A strong batch of finalists for our ingredients of the year have been confirmed for our 2026 World Confectionery Awards, reports Neill Barston. With the sector experiencing major demand for a wide variety of applications across global confectionery and snacking industries, manufacturers have moved to respond to ever-shifting demand from consumers. As it noted, with consumer demand for premium chocolate accelerates, food manufacturers face a longstanding challenge, delivering fine-flavor chocolate at scale without compromising quality. The winners of the category will be announced at our World Confectionery Conference at One America Square in London, on 10 September, with awards being delivered as part of the event. Editor Neill Barston added: “The ingredients segment of our World Confectionery Awards has been one that has been strongly contested over the past five years of operating our event, and we are very glad that this is the case again this year.