New products
M&Ms ‘spokescandy’ social media backlash sees new characters withdrawn
M&Ms has been hit with a US consumer backlash against its newly-introduced ‘spokescandy’ characters that have been branded by some American national media observers as ‘woke’ publicity, sparking thousands of online social media posts, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, New products, Sustainability
Mars Australia recognised for its major sustainable packaging drive
Mars Australia has emerged with industry honours for its developments in sustainable packaging, after claiming the prize for Outstanding Achievement for Recycled Content as part of the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation’s annual awards in Sydney, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, New products, Packaging, Sustainability
The ‘bonfire of EU law’ runs a major risk of leaving the UK out in the cold
In terms of generating eyebrow-raising national tabloid media headlines is concerned, the subject of economic reforms has never been the stuff of headline writers’ dreams, and yet one such major story needs to be on everyone’s radar right now in the UK.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Exclusive: Russell & Atwell chocolate focus interview
UK confectionery business Russell & Atwell has scored a notable success with introducing its distinctive brand of fresh chocolate, which recently gained investment from the BBC Dragons’ Den screen series.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
BDSI reports annual German confectionery sector export growth, in spite of major supply chain issues
Germany’s BDSI confectionery trade body has reported a 6.5% sales volume increase for the nation’s sector, backed by an increase in exports, despite ongoing major energy crisis and significant spikes in ingredients costs, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory
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
Orkla drives forward purchase deal of Nordic confectionery firm Bubs Godis
Scandinavia’s Orkla confectionery and snacks group has reportedly forged ahead with its deal for a full acquisition of fellow Nordic business, Bubs Godis, within the Swedish sweets market, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Ingredients, New products, Regulatory, 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
NCA confirms 2023 future industry leadership programme intake
The National Confectioners Association has confirmed its latest intake of six confectionery industry professionals selected for the 2023 Future Leadership Programme, representing a broad cross-section of the sector, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Lindt & Sprüngli claims innovation and consumer confidence as key results growth drivers
Swiss premium chocolate brand Lindt & Sprüngli has cited key product innovation and increased consumer confidence visiting its stores as core drivers in creating organic growth of 10.8% to CHF 4.97 billion, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Sustainability
Guild of Fine Food creates start-up bursary for Great Taste accreditation
The Guild of Fine Food is marking the 30th anniversary of its Great Taste accreditation scheme in offering 50 micro producers the chance to put one new product in front of its expert panel of Great Taste judges for free, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, New products