Processing
A showstopping extravaganza to remember for the final day at State of the Industry Conference 2024
The Final day of the State of the Industry Conference spanned everything from a motivational talk from a former Navy Seal and reflections on the retail landscape, through to a magical finale from Oz Pearlman exploring the power of perception, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, New products, Processing, Sustainability
Consumers set to feel the price pain this Easter of steep rises in cocoa costs
The core Easter market is set to herald a major boost for confectionery brands large and small this month, but consumers are facing a notable rise in prices for many product ranges, according to analysts’ latest research, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, New products, Processing, Sustainability
Cocoa sector marketing venture aims to boost industry support in Africa
A new service aiming to boost marketing and qualitative assurance capabilities for cocoa companies in Africa is being launched by sector specialist Dr Kristy Leissle, who has spotted what she believes is a key gap in the industry.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Processing, Sustainability
NCA’s John Downs lifts up the industry with inspiring State of the Industry keynote
Entering this year’s State of the Industry Conference donning a striking personalised lab coat, backed by an uplifting soul soundtrack, the National Confectioners Association (NCA) president and CEO John Downs offered heartfelt praise for a sector facing a number of industry challenges, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
State of the Industry Conference to highlight key trends and AI technology
The pivotal influence of TikTok social media, fostering inclusive workplaces, and the major technological potential for AI tools within industry will form key themes for this year’s State of the Industry Conference, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Macalat claims category breakthrough with first certified organic dark sweet chocolate
US confectionery business Macalat has claimed a category breakthrough in delivering a claimed world first certified organic, zero added-sugar, sweet dark chocolate bar, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, New products, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Looming major job cuts and supply chain uncertainty underline significant industry tests
The news within the past week that Barry Callebaut intends to cut up to 2,500 jobs from its global workforce is something that should not be considered lightly, and serves to underline just how challenging conditions in the market actually are right now.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
CIUS sugar group calls for EU support continuing sugar supplies from Ukraine
CIUS, the European sugar users industry organisation, has urged the EU to re-examine recommendations that could threaten present levels of sugar imports from Ukraine, as the region continues to grapple with a deficit of supplies, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Processing, Regulatory
Exclusive: Probat Group strikes major deal to acquire Royal Duyvis Wiener
Probat has confirmed a major industry acquisition in buying Netherlands-based equipment business Royal Duyvis Wiener, as it moves to expand its specialisms in cocoa and chocolate processing, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Fairtrade joins social justice groups seeking to reform European Green Deal into global policy
A collective including social justice movement Solidar, the Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO), Fairtrade International and the World Fair Trade Organisation (WFTO) have called upon EU leaders to transform the European Green Deal on environmental legislation to provide increased support for farming communities, writes Neill Barston.
UK’s FDF says small businesses raise ‘cautious optimism’ for 2024, despite major challenges
The UK’s Food and Drink Federation has revealed that sector businesses, including within confectionery and snacks, have expressed cautious optimism about the year, ahead, though conditions remain fragile, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Executive board of Beneo strengthened with new key member
Functional ingredients business, Beneo, has confirmed that Dr Mike Eberle has joined its ranks as a member of the globally-focused company’s executive board, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Ingredients, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
BDSI raises fears over rapid cocoa price rises impacting confectionery markets
The German confectionery trade body, BDSI, has expressed fears over the rapidly accelerating price of cocoa, which is impacting on stock availability for chocolate manufacturers in the country and across Europe, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
World Confectionery Conference plans coming together for 2024 event
Plans for our World Confectionery Conference 2024 edition are now starting to gather momentum once again, with Brussels set to once again host the key industry event this autumn.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability