Matthew Stephenson, MD of Sweetdreams Ltd, set for 2026 World Confectionery Conference
Matthew Stephenson, MD of Sweetdreams Ltd, is set to make his presenting debut at the World Confectionery Conference this September. Pic: Neill Barston
A key move has been made by Matthew Stephenson, managing Director of Sweetdreams Ltd, the Northumberland-based manufacturer behind Choc Nibbles, as he becomes the latest to join our speaker line-up for the World Confectionery Conference, writes Neill Barston.
The business is behind one of the UK’s most recognisable bite-size confectionery brands, and has undergone considerable development over the past few decades.
This has led to the company receiving additional investment over the past two years since the firm was acquired by SugaRich, a leading business specialising in reprocessing surplus food, which led to its relocation to far larger premises last year in Ashington, Northumberland.
Significantly, the business emerged with Team of the Year honours at our 2024 conference in Brussels, with judges praising the quality of its combined work across the business.
As for his part, having gained nearly three decades of experience building and evolving the business, Matthew has become a leading voice in how surplus food can be transformed into commercially successful products, with sustainability remaining among core aspects of our event.
Commenting to Confectionery Production, the MD explained it was ‘privilege to have been invited for what will be a debut engagement to speak at this year’s conference, which takes place at America Square, central London.
He will be joining a line-up that includes keynote contributions from Ferrero, Caobisco European trade association, and key industry insights from Euromonitor International.
There will be a full supporting agenda for the day, across the equipment, systems, ingredients and finished product segments, as well related supply chains.
Editor Neill Barston commented: “It’s great to welcome Matthew on board to our event this year for what will be his first key international speaking engagement.
“He continues along with his team to steer the business on its continued growth that will inspire other companies to realise that it is possible to scale-up a business venture driven by delivering on sustainability.”
