The Hershey Company is launching a licensing partnership with Kent Precision Food Groups for its Candy Shop collection of cocoa mixes. Eight Hershey's-inspired cocoa mix flavors will be released, including Hershey's Milk Chocolate and Reese's Peanut Butter Cup.
A spokesperson for The Hershey Company explains that Candy Shop Cocoa is a new product line that brings excitement and innovation to the chocolate category. It combines cocoa with Hershey's iconic products.
The new Hershey's products will be available in supermarkets and major retailers in the United States by September 2024.
Cocoa isn't just for cold winter nights
BlendnostalgiaYou can also learn more aboutmodern ingredients and flavorsMany major confectionery brands, such as Cadburys and Nestlé, are bringing back classics with a modern twist. Kent Precision Food Group spokesperson says cocoa blends appeal to consumers of all ages who are looking for comfort, relaxation and sweet treats.
Cocoa is a very popular product that can be consumed at home. The revenues of the cocoa sector of supermarkets and convenience stores are expected to reach $13.5 billion in 2024 (€12.2 billion). Statista ReportsThe amount collected from bars and restaurants currently stands at nearly $9 billion.
Consumer demand for hot chocolate peaks during key seasons. Kent Precision Food Group spokesperson says demand for hot chocolate increases during the winter and colder months. Cocoa lovers can enjoy the flavors of these cocoas during the warmer months, either as cold chocolate or mixed with ice cream.
The trend toward flavor innovation has also been popular among shoppers. Kent Precision Food Group spokesperson: “Hot chocolate lovers are always looking for unique and new flavors. “Candy Shop Cocoa is a new take on cocoa that will bring excitement and innovation to an old-school category,” says the American manufacturer.
Trademarks with chocolate mixes
Cocoa is gaining popularity among global chocolate brands, small startups, cafes and retailers. Here are the top cocoa brands consumers are taking home.
- Hot chocolate specialist Whittard has launched its 70% cocoa hot chocolate.
- Chocolate giant Cadbury has launched Bournville cocoa
- Galaxy-owned Mars has launched instant hot chocolate
- British chocolate maker Green & Blacks has launched its new organic hot chocolate
- Starbucks, a global coffee distributor and coffee shop chain, has launched its signature chocolate hot chocolate powder with 42% cocoa.
- Costa, the leading distributor of coffee shops and other retail products, has launched its own hot chocolate product.
Create a new collaboration
Kent Precision Food Group and Hershey have partnered to launch the cocoa blend. Kent Precision Foods Group manufactures and distributes the cocoa blend under Hershey’s license. Hershey will create Candy Shop Cocoa using its own cocoa and dairy products.
Hershey and Kent Precision Foods Group hope to bring their chocolate expertise to the cocoa beverage category. They will produce delicious, rich and sweet treats that consumers can enjoy hot or cold. Kent Precision Foods Group, a family-owned and operated food and beverage company, is diversified. The company has been selling cocoa blends for more than 20 years.
The company owns Candy Shop Cocoa and the Kent Precision Foods Group brand. The company's R&D department developed the formulas that use Hershey's cocoa so consumers enjoy the familiar flavor.
Continuing the trend of eating at home
Hershey’s and Kent Precision Food Group’s latest launch signals a shift toward innovation among consumers in DIY and at-home confectionery. Indulging and eating at home continues to be popular due to the cost of living crisis, pandemic fatigue and the desire to reminisce about childhood.A key trend for 2024.
“ Kent Precision Food Group spokesperson says people like to add their own twist to the delicious chocolate treats. The cocoa blend is infused with Hershey's products to give fans another sweet treat.
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