Top 100 Power Brands Spotlighted in This Issue...
The Power Brand Report is a very different way to look at the power of brands within the confectionery industry. We’re proud to debut this list calculated for Confectioner by respected brand valuation firm, Intangible Business, which has offices in London and Milwaukee. A panel of industry experts (whom we have opted to keep anonymous) evaluated hundreds of candy and gum brands for the project.
This kind of original research project is bound to be
a conversation-starter, and there will be debate and discussion regarding
how we have presented certain brands. And yes, indeed, the Power Brand list
is subjective — and thus certainly debate-worthy. It must be noted in
the same breath, however, that the methodology used in ranking the brands
was established by experts who do this for a living for major clients. We
look forward to getting feedback from you on this report.
From San Francisco to Cologne — A Sweet Trip
The Fancy Food Show in San Francisco was, as always,
well-organized and very well-attended. You could feel the energy in the
halls, and I’m here to tell you that creativity and entrepreneurship
in the American food industry is alive and well! The pride these exhibitors
and innovators have in their products and their presentations shows.
You know there has been a shift of upscale/gourmet
products moving to the mass market — the ‘mainstream
premium’ sector — evidenced by the number of mainstream retail
buyers at the show in San Francisco. And yet there are many, many producers
in the specialty sector who have no interest whatsoever in ‘going
mainstream.’
If you really want to see how determined one
manufacturer was not to be part of the mainstream market, go to
www.tyrrellspotatochips.co.uk and read about Will Chase’s battle with
UK retailer Tesco.
Special congratulations to Aunt Sally’s of New
Orleans — the first retail operation to open in the French Quarter
after Hurricane Katrina (even before Café Du Monde) for making an
opportunity out of devastation and now offering — in addition to
their famous Creamy Pralines — an extensive line of specialty
products that are certifiably New Orleans.
On to Germany …
…And another great ISM. With over 36,000 visitors
from more than 150 countries, the show once again lived up to expectations.
Wellness, natural and premium were all key words, and chocolate, chocolate
everywhere …. with single-origin, sugar-free and dark chocolate
making headlines. Natural flavors are becoming a ‘must’ in the
category, and many non-chocolate producers were highlighting the switch to
‘natural’ on their packaging and in their press materials.
Organic and ‘bio’ products with enhanced health benefits really
had a strong showing this year. You’ll read more about both shows in
the March issue of Confectioner.
Congratulations to the National Confectioners
Association for once again organizing a successful USA Pavilion. Thank you
to all those who attended the Reception — hosted by the USA Pavilion
exhibitors, Confectioner and Candy Industry magazines — on Sunday, Jan. 28. It was a great event
with an estimated 300 people from around the world in attendance.
Thank you also to Bell Flavors whose sponsorship of the party enabled
us to take it up a notch!
P.S. In answer to the question: No, I never do get
tired of eating candy and chocolate at trade shows — or in general
— although I do admit I’m picky about what I choose to eat!
