front of pack
AlwaysATreat.com would become a digital resource with easy to use information for consumers to better understand the role confections play in a balanced lifestyle

“The scale of these major global competitors and their ability to collaborate and drive meaningful change related to offering more transparency, portion guidance options, and educational tools for consumers seeking to manage their sugar intake is unmatched,” said John Downs, President & CEO of the NCA.

“We are proud of the results of our commitment to PHA; and our industry is continuing to focus on innovation in packaging and products to meet our consumers and retail partners’ needs and desires for great-tasting treats.”

“The data tells the story of an industry that has stepped up and done the right thing for the consumer without losing sight of where they want their business to go in the future,” concluded Hank Cardello, Executive Director of Leadership Solutions for Health + Prosperity at Georgetown University’s Business for Impact Center. “This proactive action by the companies to support consumers is a win-win, showing that the confectionery industry can do well by doing good.”

Stay up-to-date on the latest industry news and developments in our magazine.