Imagine a diet cereal brand suddenly being bought by a candy manufacturer. It may sound unexpected, but there's more behind the move than meets the eye. As consumers become more health-conscious, seeking snacks with fewer calories, simpler ingredients, and less artificial processing, major food companies are adapting by investing heavily in healthier alternatives to avoid being outpaced by the competition as shoppers turn away from traditional, sugary treats. That shift became more evident this April wh ...

Group 1: Halloween Candy Trends - DoorDash released its annual Halloween candy report, highlighting the most popular candies by state based on sales data [3][4] - Reese's Peanut Butter Cups remain the top-selling Halloween candy in the U.S., maintaining this position for over a decade [5][6] - Other popular chocolate candies include Snickers, M&M's, and Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bars, with Twix and Kit Kat ranking lower on the list [6] Group 2: Non-Chocolate Candy Preferences - The most favored non-chocolate Halloween candies are Skittles, Nerds, Sour Patch Kids, and AirHeads, according to DoorDash [7] - Full-size candy bars are recommended as the best option for trick-or-treaters, with variety being more appealing than quantity [8][9] Group 3: Candy Purchasing Recommendations - Costco offers a selection called Funhouse Treats, featuring a mix of popular non-chocolate candies for $21, making it convenient for consumers [10] - Target also provides bulk candy mixes, catering to diverse preferences among trick-or-treaters [10] Group 4: Unpopular Halloween Treats - Certain treats, such as apples, granny candy, hard-to-chew candy, and raisins, are considered undesirable by children and should be avoided [11][12][13]

Investment Plans - Mars is investing €1bn ($1.18bn) in production and R&D across 2025 and 2026, focusing on projects in France, Poland, and Spain [1] - The company has previously invested €1.5bn in its EU operations from 2020 to 2024 and plans further investments this year and next [1] Production Capacity Expansion - A project initiated in 2023 aims to increase production capacity at a chocolate factory in Janaszówek, Poland, with an investment of around €250m, expected to boost capacity by over 60% by 2027 [2] Strategic Focus - Mars is planning investments across all business segments in the EU, emphasizing modernization, innovation, and sustainability to ensure future-ready factories [3] - The CFO stated that the company's long-term view is to foster growth that benefits consumers in EU economies [4] Business Resilience and Community Impact - The investment strategy is aimed at building a stronger, more resilient business in Europe, enhancing innovation for consumers, and creating positive impacts in local communities [5] Merger Investigation Update - The European Commission has set a new deadline of 19 December to complete its investigation into Mars' planned $35.9bn takeover of Kellanova, following a previous suspension due to missing information [6][7] - Preliminary findings suggest that the merger could lead to higher prices for consumers due to Mars' increased negotiating power with retailers in the European Economic Area [7]

Wealth & Ranking - The Mars family's wealth, derived from candy sales like M&Ms and Skittles, secures their position on the Forbes 400 list of richest Americans [1]

Mars quietly posted a statement saying it would offer naturally colored options next year for four of its most iconic candies, including M&M’s and Skittles https://t.co/lwjA5JYGDE ...

Core Insights - Colin Selikow, Chief Creative Officer of DDB Chicago, has been named to Campaign US's 2025 40 Over 40 list, recognizing executives in advertising, marketing, media, technology, and communications [1] - Under Selikow's leadership, DDB Chicago has achieved significant accolades, including being named Campaign US' 2024 Creative Breakthrough Agency and winning over 300 international awards [4] Company Achievements - DDB Chicago has earned the title of Campaign US' 2024 Creative Breakthrough Agency, reflecting its innovative approach and successful campaigns [4] - The agency has received over 300 international awards, including 49 Cannes Lions, 31 D&AD Pencils, and 46 One Show Pencils, showcasing its creative excellence [4] Leadership and Impact - Colin Selikow is recognized as the 1 Most Awarded Executive Creative Director in the World by The Drum in 2024 and The One Club in 2023, highlighting his influence in the industry [2] - Selikow's leadership has fostered a culture of creativity and mentorship at DDB Chicago, contributing to the agency's growth and success [3] Notable Campaigns - Selikow led the creation of the "Apologize the Rainbow" campaign for Skittles, which won a 2025 Global Grand Effie, marking it as one of the most awarded campaigns of 2023 [4] - DDB Chicago recently secured the global creative and strategy assignment for Bimbo Global, demonstrating its competitive edge in the market [3] Industry Recognition - The judges for the Campaign US 40 Over 40 Awards are established professionals, ensuring that the winners represent the pinnacle of creativity and leadership in the industry [5] - DDB Worldwide has been recognized as the 1 Most Awarded Agency Network in the 2024 Effie Global Best of the Best and has received multiple accolades from Cannes Lions and D&AD [8]