WCC news
PLAYin Choc becomes latest confectionery brand attaining B-Corp status
A significant milestone has been achieved by PLAYin Choc sustainable confectionery brand, as it gains B Corp company status, as the ethically focused business joining a select community of over 1,000 UK enterprises in joining the global eco-movement, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Regulatory, Sustainability
Fairtrade research finds a third of consumers overlook ethical Easter eggs over price assumptions
Fresh research from Fairtrade has found 31% of consumers are overlooking purchasing ethical brand Easter eggs on the assumption that they are costing more, which comes amid an ongoing cost of living crisis that has made consumers instinctively price-sensitive, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Processing, Regulatory
Cocoa sector reaches crisis point as crop prices hit $10,000 a tonne
Cocoa prices on the commodities exchanges hit a renewed high yesterday, with the Futures market touching the $10,000 a tonne mark for the first time ever, as prices more than treble in the space of a year, causing widespread industry concern, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Sustainability
Exclusive: Cargill confirms keynote speaker for the World Confectionery Conference
Cargill has confirmed that it will be returning to the World Confectionery Conference this autumn, revealing its keynote speaker as James Ede, a sustainability lead for the business, writes Neill Barston.
CIUS group expresses relief at compromise over Ukrainian sugar imports to EU
The CIUS European sugar users organisation has joined several key groups in offering a cautious welcome over a key decision to enable sugar exports to continue from Ukraine to the EU in the wake of the ongoing war with Russia, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Regulatory, Sustainability
NCA calls on the US Food and Drug Administration to urgently address multi-state ingredients’ bans
The US-based National Confectioners Association has pushed-back against a series of state level legislation that are proposing the ban of several Food and Drug Administration (FDA) -approved food additives within the sector, reports Neill Barston.
Italy’s Ucima packaging machinery association marks 40th anniversary with industry engagement plans
An innovative venture is being launched by Ucima, the Italian Packaging Machinery Manufacturers’ Association, to celebrate its 40th anniversary supporting equipment businesses within the region, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Easter chocolate shortages warning, as price rises bite over cocoa supply challenges
Industry concerns have been raised over the rising cost of Easter confectionery, with the continued major upturn in cocoa prices fuelled by crop supply shortages impacted by adverse weather conditions, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Processing, Sustainability
State of the Industry Conference, Miami, 2024
Editor Neill Barston offers an exclusive review of this year’s State of the Industry Conference in Miami Flordia, where there was plenty of discussion of supply chain challenges facing the sector. Pic: Neill Barston
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Confectionery sector graded on sustainability for fifth Chocolate Scorecard
Dozens of leading global confectionery manufacturers have been placed under the spotlight for the fifth annual Chocolate Scorecard, timed for the major Easter retail season, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Sustainability
Food and Drink Federation hails inflation fall, yet concerns remain over sector investment
The UK’s Food and Drink Federation has welcomed the latest UK inflation figures that have continued to reduced in the first quarter of 2024, though expressed an urgent need for greater government support for the sector, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, New products, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Latest Mondelēz State of Snacking report reveals sustainability and portion control trends
The latest State of Snacking report from Mondelēz International has revealed a strong preference for six in ten consumers for smaller meals throughout the day rather than several larger occasions, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Regulatory, Sustainability
Exclusive video: State of the Industry 2024 conference review
This year’s State of the Industry Conference placed both the potential of AI technology, as well as the value of workforces under the spotlight, as it examined conditions within the sector in the US region.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Malaysian palm oil producers welcome expected delay in EUDR regulations
Palm oil producers in Malaysia have reportedly welcomed plans from the EU that would see a delay in implementing its much-publicised deforestation regulation policies that have met with fears in South East Asia and Latin America over elevated costs for farmers, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Processing, Regulatory