Blogs
Hershey’s West African sustainability programme reinstated after being banned marks a key milestone
With sustainability being firmly at the core of many companies’ agendas within the confectionery sector, the breaking news that Hershey had been banned from carrying out its activities supporting cocoa farmers in West Africa was hugely significant.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Sustainability
ISM and ProSweets cancellation a significant loss for the sector
Without doubt, news that both ISM and ProSweets have been cancelled for 2021 is a significant blow to the global confectionery market and its associated equipment and manufacturing systems.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Major $10 billion income gap for Ghana and Ivory Coast farmers remains a critical sector goal
Delivering on cocoa supply chain sustainability remains the most single pressing task for major players within the confectionery industry, with an especially notable milestone having just been put down.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Regulatory, Sustainability
Is the UK government’s consultation on banning online ads ‘nanny state’ or vital intervention?
One of the most intriguing stories to break this past week has been that of the UK government’s newly launched consultation on whether it should place bans on online advertising for foods containing comparatively high levels of sugar, fat and salt.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Snacking study shows consumers favour comfort food amid challenging times
According to the latest state of snacking report by Mondelez, it seems nine in ten of us are eating the same, if not more, treats than we did before the lockdown.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Regulatory, Sustainability
Industry shows resilience on the eve of a second coronavirus lockdown
This week, following in the footsteps of several other nations around Europe including Belgium, France and Germany, the UK is set to enter a second period of lockdown in England amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Business news, Food safety, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Confectionery sales gain a supernatural boost ahead of this weekend’s Halloween festivities
Ever since watching the Halloween celebrations featuring in Steven Spielberg’s ET as a kid, I’ve been fascinated by the lengths that some will go to mark this key annual extravaganza heralding the long, dark nights of winter.
Key NORC report on child labour within cocoa supply reveals significant concerns still remain
It seems there’s rarely a week within the confectionery and wider food and drink market that passes without a major breaking issue that proves of significant impact and offers the industry plenty of reason to take a step back and reflect.
Major report on reducing sugar in ranges poses ongoing industry challenge
This past week has seen the release of Public Health England’s (PHE) assessment of how its much-publicised drive to reduce sugar intake by 20% within food categories including confectionery has performed, and the results have been far from what was anticipated.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Regulatory, Sustainability
Dawn of the Living Income Differential’s potential major impact on West African cocoa farming
This past week has seen the key start of the latest cocoa season within West Africa, which sees the introduction of the Living Income Differential put forward by the governments of the Ivory Coast and Ghana to support farmers wages. In a guest blog, Kojo Hayford, managing editor of Ghana’s Cocoa Post, reflects on its potential impact
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Crucial season lies ahead for manufacturers and confectionery retailers
The next few months are likely to prove extremely critical for both manufacturers of confectionery, snacks and bakery ranges, as well as the retailers they serve around the world.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Major confectionery businesses continue to make key investments despite pandemic tests
Amid a notably turbulent year for global markets, Cargill has made a major announcement this week for expanding its innovation facilities at its key European site in Mouscron, Belgium (pictured), which is set to have a sizeable impact for the business.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, New products, Regulatory, Sustainability
Halloween is still happening, says US confectionery sector
One of the key issues to emerge over the past week has been that of plans for celebrating Halloween, particularly in the US, which remains one of the most significant dates in the confectionery calendar.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, New products, Regulatory, Sustainability
Business confidence hangs in the balance as final countdown over Brexit trade deal continues
This past week, the UK’s Food and Drink Federation and Santander UK laid out the latest situation for the sector in terms of its performance, which brought cause for concern with a record low level of confidence for the quarter, that both organisations hoped would be offset with potential for exploring new markets around the world.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, New products, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability