WCC news
Easter cheer for Lindt & Sprungli with new lines and improved annual results
With Lindt & Sprungli releasing its latest results that have shown organic growth of 7.8% to CHF 5.47 billion, the business has also released its latest salted caramel classic Easter egg bunny, writes Neill Barston.
Exclusive video: State of the Industry Conference 2025 report
A mood of resilience and determination summed up this year’s State of the Industry Conference in Miami, Florida, as editor Neill Barston examines in our exclusive video report below.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, New products, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
pladis UK division head David Murray gains key global role, following CEO’s departure
David Murray, leader of the UK and Ireland division of the Turkish-owned pladis group, is set to transition into a newly created position of Global Chief Commercial Officer for its international business, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Regulatory, Sustainability
State of Treating report unveils future growth projection for US confectionery sector
Revenues for the US confectionery sector took another key step forward, attaining sales of $54.2 billion for 2024, despite wider challenges impacting the market amid a period of economic constraints, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Regulatory
NCA president hails the power of collaboration at SOTIC, as US delivers record confectionery sales
An engaging opening to this year’s State of the Industry Conference in Miami was fashioned, as John Downs, CEO and president and CEO John Downs took to the stage taking the guise of a late night TV host, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Exclusive: EU ‘Omnibus’ sustainability plans raise key industry concerns
The European Commission has released its ‘Omnibus’ proposals on streamlining corporate sustainability reporting, including for companies across the food and drink sector, which controversially significantly reduce the amount of businesses required to engage with the landmark legislation, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Regulatory, Sustainability
Ritter Sport’s UK division records best-ever annual performance amid wider company growth
Ritter Sport UK has marked a strong financial performance for its British operations, recording its largest level of growth, up 50% year-on-year, as the wider business marks an upturn in its results, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Mondelēz outlines plans for growth and business development at key New York conference
Key plans for growth were outlined by Mondelēz International at the latest 2025 Consumer Analyst Group of New York (CAGNY) Conference, including continuing a strategy of revenue focused on core chocolate, biscuits and snacks ranges, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Sustainability
Exclusive: Chocoa shines a light on cocoa’s future
Finding long-term solutions for the future of cocoa formed the hot concluding topic of key presentations for the final session of Chocoa’s Amsterdam Sustainable Cocoa Conference, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Cocoa prices set to rise 4.5% a year until 2029, according to market forecasts
A fresh market study has forecast that the cocoa bean market is anticipated to rise by an annual rate of 4.5%, by an additional $3.58 billion by 2029, despite present global uncertainties, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Sustainability
Next generation of ‘Wild Thingz’ sets to work on imagining better-for-you sweet treats
Ambitious organic gummy start-up brand Wild Thingz has devised an eye-catching initiative to create ‘mini executives’ with its latest campaign to bring children into its creative process, reports Neill Barston.
Bühler CEO Stefan Scheiber welcomes improved annual results despite market turbulence
The CEO of Bühler, Stefan Scheiber, has welcomed positive annual group results for the Swiss equipment and systems group, which saw comparatively stable turnover of CHF 3 billion for 2024, marginally down 0.8% on the prior year, while net profits rose 6.3% to CHF189 million amid global market challenges, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Sustainability
Ferrero posts strong annual results following major investment in global operations
Ferrero has delivered an upturn in its financial performance, as the company’s annual results revealed a 8.9% year-on-year increase in turnover to €18.4 billion, driven by broad category growth, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Sustainability
Syntegon celebrates re-opening of key Netherlands Weert manufacturing site
German headquartered Syntegon equipment and systems business has made a key breakthrough in re-opening its expanded site in Weert, located within the Netherlands, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, New products, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability