neill barston
The shocking tide of global child labour poses major societal and industry challenges
The latest figures from Unicef and the International Labour Organisation that reveal child labour has risen by over 8 million in four years, to a huge total of 160 million, are exceptionally shocking.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Final countdown for World Confectionery Conference registration
With the final countdown to the World Confectionery Conference in full swing, we’ve been greatly encouraged by the positive reaction we’ve had from our key contacts, colleagues and friends across our industries. So here’s a quick reminder for any of you who may not have yet registered for the event – it’s well worth you doing so to enable you to engage with a broad programme of content that we believe offers a dynamic and engaging snapshot of our sector as it meets the challenges of 2021 head on.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, New products, Packaging
Transparency remains key, emerging as highest rated trend for 2021
As one of our many stars from next week’s World Confectionery Conference, Innova Market Insights has just revealed that its top trends for 2021 is transparency of operating and clearly describing ingredients used across our favourite treats and meals.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
World Confectionery Conference set to showcase sector’s brightest talents
With a wealth of specialists exploring major developments across sweets, snacks and bakery markets, our debut virtual World Confectionery Conference holds some exciting prospects, as editor Neill Barston reports
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Cadbury’s move urging support for chocolatiers is vital
Conventional wisdom on marketing strategy dictates that attention is largely focused on encouraging consumers to want more or engage more with a certain product or brand, yet in these strange days we inhabit, these rules are now being broken.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Germany’s HDM joins the World Confectionery Conference
As our World Confectionery Conference draws ever-closer, another major equipment business for the sector, Hamburg Dresdner Maschinenfabriken, (HDM)has signed up to participate in our key virtual industry showcase.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Thanks to our global subscribers – we hope to welcome even more in 2021
This week’s blog entry offers a simple note of thanks to all our subscribers who are a vital part of our ongoing coverage of the confectionery sector and its related markets.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Barry Callebaut interview: Treat Tomorrow event focus
Neill Barston speaks exclusively to Bas Smit, of Barry Callebaut, on the company’s new Treat Tomorrow campaign, and hopes for market recovery in 2021.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Cocoa sector sustainability in West Africa remains under considerable threat
This week’s column is devoted to echoing the views expressed a few days ago by Brett Beach, director of ethically founded chocolate brand Made In Africa, regarding cocoa sustainability.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Sustainability
Mars steps up to help deliver greater industry gender equality
A key news development this week that seen Mars step up become a vice chair at the Unstereotype Alliance campaigning for gender equality in media advertising has to be welcomed as an extremely positive move.
Easter confectionery hopes may be fuelled by growth in online retailing
As communities around the world settle down to celebrate Easter this weekend around the world, it’s certain that there will be plenty of opportunity to reflect on the monumental events of the past year.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Sustainability
Syntegon behind the scenes interview
Neill Barston, editor of Confectionery Production, speaks exclusively to Torsten Sauer, director of sustainability at Syntegon on its approach to sustainability, key trends and response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Impact of Brexit and Covid felt as confectionery exports nosedive
The UK government’s latest figures on British chocolate exports to the EU reducing by 68% in January due largely to Brexit policies makes for extremely sobering reading for all involved.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Thorntons fate of store closures poses further high street challenges
One of the biggest breaking news items of this week was undoubtedly the decision to close all of Thorntons stores in the UK amid ongoing pandemic trading challenges that is set to affect a total of 600 jobs in the long-established business.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, New products, Sustainability