Focus On Halloween: 25 July

By Vince Bamford (vjbamford@googlemail.com) 

Advertising deadline: 10 July 2026

Submissions deadline: 3 July 2026

Print, digital and sponsorship opportunities

Traditionally, Halloween has been associated with eating lots of sugary sweets – but things are changing. Retailers’ health targets and tighter HFSS restrictions have incentivised suppliers to push better-for-you lines ahead of spooky season. So, how receptive are shoppers to this shift?

Healthier innovation: Better-for-you treats

• How are confectionery brands innovating to launch healthier treats for Halloween?

• Which other categories are innovating to tap the market?

• How receptive have shoppers been to healthier lines?

Indulgent innovation: Traditional treats

• Which suppliers are doubling down on indulgence?

• How are they marketing their products in light of the latest HFSS restrictions?

• Are UPF concerns having any impact on sales?

Retailer activity: Impactful merchandising

• How are retailers merchandising fruit & veg to tap Halloween?

• How are they merchandising more traditional, indulgent lines in store?

• Who is doing own-label Halloween best?

Halloween weekend: Maximising sales

• With Halloween falling on a Saturday, how are retailers planning to maximise sales of booze & food?

• Which categories are anticipated to be most lucrative?

• Are any brands tying up on promotions?

Sustainability: Green Halloween

• How are suppliers making their packaging more sustainable?

• Are sales of costumes declining as shoppers become more mindful of waste?

• How are suppliers/retailers enouraging shoppers to use up their pumpkins?

Innovations: We will profile two new products or ranges. We need launch date, rsp, and a hi-res picture of each.