WCC news
Cargill marks UN International Day of Education with continued cocoa community engagement
Cargill has expressed its ongoing commitment to supporting families in cocoa growing communities, amid global celebrations for the UN’s International Day of International Education, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Multi-million backing set to enable Love Cocoa’s first retail store
A key investment of £4.25 million for UK confectionery group Love Cocoa is set to enable the development of its first retail store and expand its management team to grow the business to the next level, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Sustainability
Confectionery companies identify market diversification with digital tools
A major trend of confectionery companies seeking greater diversification within supply chains in response to challenging and uncertain market conditions, according to analysis from digitally-focused financial technology group, Phlo Systems, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Regulatory, Sustainability
Hershey unveils major Valentine’s series, after gaining key industry accolade
US-based Hershey has unveiled its latest selection of Valentine’s treats across its portfolio, including special editions of its milk chocolate heart bars, Kisses and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups gift boxes, as the company is recognised again for its employment culture, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Regulatory, Sustainability
Exclusive: Ferrero World Confectionery Conference preview interview
The World Confectionery Conference will be returning to Brussels this September. Editor Neill Barston speaks exclusively to Francesco Tramontin, Ferrero’s vice president of EU institutional relations and the group’s public policy centre, who will be featuring as part of a dynamic line-up of speakers for our must-attend event of 2023
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Blommer Chocolate’s cocoa sustainability plans enhanced by Satelligence partnership
US-based Blommer Chocolate’s environmental strategies have gained a valuable boost from a partnership with Satelligence, an established specialist in geospatial sustainability, focused on the confectionery group’s cocoa farming network, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Sustainability
Barry Callebaut reports quarterly sales drop amid challenging trading conditions
Barry Callebaut has delivered its latest results which have shown a first quarter downturn of 5.1% in sales volumes for its chocolate and cocoa business, to 578,694, amid challenging trading conditions, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Colouring foods group GNT confirms core progress on reducing carbon footprint
Netherlands-headquartered colouring foods group, GNT, has confirmed a significant environmental breakthrough for the business, as its latest data shows it has reduced its average carbon footprint by 19% under its sustainability plan, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Sustainability
Mondelēz International’s State of Snacking report highlights key market growth, including plant-based ranges
The fourth annual State of Snacking report from Mondelēz International has found a strong majority of consumers – 71% will treat themselves twice a day, with an even greater number, 78% doing so in a mindful manner, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
UK’s ‘bonfire of EU laws’ could impact on chocolate labelling and marketing legislation
Key EU legislation relating to a raft of economic areas including laws relating to the standardised marketing and labelling of chocolate product ranges is potentially set to be axed under UK government plans, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Regulatory, Sustainability
FDF says sector faces ‘significant medium term challenges,’ with confectionery among categories hit by high inflation
Steep pre-Christmas price rises averaging 16.9% in December across food categories including confectionery has placed continued pressure economic pressure on UK households, facing inflation at a near 40-year high, according to Food and Drink Federation studies, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Regulatory, Sustainability
Nestlé appoints Richard Watson as UK region CEO, with Stefano Agostini moving to European role
Richard Watson, managing director for Nestlé Confectionery in the UK & Ireland, is set to become the new CEO of its British and Irish business region, with the role’s present postholder, Stefano Agostini, moving to a role as chief executive for confectionery within its European territory, writes Neill Barston.
ICCO report shows increase in Ghana and Ivory Coast cocoa crops, but key export challenges persist
Latest figures from the International Cocoa Organisation (ICCO) have revealed crop production is on an upward curve, with 1.346 million tonnes of beans arriving at its ports, up 11.6% per cent year-on-year, yet key pressures remain in the wake of industrial action impacting exports, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Mighty Earth’s Ghana cocoa accountability map highlights major ongoing issue of deforestation
The Mighty Earth non-profit organisation is continuing the roll-out of its new Cocoa Accountability Map for Ghana, as it raises major concerns over comparatively high levels of forest loss within the country, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability