neill barston
IFE’s return after three years further kick-starts live event sector return
Despite notably reduced attendance figures for this year’s ISM and ProSweets, the global sector showcase appears to have heralded the way forward for other key trade shows in the coming months, which is an especially welcome development.
Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, New products, Regulatory, Sustainability
ICCO forecasted dip in global cocoa supplies poses confectionery sector tests
Among the many highly unwelcome global news developments of the past week has been the International Cocoa Organisation’s latest forecast for latest crop figures anticipating supplies dropping globally by a total of 5%.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Sustainability
Urgent confectionery sector action on stemming deforestation needed
The last few years within the confectionery industry have seen an increasing spotlight being placed on the sustainability of the cocoa sector, with farming communities at the heart of the supply chain in West Africa facing considerable challenges.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Reflecting on eventful ISM and ProSweets trade events
A week on from the close of ISM and ProSweets and the dust is still settling on the results from this year’s shows, which appeared to reveal plenty of comparatively happy exhibitors, as well as visitors.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Sustainability
Upturn in Germany’s confectionery sector hindered by ongoing major sector challenges
The latest assessment by German trade body BDSI on the nation’s confectionery sector showing a slight increase in sales against an array of business challenges is undoubtedly to be cautiously welcomed as a barometer for wider market conditions.
Business news, Ingredients, New products, Regulatory, Sustainability
Final countdown begins for returning ISM and ProSweets events
With less than two weeks to go until ISM and ProSweets, the momentum surrounding the two key shows is certainly gathering pace for what should prove enjoyable and revealing events.
Cargill’s move to vegan chocolate reveals sustained shift towards category growth
The news breaking this week of Cargill making an expanded move into chocolate confectionery for the confectionery sector as we move through ‘Veganuary’ was a significant move indeed.
Looking forward to a successful and memorable 2022
Being just a few days into January, here’s wishing you all the best possible start to 2022, and may it prove a memorable, interesting and successful year for you all.
Business news, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Here’s wishing you all a fine Christmas and a Happy New Year
With Christmas just a few days away, all that remains is to offer our best season’s greetings, and hopes that 2022 can potentially offer us all some more settled times ahead.
Christmas season brings out the best in artisan and major brand confectionery
With the Christmas season now well and truly in full swing, it’s been encouraging to venture out to stores and see that both individual stores and major brands have made a considerable effort to present new confectionery lines.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, New products, Sustainability
Emergence of Omicron variant creates further global industry uncertainties
Headlines around the world this past week has been all about the emergence of a certain new strain of coronavirus that has been designated as Omicron.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Plant-based revolution continues as consumers back sustainably produced ranges
As the latest research from Danish-based emulsifier business Palsgaard notes, demand for plant-based products of all kinds is showing no sign of slowing any time soon.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Regulatory, Sustainability
Global festive retail marketing goes into annual overdrive
With Christmas around the corner, the marketing push from key manufacturers has understandably gone into overdrive, as key confectionery businesses attempt to make up for some of the considerable lost opportunities during the pandemic.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, New products, Packaging, Regulatory
Market focus: Sugars and sweeteners within confectionery show major development strides
International markets for sugar and sweeteners within the confectionery sector is one that is undergoing considerable development, as Neill Barston reports.
Business news, Ingredients, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability